• Same interior as other new Audis
• Plenty of technology as standard
• But seems a backward step compared to previous Q5

How is the quality and layout?

The design and layout is broadly the same as the Audi A5, A6 and Q6 E-Tron, which is to be expected given how much commonality there is between the Q5 and those cars.

While the dashboard looks superb with its mix of screens and interesting materials, when it comes to usability and quality we think it’s a backward step. The haptic buttons on the steering wheel are a pain as they’re too small and easy to press by mistake, while the panel on the door for the lighting and electric mirror adjustment is fiddly. Even closing the door from inside isn’t that easy as there’s nowhere obvious to grab.

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What does set the Q5 apart from the other new Audis, though, is some material variety. Its nice to see some cabin components that aren’t made from gloss black plastic that’ll get coated in fingerprint smudges before you roll off the dealer forecourt. The interior trim can be finished in a metal-like material, or a patterned matte plastic instead. While the quality is generally good, we don’t think it feels as well-built or as premium inside as the previous Q5.

Infotainment and tech

The interior is dominated by a very large central infotainment screen Audi calls the ‘digital stage’ that encapsulates the driver’s instruments and the central screen . Precious few physical buttons are included – save for a physical volume dial – as many are actually haptic and touch sensitive.

High-end Edition 1 models also feature a passenger display, which is largely a gimmick. That said, you can install apps onto the screen that include things like a program for playing Karaoke music, which could entertain the little ones on longer drives.

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The main touchscreen works generally works well. It’s responsive and easy to navigate with the exception of the climate controls, all of which are managed through the touchscreen. Changing the temperature is easy enough but it takes a lot of fiddling to change the fan speed, which is often too noisy. It’s things like this that make the new Q5’s interior much harder to use.

Some of the new technology available is highly impressive, though, such as Audi’s augmented reality head-up display. This can display ‘live’ navigation arrows on the windscreen so you don’t miss a turn off. High-spec Edition 1 models also come with configurable LED front and rear lights with six different patterns. It’s another gimmick, but one many will appreciate.

Comfort

• Seats are generally comfortable
• Could do with a touch more leg support
• Very refined and quiet to travel in

Regardless of spec, the Audi Q5’s seats are generally comfortable and very adjustable. After several hours behind the wheel, one of our testers wished for a bit more support for their thigh – something they had complained about with other Audi models.

Leather heated seats come as standard on all Q5s, with the Edition 1 featuring electrical adjustment with memory function. But the Q5’s impressive refinement and quietness makes it an excellent car for covering long distances in, while the ride comfort on the adaptive air suspension is outstanding. As we’ve mentioned elsewhere, we’re yet to try a Q5 on the standard suspension, however.