Audi A5 Cabriolet

Importing a used Audi A5 Cabriolet from the USA

The Audi A5 Cabriolet is a genuinely handsome four-seat soft-top, and the American used market is a rich hunting ground for well-kept, well-equipped examples. If you want to import a used Audi A5 Cabriolet from the USA, the draw is a mix of value and specification: US cars often came loaded with quattro all-wheel drive, leather and technology packages that make them appealing back in Europe. USCar Trader is an independent broker for used US vehicles — we find, verify and ship, taking a service fee rather than a dealer margin, and we have no manufacturer tie to Audi. Here is a detailed look at the A5 Cabriolet and how the import runs.

From launch to today

The A5 Cabriolet has spanned two main generations relevant to importers. The first-generation B8 (US sales from 2010 to 2017) established the fabric-roof convertible A5, with a cleanly styled body, a fully insulated soft top that folds in around 15 seconds, and a four-seat cabin. The second-generation B9 (2018 to 2023 in the US) sharpened the styling, moved onto the MLB Evo platform, cut weight, and brought the Virtual Cockpit digital dash and updated MMI infotainment. Throughout, the hotter S5 Cabriolet sat above the A5, using a supercharged V6 on the B8 and a turbo V6 on the B9. Both generations were sold as convertibles only in this A5 Cabriolet form, distinct from the A5 Coupe and A5 Sportback bodies.

Engines and drivetrain in detail

The mainstream A5 Cabriolet engine is the 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged four (Audi's EA888), which in US B8 cars made roughly 211 to 220 hp and in B9 cars stepped up to about 252 hp with more torque. Early B8 cars could also be found with a 3.2-litre naturally aspirated V6 of around 265 hp. Transmissions varied: B8 automatics used a conventional Tiptronic (with a CVT multitronic on some front-drive cars), while the B9 moved to a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch. quattro all-wheel drive was widely fitted in the US, which is a big part of the appeal for European buyers who want secure all-weather traction. The performance S5 Cabriolet used a supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 (around 333 hp) on the B8 and a turbocharged 3.0 TFSI (around 349 hp) on the B9.

Trim levels and variants

The A5 Cabriolet is a single body — a two-door, four-seat convertible with a cloth roof rather than a folding hardtop, which keeps weight down and preserves boot space. US trim walk generally ran Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige, layering in leather, LED lighting, Bang & Olufsen audio, navigation and driver aids as you climbed. Sport and S line appearance packages were common, and the S5 added quilted seats, bigger brakes and a sport differential.

Used availability in the USA

American A5 Cabriolets are plentiful and were often sold in warmer, drier states — California, Florida, Texas — where convertibles thrive and rust is minimal. That regional bias works in an importer's favour: clean, sun-belt cars with tidy underbodies and full histories are readily found. Typical import candidates are 2013–2019 cars with moderate mileage; the well-specified Prestige trims with quattro are the sweet spot. A broker's job is filtering out flood, hail and salvage cars from the genuinely nice ones.

When importing makes sense

The A5 Cabriolet suits a buyer who wants an elegant, understated open-top grand tourer with all-weather quattro capability, at the value the US market often offers. It is ideal for someone chasing a specific colour, trim or the S5, or simply a cleaner car than the local pool provides. Enthusiasts who want the supercharged B8 S5 Cabriolet, in particular, will find US supply strong.

Facts and figures

Reliability and common problems

Audi A5 Cabriolet reliability is reasonable for a premium convertible, but there are well-documented A5 Cabriolet common problems, mostly tied to the 2.0 TFSI engine. Early EA888 units (roughly 2010–2013) are known for oil consumption from piston-ring design and for timing-chain tensioner wear that, if ignored, can be serious — later revised engines improved both. Carbon build-up on the intake valves is inherent to direct injection and may need occasional walnut-blasting. On the convertible specifically, check the soft-top drainage channels: blocked drains can let water into the boot and floor, and the roof mechanism and hydraulics should be cycled fully during inspection. The S tronic dual-clutch on B9 cars is generally good but its mechatronic unit and clutches are wear items. The supercharged S5 V6 is strong but thirsty and benefits from documented servicing.

How US versions differ

US A5 Cabriolets carry US-spec lighting — amber-limited rear indicators, typically no rear fog lamp — headlights aimed for right-hand traffic, mph-first instruments, and US radio bands and telematics. Equipment tends to be generous, but some Europe-standard items differ. As the car is built in Germany, mechanical parts and service knowledge are abundant, which simplifies both approval and ownership. These are conversion-checklist items, not obstacles.

From US purchase to registration

The sequence is: choose a suitable A5 Cabriolet and agree terms; verify the VIN, build origin and full history; place funds in escrow; arrange container ocean freight (preferred for a lower convertible) to a European port; clear EU customs under the correct code; present the car for TÜV and individual approval with the required modifications; then register it. We manage every step so the car lands ready for the paperwork.

Costs, duty and taxes at a glance

Remember: no origin proof, no 0% duty – and 19% German import VAT is due on every import.

Keep the two charges separate. Import duty: the 0% preferential EU rate under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 (in force since 1 July 2026, direct transport, valid to 31 December 2029) applies only where genuine US origin is provable from the VIN and plant code. The A5 Cabriolet is built in Germany, so it will normally not qualify as US-origin, and the standard third-country passenger-car rate typically applies — origin decides the rate on a per-VIN basis, and we never advertise duty-free. Separately, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) is always charged on import, calculated on customs value plus duty and freight. USCar Trader takes a broker fee only and no vehicle margin.

TÜV, approval and license plates

For German approval, expect to fit or activate a rear fog lamp, adapt rear indicators to red where required, adjust or replace/recode headlights for right-hand traffic, and confirm the odometer displays in kilometres. Coding of the instrument cluster and lighting is common on Audis, and the soft-top operation is checked during inspection. Documentation for individual approval completes registration.

Pre-purchase checklist

Before buying a US Audi A5 Cabriolet, confirm:

Import FAQ

Does the A5 Cabriolet have a folding hardtop?

No. It uses an insulated fabric soft top that folds in about 15 seconds and preserves boot space.

Which engine is best to import?

The 2.0 TFSI quattro is the practical mainstream choice; enthusiasts often chase the supercharged B8 S5 Cabriolet. Avoid neglected early 2.0 units with oil-consumption histories.

Will the A5 Cabriolet qualify for 0% customs duty?

Usually not — it is built in Germany, so the standard rate normally applies. Duty depends on VIN-proven origin, and the 19% import VAT is always due.

Are US A5 Cabriolets well equipped?

Often very much so, with quattro, leather and technology packages common, which is a big part of the value case.

What are the main reliability concerns?

Early 2.0 TFSI oil use and timing-chain tensioners, carbon build-up, and convertible roof drains — all checkable before purchase.

How long does the import take?

Ocean freight is typically a few weeks, plus customs clearance and TÜV scheduling on arrival.

Can I register a US A5 Cabriolet in Germany?

Yes, after individual approval and the usual lighting, coding and odometer modifications.

Do you sell these cars directly?

No. USCar Trader is an independent broker and arranges the purchase and import for you without holding stock.

Browse further with Audi in the Carhub, compare the A5 Coupe and A5 Sportback, or the sporting Audi S5, and view current A5 Cabriolet listings.