Q5 premium w/17" to 18" or 19"?

[JulioGalCa]

What should I expect if changing my 17" wheels to 18" or 19" wheels? Improve driving? Handling? Cornering? Faster response? Fuel consumption? Just been driving my Q5, (LatinAmerican version -Guatemala-) since mid March and really LOVE the car!!! Just want to personalize it a bit. 2.0 TFSI Premium / 7-Stronic / Lava Grey

[desert_q5]

17" wheels are rare, so you probably won't find someone who's gone from 17" to 18 or 19.

I've got 19" and the handling is very good. I've heard that when you get to 20" and higher, the ride starts to get pretty harsh.

[JohnBoyToo]

Be sure to check clearances before you do !

The wife wanted 'different' for her Q5 and so we did some 20's that looked great and fit great (sitting still) but because of the control arm on the front that is just a smidge over the tire on our 19's, they rubbed on top as it heated the tire at spped....
so then went with the audi 20 multispoke's that are on there now -
they are basically the same height as our 19's in the garage...

just a little more wheel and a little less sidewall is all...
does it handle better with the lower profile tires ?
I guess a bit, but not enough to have great expectations...

if you are in the DFW area - I have stock 19's with tires ready for you

[HaveBullDogWillTravel]

Originally Posted by desert_q5

17" wheels are rare, so you probably won't find someone who's gone from 17" to 18 or 19.

I've got 19" and the handling is very good. I've heard that when you get to 20" and higher, the ride starts to get pretty harsh.

I've got 18" and would prefer 19". Anything over that will make the ride stiffer than I'm willing to tolerate.

[D_Frost]

The larger the wheel (lower profile tires), the more direct the steering and road feel will be. The opposite is true also (smaller wheel + thicker tires = softer feel).

Fuel consumption will be based on weight of the wheel/tires together. It is possible to get wheels/tires that are lighter than your current set, which then will result in better economy. Width of the tires (the first number, usually triple digits, in the tire spec) and rolling resistance (the rubber compound) also come into play for fuel economy.

Then there is looks factor (which is all subjective)

[JulioGalCa]

Originally Posted by D_Frost

The larger the wheel (lower profile tires), the more direct the steering and road feel will be. The opposite is true also (smaller wheel + thicker tires = softer feel).

Fuel consumption will be based on weight of the wheel/tires together. It is possible to get wheels/tires that are lighter than your current set, which then will result in better economy. Width of the tires (the first number, usually triple digits, in the tire spec) and rolling resistance (the rubber compound) also come into play for fuel economy.

Then there is looks factor (which is all subjective)

Thanks good to know!!

[JulioGalCa]

Originally Posted by desert_q5

17" wheels are rare, so you probably won't find someone who's gone from 17" to 18 or 19.

I've got 19" and the handling is very good. I've heard that when you get to 20" and higher, the ride starts to get pretty harsh.

Yes indeed, pretty rare. So if I got right, if changing I should go for the 19".

Streets on my city are not smooth and have a lot imperfections & bumps, so I believe 19" will work and keep ride comfortable.

[JulioGalCa]

Originally Posted by HaveBullDogWillTravel

I've got 18" and would prefer 19". Anything over that will make the ride stiffer than I'm willing to tolerate.

Definitely a must to consider issue, thank you!😄

[JulioGalCa]

Originally Posted by JohnBoyToo

Be sure to check clearances before you do !

The wife wanted 'different' for her Q5 and so we did some 20's that looked great and fit great (sitting still) but because of the control arm on the front that is just a smidge over the tire on our 19's, they rubbed on top as it heated the tire at spped....
so then went with the audi 20 multispoke's that are on there now -
they are basically the same height as our 19's in the garage...

just a little more wheel and a little less sidewall is all...
does it handle better with the lower profile tires ?
I guess a bit, but not enough to have great expectations...

if you are in the DFW area - I have stock 19's with tires ready for you

Thank you, it's a shame I'm not even near to DFW.