• Excellent build quality
• Packed with premium materials
• Very comfortable seats

How is the quality and layout?

Just like all Audis from this era, the original Q5 is a quality product. It was nailed together exceptionally well using high quality materials – and the car’s interior seems to standing the test of time quite well.

All the materials used, from the brushed aluminium trim to the leather upholstery on top models, have a touch of finesse to them. The finish is superb, too. The buttons and switches for the main controls work with real precision while the soft-touch dash-top plastics add to the premium appearance.

Infotainment and technology

Every Q5 was fitted with an electric parking brake as standard (which was somewhat of a novelty back in 2009), plus Audi’s MMI infotainment system. Buyers could choose to upgrade this with sat nav as an optional extra.

It was simple and intuitive to use in its day, although we’d advise modernising your car’s cabin with either a smartphone mount or a replacement Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-enabled head unit. That simple change will knock a decade off the car’s age.

Comfort

Despite its keen handling, the Mk1 Audi Q5 is still a comfortable cruiser. The ride is a little on the firm side, but it’s just forgiving enough to iron out uneven and bumpy roads.

Audi’s optional ‘drive select’ system could also be specified with damper control. It’s an early form of adaptive damping that allows you to alter the suspension settings from ‘sport’ to ‘comfort’. We thought it worked very well, and we found a noticeable difference in the  car’s ride and handling between settings.

The Q5’s seats are exceptionally comfortable with decent side support. Plus, at motorway speeds, there’s only minor wind noise inside the cabin.