Deckardk

I use the stock 19" wheels. It's a nice smooth ride.

canon_mutant

I agree that 19s are probably going to give you the best ride/performance combination. That said, the S-line package on our 2015 came with 20s and they ride fine. I took off the Excellence tires literally when I got home [December 2014] in lieu of Motivos for better all season traction here in Kansas and they have been great so far.

Depending how the whole TDI scandal ends up [i.e. if we keep it] if I don't just put the Excellence 20s back on for summer and get some 18" winter wheels/tires, I would love to give a set of 20" Nitto 421Qs a try. They seem to be getting excellent reviews, have long tread life, and a pretty decent price.

AUprospector

Generally, what is the largest wheel that will clear the brakes 18 inches?

ex-quattro PETE

Did you mean "smallest"? Some (most?) 17" rims will clear the brakes.

TJay74

As said, if you are ok with summer only then look at Michelin Pilot Super Sports. They are a super nice tire with excellent grip as long as it is over 40° outside.

ex-quattro PETE

Is Pilot Super Sport made in Q5 sizes???

TJay74

They are in the 20" wheels, not sure about the 19". Nothing from Michelin in the 21" size.

ex-quattro PETE

Thanks. I see it now... 255/45/20 size is available. From all I've heard and read, the PSS is an amazing summer tire.

ex-quattro PETE

Curious to see how Premier LTX handles snow. Hopefully TireRack will test them in winter conditions at some point.

Premier LTX has a shorter starting tread depth than most other tires (8.5/32" vs 10/32" or even 12/32" for other tires). While this might improve firmness/responsiveness in the dry, it might also be a detriment in snow. I personally have dedicated winter tires, so it's a non-issue, but I would imagine other Q5 owners would be using them year-round and driving in snow on them.

TJay74

Ive had the PSS on my 2009 G8 GXP and my 2008 Corvette, both times I was nothing short of impressed with the grip. They do very well in the wet as well.