Cars come and cars go, and the ones that stay, see more changes than the seasons we get in Arizona. Hardly do we see these changes made to convertibles. In fact most of the time they’re cut like the bad actors on the bachelorette series when sales are too low. To see Audi, bring back the A5 in a cabriolet form, it’s refreshing to see they’re still looking out for the few customers that don’t mind getting their hair blown out and a free tan.

The fact of the matter is, Audi’s midsized A5 coupe is all new from the ground up for 2018, and with the addition of the new Sportback to the A5 lineup, there are only more good things to come. Audi always has this way of making their cars look cultivated and agile while supporting an apathetic design scheme – some may call it monotonous, but we call it captivating. The new A5 is strident from any given angle with LED’s all around and the prominent $1050 19-inch wheels supports the cars sporty low-profile agenda.

The A5 has received all new performance enhancements as well as over 30 more horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine than the previous version. The revamped turbo-four pulls out 252-horsepower through a seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic gearbox that’s springs to 60 miles per hour in less than six seconds. Considering the extra weight of the cabriolet over the standard A5, the cabriolet is fairly spry with on the spot turbo thrust that remains consistent throughout the rev counter. The new gear box is anything but tedious having a quicker responsiveness than what the driver tells it and always manages to find the right gear when it’s called upon.

The redesigned front-five link suspension system boosted our Audi driving experience with more receptive steering feel and precision providing a more augmented sensation for the road. The revamped suspension tuning also allowed for a wider, more aggressive stance and longer wheel base allowing for more cabin comfort for front and rear passengers. Being an Audi of course, the A5 comes standard with its quattro all-wheel drive system with an automatic self-locking center differential, sending most of its power to the rear wheels with a 40:60 front to rear ratio.

With three drive modes to choose from and one customizable mode, the A5 can be tuned to the exact driving technique we wanted. Dynamic mode, being the more enhanced sport mode, modifies the throttle and gear awareness while also increasing a more throating engine note piped into the cabin. Dynamic mode, also increases the stiffness of the A5 suspension that delivers sharper handling through the corners and minimizes body roll, but also ruins the cars smooth composure over rough roads. Under normal driving conditions the A5 is well collected and plush with a sense of rigid behavior and competent mannerisms.

Audi has always upheld one of the most clean, modern interiors and with the new A5, it’s even more sleeker than before. The well-engineered ergonomic designed dash uses a stunning combination of stainless steel and wood design. So much technology is built within such a small area of space managing the three-zone climate control system with integrated heated/cooled seats and neck heater function that’s all controlled by the same knobs. The large screen MMI navigation is incredibly crystal clear, it’s like we’re living inside the navigation and now with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, staying connected is always at our fingertips through the responsive rotary command center. And then there’s the new virtual cockpit that just down right cool and customizable to show just about anything the car desires.

With the $2100 Luxury Package, our A5 Cabriolet was decorated in a handsome Nougat Brown leather interior with multi-way power adjustable contouring seats and a cozy rear seat that actually managed to squeeze someone larger than a 10-year old. With the retractable roof up, its quiet and well insulated keeping the temperature and sound isolated to within the cabin. In under 18-seconds the roof folds away at speeds upwards to 31 mph opening to sunshine and a glowing tan.

Sometimes, opting for the convertible can ruin the driving experience, but with only a trivial amount of added weight to the structure, it’s nice to know Audi still maintains a fun to drive sporty coupe with an open roof. However, it does come with a hefty price tag. Costing over $7000 more than the standard A5 Coupe, and with a host of extravagant goodies the $1800 Driver Assistance Package, upgraded $7600 Prestige Package, and $1000 Adaptive Damping Suspension. But considering that the A5 Cabriolet does everything it should, and a darn good job at it, that’s a price worth paying to have your luxury go topless.