USAdriver

I am about to order a new GLE 450 and am deciding on wheel size. The car will be driven on paved roads 75%, snow 20% and unpaved driveways 5%. I want a comfortable and not too harsh ride. I think 20 or 21" makes the most sense.

Please share your thoughts on wheel size. The order will go in very soon. Thank you very much.

highstylinS430

I have the 21" option and it rides fine. The key point seems to be the tire pressure. The tire pressure indicated on fuel filler door says 31 all around but I believe mine was 34 on delivery. Rides smooth to my surprise.

shotgun_banjo

go with the 21" option as upsizing later on will be VERY expensive. If you will be going into thick snow get a dedicated 19" winter wheel.

GregW / Oregon

As others have said, 21s ride fine in most conditions (especially with Airmatic). 21" Winter tire options are not the best for snow; either plan on dedicated 20" Winter wheels, or go with a 20" 275/50 option.

CocoBenz

I have a 2021 GLE 450 and went with the 21” option. At the time of ordering my car I did not know it was a staggered set as it did not mention it anywhere but I love the look of it. With a 315 tire on the back it looks mean.

I have the Night Package as well. One thing I wish I got and was contemplating doing but regret I didn’t was to get the Airmatic option so that I could have lowered the car so my suggestion is to get it as it’s a nice to have option.

As for handling and performance of the 21” wheels, I don’t notice anything different compared to the smaller sized options. The only thing to note is that when the tires wear you will need to order a staggered set of tires and not a set of 4 of the same sized tires.

CocoBenz

you could even go with a 19” Winter tire option. That’s what I have and it fits fine.

GregW / Oregon

Certainly 19s are fine performance wise. My feeling however is that the stock 255/50s are way undersized visually (almost 2” smaller OD than 275-50/20s).

CocoBenz

Not a big deal for winter tires. You want smaller and thinner tires for the snow. The smaller radius is easier for wheel rotation and thinner size is easier to cut through the snow.

bkushner

21's also look better! you get the bigger back wheel.