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i am considering purchasing a 2024 GLE 450 4matic and have a question regarding wheel/tire selection. I live in the Bay Area in California and frequently visit the Lake Tahoe area in the winter. I assume the 21” wheel selection with an all season tire would perform well in winter conditions in a mountainous region?
I currently don’t have enough storage space for a dedicated set of winter tires so just curious on how other owners find the 450 performs in snowy conditions.
i searched the forums and could not find a good thread on this topic so apologies in advance if this is a commonly asked question.
Thanks
Last edited by Ontheboost; Oct 14, 2023 at 08:59 PM.
You don't need chains if you're AWD/4WD and have all season or better tires. There is a road condition "level" that requires chains even on AWD vehicles, but I've heard they never use it and just close the road if conditions are that bad which is a good idea given the average Californian's snow driving abilities. I have snow driving experience with my GL550 in the CA mountains on plowed roads It did fine on all seasons, but I'd want real snow tires in bad conditions.
You don't need chains if you're AWD/4WD and have all season or better tires. There is a road condition "level" that requires chains even on AWD vehicles, but I've heard they never use it and just close the road if conditions are that bad which is a good idea given the average Californian's snow driving abilities. I have snow driving experience with my GL550 in the CA mountains on plowed roads It did fine on all seasons, but I'd want real snow tires in bad conditions.
Thanks for your reply and information. Apologies, just realized I cross posted in this forum as opposed to the gle forum.
Currently drive an Audi q5 and my experience on all seasons seems similar to yours with your gle - just wanted to confirm the 4matic system was capable in the snow.
CA dot will make you put on chains anyway so it doesn’t really matter what tires you have on it.
Thanks for your reply. You seem very knowledgeable in regards to forums but may I suggest you ensure you have your facts straight before giving advice so confidently on other matters. Specifically, in this case, CalTran chain rules.
See if your local MB dealer will store your tires, I’m in Denver and mine does for $300 a year. Also go look at some of the videos on snows vs all season…. Doesn’t matter what car you have, the colder it gets the worse the all seasons are.
If you don't want to store (or buy) a second set of tires, All Seasons are only a "sometimes" solution.
Unfortunately that's the best OE solution.
A better solution would be the new crop of "All Weather" tires. Nokian pioneered the segment, Michelin jumped in with both feet.
They are essentially winter tires that perform well below 40F (which can damage summer tires) and not sacrifice hot temp wear.
If that's an answer for you, try to make a deal with the selling Dealer to trade your new "Takeoffs" for an All Weather tire.
I wouldn't count on going to Tahoe on All Seasons. I'd swap.
Don't forget that stopping and turning is more important than going. Take care
I've been looking for "All Weather" tires in 21" with no luck so far. Please let me know if you know of any in this size. I had the Michelin Cross Climate (20") on my GLE450 and they performed very well. I was debating putting on a set of 21" rims with all weather tires but since I haven't been able to find any, I'm now leaning towards putting on the Pirelli Scorpion Zero all seasons on my stock 22" rims as I don't think there will be much difference in traction between 21" and 22". Both will be equally crappy but I only plan on driving this car on dry snow free winter days.
Last edited by chrislk55; Oct 15, 2023 at 06:21 PM.
I’ve had a chance to compare the 21” AS vs dedicated Michelin Snow tires when I was surprised by winter storms before/after changing tires. There is a big difference as mentioned as the Temps drop, on black ice, greasy snow…the AS grip isn’t satisfactory. The greasy snow surface occurs where hardpack gets a water film as it warms.
Traction with AS won’t be the main issue…it’s stopping distance and curves. A good driver can “get by” in most winter conditions. Defensive maneuvers will suck so it’s a % risk one is willing to accept or not.
I've been looking for "All Weather" tires in 21" with no luck so far. Please let me know if you know of any in this size. I had the Michelin Cross Climate (20") on my GLE450 and they performed very well. I was debating putting on a set of 21" rims with all weather tires but since I haven't been able to find any, I'm now leaning towards putting on the Pirelli Scorpion Zero all seasons on my stock 22" rims as I don't think there will be much difference in traction between 21" and 22". Both will be equally crappy but I only plan on driving this car on dry snow free winter days.
I ran 20” Michelin PA5 SUV on my 2021 GLE 53 with the larger brakes…same as the 63S. There are no practical AS tires that match the speed rating of the 63. I’ve run into tire shops that won’t put on lower speed rated tires (V vs Y) so you need to sort that out. I’m buying the Conti AS V rated (came on the 53) to change out the tires on my 63. The high performance tires that come stock (63) are subject to tread compound tracking at temps below 40 and the risk increases as the temps drop. Safety is another issue since that factory tire rubber compound becomes hard and slick with little traction as temps drop. I ordered 21” for that reason.
The question is, why Mercedes doesn’t reduce the top speed to “V” rated tires (149-150) and offer AS tires in Northern climates.
I ran 20” Michelin PA5 SUV on my 2021 GLE 53 with the larger brakes…same as the 63S. There are no practical AS tires that match the speed rating of the 63. I’ve run into tire shops that won’t put on lower speed rated tires (V vs Y) so you need to sort that out. I’m buying the Conti AS V rated (came on the 53) to change out the tires on my 63. The high performance tires that come stock (63) are subject to tread compound tracking at temps below 40 and the risk increases as the temps drop. Safety is another issue since that factory tire rubber compound becomes hard and slick with little traction as temps drop. I ordered 21” for that reason.
The question is, why Mercedes doesn’t reduce the top speed to “V” rated tires (149-150) and offer AS tires in Northern climates.
I believe the Pirelli Scorpion Zero A/S are Y rated, I could be wrong. That's the only option thats available for my stock 22" rims. Going down to 21" had limited options also, this is why I'm inclined to just stay with the 22". I may still end up getting a set of 20" dedicated winter tires if the Pirellis don't hold up well for very casual winter driving.
I believe the Pirelli Scorpion Zero A/S are Y rated, I could be wrong. That's the only option thats available for my stock 22" rims. Going down to 21" had limited options also, this is why I'm inclined to just stay with the 22". I may still end up getting a set of 20" dedicated winter tires if the Pirellis don't hold up well for very casual winter driving.
The ones I was able to find in the US (22”) are W rated 168mph with Lambo L. A set is close to $3k US.
The 21” wheel has several selections at a little more than 1/2 the price of 22”. Michelin, Conti, Scorpion….V & W rated
Since you have 22” you might price a Winter tire and wheel set in 20”. My last set was about $2,400 with TPMS sensors but tire prices are higher now. Changing to winter a month early/late might work out, I’m considering that as an option.. I’ve run winters in Arizona in Temps up to mid 70’s with no unusual wear but trips were maybe 3-400 miles at those temps. It’s a PIA trying to figuring this out.
I live in Boston and the 21" tires are so wide that they are pretty useless in snow (I have all-season). It feels like the wide tires don't bite at all and work more like skis. Even worse on packed snow and ice.
So I went with a 20" snow tire setup from tirerack and they have been excellent in the snow. They cost me around $2K back in 2020. If I found an all-weather option I'd likely switch to those on my 21" rims and see if I could lose the winter setup
I live in Boston and the 21" tires are so wide that they are pretty useless in snow (I have all-season). It feels like the wide tires don't bite at all and work more like skis. Even worse on packed snow and ice.
So I went with a 20" snow tire setup from tirerack and they have been excellent in the snow. They cost me around $2K back in 2020. If I found an all-weather option I'd likely switch to those on my 21" rims and see if I could lose the winter setup
That's the proper setup, square 20" with snows. BUT, I'm not fond of the offset on the 20" rims. For them to be effective snow tires, they usually recommend 9" rims which is 2" less than my factory 11" setup. This means they will sit at least 1" in from the wheel arch and this is not a good look for this car.... I'm not sure of there is a way to increase the offset to have a 9" rim flush with the fenders?
I'm not sure of there is a way to increase the offset to have a 9" rim flush with the fenders?
You just need to find a style of wheel that offers appropriate offsets for each axle. 20x9 et45 front and 20x9 et25 rear is about perfect. Or go with 45 offset all around and get 20mm spacers for the rear. Option B will give you the ability to rotate, but you have to deal with the spacers.
Here's an example of the varied offsets (same bolts all around) ...
You just need to find a style of wheel that offers appropriate offsets for each axle. 20x9 et45 front and 20x9 et25 rear is about perfect. Or go with 45 offset all around and get 20mm spacers for the rear. Option B will give you the ability to rotate, but you have to deal with the spacers.
Here's an example of the varied offsets (same bolts all around) ...
Thank you for posting the pics! That looks really good, much better than I expected. The GLE has a wide mean stance, I don't want to mess with that! I like the option of a different rear offset, I'd prefer to avoid spacers if possible.
i am considering purchasing a 2024 GLE 450 4matic and have a question regarding wheel/tire selection. I live in the Bay Area in California and frequently visit the Lake Tahoe area in the winter. I assume the 21” wheel selection with an all season tire would perform well in winter conditions in a mountainous region?
I currently don’t have enough storage space for a dedicated set of winter tires so just curious on how other owners find the 450 performs in snowy conditions.
i searched the forums and could not find a good thread on this topic so apologies in advance if this is a commonly asked question.
Given the weather the Sierras had last year 21s would be no go regardless of tire type. The 21s, especially the rears are too wide to be effective. Best to get a ser of 20s with the appropriate Winter-rated tires in 275 width. Love my Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUVs. Some tire stores will store your wheels for free or inexpensively off season (Like Les Schawb here).
I ran with 8 1/2 wheels et45 no spacers. The wheel width doesn’t affect the tire location but narrower does add more bulge. It’s the narrower rear tire width and wheel offset that determine the outside tire location. It’s a winter setup so most drivers aren’t pushing the vehicle like you might in summer. That said, I have driven aggressively at times with no adverse handling noted.
Thank you for posting the pics! That looks really good, much better than I expected. The GLE has a wide mean stance, I don't want to mess with that! I like the option of a different rear offset, I'd prefer to avoid spacers if possible.
Those wheels are Mandrus Ottos by TSW. If you don't like that style Mandrus might have other options for you.
I got my 22" Pirelli Scorpion Zeros A/S tires installed today and I was pleasantly surprised by the look compared to the stock summers. Even though they are the same size tires, the Pirellis (Left) look narrower than the Yoki summers (right). They look similar to the 21" all seasons I had initially ordered with my 53. The ride quality is excellent with no noticeable difference in road noise.
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