What_Car_UK_-_August_2020

whatcar.com^ August 2020 89

2 Handbrakeis

manual,whereasthe

A5hasanelectric

parkingbrake

3 There’snostandard

adjustablelumbar

support,butM Sport

seatsarecomfy

The 4 Series can thud

over sharp bumps but

is better at smoothing

coarse road surfaces

2

1

1

2

3

3

1 The 4 Series’ interior

looked great in 2014

but can’t match the

A5’s for quality today

AUDI A5 CABRIOLET

BMW 4 SERIES CONVERTIBLE

BEST

DRIVING

POSITION

BEST

RIDE

However, there’s nothing wrong with the

4 Series’ automatic gearbox; it fl icks between

its eight gears intelligently and is quick to

oblige when you want to change gear manually.

The A5’s automatic gearbox has one less gear to

call upon, but most of the time it’s an equally

impressive companion whether you take

control or let it call the shots.

The 4 Series’ extra weight has an impact on

its handling, too. Sure, its steering has a more

natural feel, but it struggles to change direction

with as much gusto, while the A5’s superior

traction out of junctions and corners gives the

driver greater confi dence.

Fitted with the fi rmest suspension offered on

each model and riding on the optional-from-

new 19in alloy wheels, neither car’s ride is ideal

on UK roads, but softer setups are available

Audi A5 Cabriolet vs BMW 4 Series Convertible

2 Front occupants get

two cupholders and a

large cubby beneath

the central armrest

3 S line gets leather

and Alcantara sports

seats with electric

lumbar adjustment

A5 is generally  rmer

than the 4 Series, and

its body shimmies

more on scruffy roads

1 Matt- nish brushed

aluminium inlays

adorn the dash and

console in S line spec