ABT Audi AS4 Cabriolet (2003) Review & Specs
What does the exterior design feel like up close?
The base shape is clean and balanced — long bonnet, short rear deck, that wide, confident stance — and ABT treats it with restraint. A subtle front spoiler sits below the bumper, side skirts run between the wheel arches, and at the back a four-pipe exhaust system peeks out beneath a gently sculpted valance. The boot-lip spoiler is barely noticeable until you look for it. The wheels are where the difference registers — typically 19-inch ABT SP1 five-spoke designs that fill the arches perfectly. The suspension drops by roughly 35–40 mm, which hunkers the car down visually and tightens the whole profile. The soft-top is thick and well-insulated; when closed it gives the car a smooth, flowing roofline. When open, it folds neatly behind the rear seats, leaving the lines uncluttered. It doesn't demand attention — it earns it.Is the interior comfortable for daily use?
Settle behind the wheel and you're surrounded by materials that feel built to last — soft-touch plastics, brushed aluminium, and leather that smells rich and genuine. ABT adds embroidered floor mats, a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, and often unique badging throughout. The driving position sits low and snug; everything falls naturally to hand. Front seats are supportive enough for longer drives, though not aggressively bolstered — this is still a convertible first and foremost. The rear seats are best described as occasional-use only; legroom is tight if those up front are tall, and headroom shrinks noticeably with the roof up. Boot space is modest — roughly 320 litres with the roof up — and the opening is narrow, so suitcases need careful packing. Visibility forward is excellent; over-the-shoulder, especially with the top down, takes practice.Tech and features — what actually works?
This is an early-2000s machine, so you won't find touchscreens or digital displays. What you get is straightforward, tactile, and largely dependable. Dual-zone climate control, cruise control, electric memory seats, and a premium Bose audio system are common. The soft-top is electrically operated — push the button and it raises or lowers in roughly 15 seconds at speeds under 50 km/h — and the mechanism feels solid when working well. The ABT supercharger conversion is the centrepiece — neatly integrated into the engine bay with revised management, intake, and cooling. It's engineered, not tacked on. Transmission options include the multitronic CVT on front-wheel-drive cars or a more robust six-speed Tiptronic with Quattro all-wheel drive. Everything operates with a satisfying, heavy-duty precision — buttons click, dials turn, levers feel substantial.ABT Audi AS4 Cabriolet (2003) specs: How does it feel to drive?
The standard 3.0-litre V6 produces 220 PS and 300 Nm. ABT's supercharger system lifts that to 290 PS with roughly 380 Nm of torque — delivered smoothly and linearly from low down in the rev range. There's no lag, no sudden spike, just a steady, swelling pull that builds across the band. Zero to 100 km/h takes roughly 6.3 seconds; top speed exceeds 240 km/h where permitted. The engine note deepens to a cultured V6 hum — more noticeable under acceleration but never loud — settling to a whisper at cruising speed. ABT's lowered and stiffened suspension cuts body roll dramatically; the car turns in crisply and holds its line through corners far better than a standard A4 Cabriolet. The steering feels weighted and consistent — not razor-sharp, but clear about what the front wheels are doing. It doesn't feel like a heavy convertible; it feels like a proper sports tourer.City streets vs highway — two different personalities
In town, you feel the width more than the length — threading through narrow lanes or squeezing into tight parking spaces needs care. The turning circle is roughly 11.1 metres, so you'll sometimes need a second attempt. The firmer suspension transmits more road texture — drain covers, patched asphalt, tram lines — and the low-profile 19-inch tyres amplify every imperfection. The supercharger is quiet until you ask for power; from idle it's calm, refined, easy-going. On the open road it transforms. Cruising at 120 km/h barely breaks a sweat — conversation stays normal, wind noise builds gently around the mirrors but never dominates. When you need to overtake, you don't need to drop a gear — just press down and the surge comes instantly. Roof down, with the side windows up or a wind deflector fitted, buffeting stays manageable; you get that perfect mix of fresh air and engine note without having to shout.How confident and safe does it feel?
Brakes are ventilated discs all round — 321 mm front — and they haul it down from speed with reassuring bite. ABS, stability control, and traction control are standard. A reinforced windscreen frame and automatically deploying rollover hoops behind the rear seats activate instantly if the car tips. The chassis feels rigid; there's some scuttle shake over very rough roads, but it's far less than many rivals. Kerb weight sits around 1,730 kg — substantial for a convertible — so it carries momentum. Quattro all-wheel drive gives you year-round confidence front-wheel-drive versions can't match. The 3.0 V6 uses a timing chain rather than a belt; tensioner wear is a known issue and manifests as rattling on cold starts. The soft-top hydraulic seals and lines degrade with age — leaks and slow operation are common on neglected examples.Trim levels — what each version adds
ABT built each car to order, so specification varies. The base supercharger conversion delivers the 290 PS uplift, body kit, 19-inch wheels, and suspension drop. You get the core performance upgrade and the cleaner look without extra mechanical work. Higher-spec examples add a free-flow exhaust, upgraded brake pads and discs, and full leather interior with contrast stitching. Some have Quattro all-wheel drive with Tiptronic — the more robust transmission choice — while others are front-wheel drive with multitronic CVT. Always check the conversion paperwork — a fully documented car with service records for the supercharger system is worth more and easier to maintain.ABT AS4 Cabriolet vs BMW 3 Series Convertible and Mercedes CLK Cabriolet
Against the BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46), the AS4 feels more composed in poor weather. The BMW is rear-wheel drive, sharper through corners, and revs more freely — it goads you into driving harder. The AS4 delivers its strength lower down with supercharged ease, and Quattro means you can deploy full power earlier from exits in wet or cold conditions. The BMW feels like a sports car with a soft-top; the AS4 feels like a grand tourer that happens to be open. Compared to the Mercedes CLK Cabriolet, the AS4 feels more agile and compact. The CLK is longer, heavier, and leans more through bends — it's built for cruising comfort above all else. The AS4 responds more crisply and feels more engaging. The CLK counters with a quieter cabin and a more premium feel to the switchgear. The AS4 is the more driver-focused choice; the CLK is the one you'd pick for silent, cosseting progress.Honest pros and cons
- Pros: Supercharged 3.0 V6 delivers smooth, instant 290 PS with no lag — fundamentally different character from turbo alternatives
- Pros: ABT suspension tuning sharpens handling dramatically without ruining daily comfort
- Pros: Quattro all-wheel drive (where specified) gives year-round confidence most convertibles simply cannot match
- Cons: Multitronic CVT on front-wheel-drive cars is known to weaken with age — replacement costs are substantial
- Cons: Soft-top hydraulics, window regulators, and chain tensioners are age-related weak points needing regular inspection
- Cons: Firm lowered suspension plus low-profile tyres mean sharp bumps and potholes demand careful navigation
Final verdict — who is this car for?
This is for someone who wants open-air motoring that feels special every time, but doesn't want to sacrifice performance or all-weather usability. The ABT AS4 Cabriolet takes everything elegant about the A4 drop-top — the shape, the refinement, the daily usability — and adds genuine muscle, delivered smoothly and reliably. It's not brash; it's balanced. It's not for you if you want zero maintenance worry or rock-bottom running costs. And it's not the easiest car to park in cramped city streets. But if you've been looking at early-2000s premium convertibles and thinking "I wish this had just a bit more pull," this delivers exactly that — with the roof down. Can you imagine yourself cruising along a country road, sun on your shoulders, that V6 pulling strongly?Frequently Asked Questions
How is the AS4 different from the factory S4 Cabriolet?
The S4 Cabriolet was a factory performance model — 344 PS from a twin-turbo 2.7-litre V6, firmer chassis, bigger brakes — built by Audi. The AS4 is an ABT aftermarket conversion based on the 3.0 V6 — supercharged to 290 PS, with ABT's own body components, wheels, and suspension tuning. The S4 is faster and more aggressive; the AS4 feels more refined, more linear, and is often easier to maintain.
What should I check specifically on a 2003 example?
First, the soft-top — raise and lower it fully, check for slow movement, hydraulic damp patches, and water stains inside. Second, listen for chain rattle on cold start — tensioner wear needs addressing promptly. Third, transmission: if it's multitronic, confirm it shifts smoothly without slipping or hesitation; Quattro with Tiptronic is the more trusted option. Fourth, check supercharger service records — fluid changes and belt tension matter.
Can I use it reliably as a daily driver?
Yes — that's exactly what it was built for — but with commitment. The cabin materials are built to last decades, and the mechanicals are robust when maintained. Fit winter wheels and tyres to protect the expensive low-profile rubber; keep the supercharger oil changed as recommended; and budget for consumables — brakes, suspension arms, and seals will need replacing as they age. Look after it and it rewards every drive.
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