robertrichhart

Anyone here have the Q5 hitch? Is it available yet? My dealer has put me off on this add-on since I picked up the vehicle last June!

guyguyke

it can always be installed as accessory
then it is not motorised
yet much more expensive than the factoy-mounted version, but you see no difference and it is genuine...
all others are rather ugly add-ons

Jusforfun

Motorised hitch not approved for US. The US OEM or add on are same (what we would call ugly!). Cant speak for Q5 but Q7 difference OEM vs aftermarket is in the rating. The OEM version means car is built with bigger cooling rads so higher towing capacity.
In answer to robert... yes 4 people have fitted hitch see the spreadsheet.
Link to hitch thread

HaveBullDogWillTravel

my dealer installed it before I took delivery. They did a first rate job, IMO. They were diligent in making the hole cutout very clean and as small as possible. So small is it that I can't get the cotter pin through the bolt that holds the hitch in place. No matter though as I have a key lock bolt to secure the hitch and/or bike rack. The hitch is by no means Ugly. However, it is a hitch and does detract from the looks of the vehicle...but not much.
I did notice that there is a European hitch(for trailer only) that has a U-shaped hitch that extends down, out and up from the bar. It essentially wraps around the bottom of the bumper cover. When the U-shaped ball arm is not installed in the bar one cannot see any part of the hitch. Why it's not available in US I do not know.

kleinbus

They have matching bike racks there as here in NA, mounting is simpler and faster, it clamps around the ball itself.

HaveBullDogWillTravel

that thought never crossed my mind...leave it to the EUs to stay a step ahead of "US"

AofC_RR

It's now available as a port installed option as well for future Q5 owners. Runs $850 as a port installed option.