24K mile comparison between 21" and 20" tires
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
24K mile comparison between 21" and 20" tires
Just hit the 48K mile mark at the end of two years in my EQS 450 4Matic SUV. The first 24K miles were driven on Goodyear Eagle Touring RunOnFlat 275/45R-21 tires on aero wheels. The second year, tires were downsized to 265/50R-20 Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 XL running on non-aero wheels.
I averaged 39.9 kWh per 100 miles on the 21" tires and 36.1 kWh per 100 miles on the 20" tires. Mileage improved by about 4.5% with the 20" tires. Both sets of tires were driven for a full four seasons and both made cross-country round trips between Philadelphia and Los Angeles. The 20" tires achieved an average range of 284 miles, just under the EPA estimate of 285 miles.
More interesting than the 4.5% mileage improvement, is that the 21" tires only lasted 24K miles and the 20" tires are good for at least another 24K miles.
I averaged 39.9 kWh per 100 miles on the 21" tires and 36.1 kWh per 100 miles on the 20" tires. Mileage improved by about 4.5% with the 20" tires. Both sets of tires were driven for a full four seasons and both made cross-country round trips between Philadelphia and Los Angeles. The 20" tires achieved an average range of 284 miles, just under the EPA estimate of 285 miles.
More interesting than the 4.5% mileage improvement, is that the 21" tires only lasted 24K miles and the 20" tires are good for at least another 24K miles.
Last edited by LAZARU5; Nov 5, 2024 at 09:29 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 540
From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
Actually, my post would have been more useful if it weren't for a typo. The 3.61 kWh per 100 miles number should have been 3.81 kWh. The 4.5% mileage improvement and 284 mile average range were the correct numbers.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 7
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From: NorCal
2024 EQS SUV 450, 2017 E300 (miss my 2021 GLS63, 2018 GLC 300, and BMW K1200GT)
Whoa, I thought going with the larger wheels would give better mileage since the shorter sidewalls would flex less... I replaced my 21" tires just around 15K because of a tear and pot hole damage. I was looking for 20" wheels but was scared it would eat into the range. If you don't mind, could you post pics of the wheel/tire combo? I currently have the aero wheels which I hate. Thanks in advance!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 540
From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
Whoa, I thought going with the larger wheels would give better mileage since the shorter sidewalls would flex less... I replaced my 21" tires just around 15K because of a tear and pot hole damage. I was looking for 20" wheels but was scared it would eat into the range. If you don't mind, could you post pics of the wheel/tire combo? I currently have the aero wheels which I hate. Thanks in advance!
I ordered 265/50R-20 Pirelli Scorpion AS Plus 3 XL tires from Tirerack. MSRP is about $1000 per set before factory rebates.
20" wheels with 265/50-R20 tires.
