svagliardo

I picked up my 2015 Q5 2.0 Premium Plus in Volcano Red about 2 weeks ago now. I absolutely love it so far! However one thing..

I've really been wanting to put the roof rails on because I love the way they look. I was instructed by my salesman I should not leave them on when not in use as the vehicle knows when they are installed and will adjust the engine tuning to carry the rated weight capacity (400lbs). Which would in turn result in me getting lower gas mileage.

Can anyone confirm this?

dcl23

I was also advised not to leave them on to maximize fuel efficiency, but I assumed that was just because of the obvious additional wind/drag with the cross bars installed. I was also told that the weight capacity was 400 lbs., but I'm almost certain the manual indicated ~200lbs. for a maximum weight limit.

HOiYA

I don't think it is as much as the "engine tuning" as oppose to the racks being on and disrupting the aerodynamics which would diminish your fuel economy. But in all honesty, the Q5 is not the most aerodynamic shape so I don't think the bars drop the fuel economy that match. With that said, I would only leave the racks on if I were using them frequently.

spijun

It is not true

Only changes the mode ESP system