Parsec

That sucks ... I can't wait :sarcasm: I am probably going to replace mine even sooner though because I can't stand the brake dust produced by the OEM pads. I've been reading a lot of good things about the Centric Posi Quiet semi-metallic pads and they're cheap (under $100 for all 4 pads).

ThunderDent

The rotors are the same. Change only if you need to.

I am so everything beds together all at once.

Q5 Bob

We've had our 2013 for about 8 weeks and with mostly city/suburban driving, the brakes have been fine. They work well and are easy to modulate in the stop and go traffic.

ThunderDent

(So they tell me) Yes, you can put he 2013 Brembo brake calipers (front) on the older Q5s. From at least 2010-12. Not sure about 2009.

It requires: new calipers, new brake pads that match those calipers, new heat sheilds. I got new hardware screws and new sensors too, just because they aren't really expensive and why not.

The rotors are the same size as long as you stay with 2.0T ---> 2.0T '13 brake calipers, if you have a 3.2 order the 3.0T calipers (the rotors are the same for 3.2/3.0T.

Both the '13 2.0T and 3.0T are OEM brembo calipers, and are almost identical except for fitment on different sized rotors.

You cannot put 2013 front pads on a lower model year car. They are completely different.

I'll post for certain on fitment here in a couple if weeks once I get mine installed. They are en route right now and should be here Saturday. Just have to get my appointment scheduled.

Interex

My fiancee is not impressed with the brakes on our 2013. But then again, she came from a GTI that could stop on a dime.

Parsec

According to Edmunds:
2013 Q5 3.0T: 109-ft stopping distance @ 60mph
2012 VW GTI: 129-ft @ 60mph

They actually rated the GTI brakes as terrible, as the Mazda 3 came to a halt in a class-leading 115-ft @ 60mph.

Proof that the butt dynos are useless. I bet you anything that she has a pre-existing bias against the Q5 (who knows, maybe she doesn't like Audi or thinks they are overpriced). That's how butt dynos usually work - based on how much you spent on it, for good or bad.

ThunderDent

Any of you who are upgrading from an existing Q5 to a 2013 can rate the difference in feel.

I am upgrading brakes from the 2011 fronts to the 2013 fronts, so I'll post back as well. If anyone does similar let's all report back.

That should give us a pretty accurate comparison.

idale

Most likely it's more due to how much "bite" the brake pedal has. I don't drive my wife's 2004 Golf all that often, but I seem to recall the brakes being pretty grabby as opposed to my Passat and now my Odyssey which felt more linear.

Reggie

a lot depends like you say on the way one drives and the OEM materials. Many RS owners had to replace their pads and rotors @# 20K miles. Lucky for me I put on Centric pads early on for the dust free - and my rotors are still fine. Have done the same on the Q5

Interex

Yea, I believe it's what idale is referring to. The GTI seems very nibble and I was impressed with it's braking. It seems that it's just the higher center of gravity in the Q5 that makes it feel as if the brakes are less responsive.