Living with My Q5

Since I took the delivery of 2014 Q5, it's been rather busy two weeks. The car now has about 350 miles on it and it's been an enjoyable one so far. However, I just haven't put much effort into updating the blog every since the delivery and I am hoping to change that soon. So... stay tuned!

Delivery Day!

It was finally a delivery day today! More story coming up!

Inside Audi Beverly HIlls via Google Street Cam

As I am getting to ready to pick up my Q5 today, I found something neat on Google Maps. Now you can take a look inside the Audi Beverly Hills dealership via Google's Street Cam. I read about Street Cam going inside building, but I thought inside navigation would only be for famous landmarks and what not. Thus I was pleasantly surprised to see that Google Street Cam camera went inside the 'humble' dealership. It looks like it was taken quite recently as all models displayed inside are 2013 and later model year cars. While it does not take us to every corner of the dealership space, it's still nice to see the main areas. Not all Audi dealerships are available for this 'tour' at this time from my brief research. Other one available was Santa Monica Audi. You can check it out yourself here. Well done Google and Audi Beverly Hills!

[ Source :: Google Maps ]

Tracking My Q5 :: Shipped and Arrived at my dealer!

Finally! My Ibis White 2014 Q5 2.0T has been delivered to my dealer, Audi Beverly Hills. Current status at Group Vehicle Logistics says "Shipped" and I received a call/email from my Audi Brand Special list telling me that my Q5 is now at the dealership. Exciting! I plan to take the delivery of the Q5 this upcoming weekend.

Tracking My Q5 :: Released to Carrier

Now that all port-installed items are installed on to my Q5, the status of my Q5 has been updated to "Released to Carrier" with an estimated shipping date of Sunday, August 18. It will be transported from National City, CA to Beverly Hills, CA in one of Fleet Car Carrier's vehicle carrier truck. I might have to drop by the dealership tomorrow to finally meet my Q5!

Tracking My Q5 :: In Process - MDO Installed

My Q5 is inching closer to being ready to leave vehicle delivery center. Quick check on Volkswagen Global Logistics page reveals that my Q5 now has port-installed options installed. Status screen reveals that some other Audis that were on Grand Vega along with my Q5 are now released to the carrier. I imagine my Q5 will also be release to carrier within a day or two for dealer delivery. woo-hoot!

However, I now need to sell my current 2010 Audi A4 Avant Prestige S-Line. Please let me know if you'd like more info on it.

Tracking My Q5 :: Grand Vega at Port Hueneme

Just because my Q5 is now in the land doesn't mean I have forgotten about our celebrity vehicle carrier Grand Vega! She is currently docked at Port Hueneme, dropping off various BMW group vehicles, including Bimmers, MINIs and Rolls Royces. Yours truly is quite familiar with Port Hueneme, as I have visited the port 2 years ago to see my Countryman unloading from another celebrity vessel, Auriga Leader.  (Pictured above is not my particular MINI.. but a shipmate!) I am sure some BMW/MINI guys/gals are very happy today!

2014 Audi Q5 Wheel choices.

Out of 9 different wheels available for 2014 Q5/SQ5 models in US, only 2 are available for 2.0T P+; standard (A) 18" 5-Spoke V-Design wheel and optional (B) 19" 5-Double-Spoke wheel for $800. It is rather very limited, forcing me to stay with the standard 18"s. I did consider forking out $800 for the 5-double-spoke wheels, which actually look quite good on Q5, but I decided against it as I do plan on acquiring 20"s. I personally like (D) 20" Turbine-Design 10-spoke wheels available for 2.0T Hybrid model the most. The flat, polished surface contrasted with anthracite details in the turbine design spoke make the Q5 look fantastic, especially in Ibis White or Glacier White. I also would not mind (F) 20" 5-arm design wheels or (G) 20" 5-segment design, aka "Peeler" , wheels, either in titanium finish as shown above or silver finish that was available in 2010-2012 model year Q5s. (I) 21" 5-double-spoke Star design wheels optional for SQ5 is very nice as well, but I am guessing they will be quite hard to come by in 2nd hand market and might cost more than what I am willing to pay for. What about other after-market wheels? I prefer OEM+ look on my cars. Thus I will stick strictly with Audi OEM wheels - I am also open to other wheels choices from other Audi models.

So if you own Q5 2.0T Hybrid with 20"s, and looking to change them up with something else, Let's talk! =) Or if you are looking to sell other 20" or 21" OEM Q5 wheels as discussed above. Full Wheels availability matrix after the break.

Tracking My Q5 :: In Process - Awaiting MDO Install

As my Q5 is officially in US soil, it's time to go through customs/vehicle processing center. It normally takes anywhere from 3-7 days for a vehicle to pass through various states at the vehicle distribution center.I am expecting my Q5 to arrive at my dealership, Audi of Beverly Hills, sometime next week.

The Volkswagen Group has contracted with Pasha Group to do its vehicle processing/distribution in San Diego. Pasha Group, established in 1947, is a family-owned global logistics and transportation services company. The San Diego vehicle distribution center, located at 1309 Bay Marina Drive, National City, California 91950, was established in 1990.

Tracking My Q5 :: Photo of Grand Vega in Emden with cars waiting to be loaded

So what cars are inside Grand Vega other than yours-truly's 2014 Audi Q5? Assortment of VW group vehicles, including various 911 models you see above! Also, as it stopped by Bremerhaven and South Hampton, it is probably also carrying BMW/MINI vehicles.

The picture was taken by Hartema/Heyken on July 17, 2013.

[ Image Credit to Hartema/Heyken, Marinetraffic.com ]