When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I live in lower CT and this will be my first winter with my new 2018 GLS 550. I am wondering how the OEM continental all seasons will perform in moderate snow days.
Compared to snow tires..... they will SUCK! On a vehicle like the gls or most AWD cars its not about getting going its about stopping and turning, particularly braking. Braking distances with snow tires are about 50% shorter than even the best all season tires. That is an enormous difference. On icy inclines nothing looks as ridiculous as an AWD vehicle slipping down a hill backwards because despite all the mechanical doodas it simply doesnt have tires with enough friction coefficient. One little secret no one talks about is that ABS increases braking distances some times by a lot on surfaces that are slippery, it will prevent skidding but the distance will be longer!. Snow tires should be a requirement in every state that gets significant snow just as it is in Canada.
Compared to snow tires..... they will SUCK! On a vehicle like the gls or most AWD cars its not about getting going its about stopping and turning, particularly braking. Braking distances with snow tires are about 50% shorter than even the best all season tires. That is an enormous difference. On icy inclines nothing looks as ridiculous as an AWD vehicle slipping down a hill backwards because despite all the mechanical doodas it simply doesnt have tires with enough friction coefficient. One little secret no one talks about is that ABS increases braking distances some times by a lot on surfaces that are slippery, it will prevent skidding but the distance will be longer!. Snow tires should be a requirement in every state that gets significant snow just as it is in Canada.
Thanks a lot for the input. I will keep an eye on winter tires promotions. But so far, I believe there is litter, if any, discount on these high end snow tires, i.e., 295 40/R21. Another way is to downgrade to 19" wheel and buy a package.
We began using dedicated winter tires on our older car a couple years ago. Wow what a difference! Will never go back to "all-season" or anything else during NE winters.
That said, can anyone post winter tire sites/shops/options for the 19" wheels on our GLS450? Can't seem to find anything and tirerack.com shows only one choice from Dunlop. There has to be something better?
I'm guessing the correct specs are "275/55 R19"? Though tirerack.com only shows "265/55R19" for the dunlop. Nokian used to show one option in this size last year, but this year they have no winter tire in this range (!).
We began using dedicated winter tires on our older car a couple years ago. Wow what a difference! Will never go back to "all-season" or anything else during NE winters.
That said, can anyone post winter tire sites/shops/options for the 19" wheels on our GLS450? Can't seem to find anything and tirerack.com shows only one choice from Dunlop. There has to be something better?
I'm guessing the correct specs are "275/55 R19"? Though tirerack.com only shows "265/55R19" for the dunlop. Nokian used to show one option in this size last year, but this year they have no winter tire in this range (!).
The issue is that not only are options few, they are also constrained by availability. Rest assured, any snow tire you get will be a lot better than an allseason tire. Also check tires direct to see if they have any options. Of course also check your local independent.
Thanks.
It appears that there is no such thing as a 275/55/R19 "winter" (or snow) tire.
I could go check some local stores, but also waiting for a response from the local dealer. Am also waiting for the dealer to let me know if there's a wheel+tire package option, but would like to stick to 19" if possible.
Per https://tiresize.com/calculator/ another option might be go for the thinner options, such as 235/65R19 (the only one for Scorpions), which is likely better traction.
Compared to the original (275/55 R19 111V // 8.5Jx19H2 ET: 62) that came on the car, there are a few choices:
Tire Size---------Diameter------------------Width-------Wheel 275/55R19-------Orig 30.9"-------------10.8"---------19 x 7.5-9.5"
255/55R19-------(-2.9%) 30.0"----------10"---------19 x 7-9" 235/65R19-------(+0.3%) 31.0"---------9.3"-------19 x 6.5-8.5"
255/60R19-------(+0.3%) 31.0"----------10"---------19 x 7-9"
If I do not go for a wheel+tire package with the dealer, the Pirelli Scorpion are an option at 235/65R19.
Can someone comment on the offset for the Pirelli and the change in ride in this case?
If the outer sidewall needs to remain the same/0.0, then the offset for the Pirelli will need to be +43mm and the inner will be a full 1.5" farther away from suspension/frame.
Compared to the original (275/55 R19 111V // 8.5Jx19H2 ET: 62) that came on the car, there are a few choices:
Tire Size---------Diameter------------------Width-------Wheel 275/55R19-------Orig 30.9"-------------10.8"---------19 x 7.5-9.5"
255/55R19-------(-2.9%) 30.0"----------10"---------19 x 7-9" 235/65R19-------(+0.3%) 31.0"---------9.3"-------19 x 6.5-8.5"
255/60R19-------(+0.3%) 31.0"----------10"---------19 x 7-9"
If I do not go for a wheel+tire package with the dealer, the Pirelli Scorpion are an option at 235/65R19.
Can someone comment on the offset for the Pirelli and the change in ride in this case?
If the outer sidewall needs to remain the same/0.0, then the offset for the Pirelli will need to be +43mm and the inner will be a full 1.5" farther away from suspension/frame.
235 is way too skinny and 65 is way too tall. Though your snow performance will be great your handling will feel very different, squishy and tippy. I would recommend not going any smaller than the 450's 275 width.
You are not going to get the best tire if you buy now, you will only get the options of what is currently available. We are at the end of the snow tire cycle. Best to wait until late summer 2018.
That said, I run a a DMV in a 275/45/20 size for my GL450 that has served me very well. Wheels are 20x10 OZ with the GLS550 ET, cant recal exact offset.
Looks perfect! The rims are also nice looking. That was going to be my choice till MB came out with the oem 20 in option for 500 bucks more than the tirerack 19 in set.Ill post some pics when the car finally arrives next mth. I already ordered the rims through the dealer.
Last edited by c4004matic; 01-11-2018 at 04:25 PM.
Compared to snow tires..... they will SUCK! On a vehicle like the gls or most AWD cars its not about getting going its about stopping and turning, particularly braking. Braking distances with snow tires are about 50% shorter than even the best all season tires. That is an enormous difference. On icy inclines nothing looks as ridiculous as an AWD vehicle slipping down a hill backwards because despite all the mechanical doodas it simply doesnt have tires with enough friction coefficient. One little secret no one talks about is that ABS increases braking distances some times by a lot on surfaces that are slippery, it will prevent skidding but the distance will be longer!. Snow tires should be a requirement in every state that gets significant snow just as it is in Canada.
Snow tires are not a requirement in Canada. They are only required in Quebec.
Sorry, late to the party.
I have 20x10 on all 4s with 295/45-20 Pirelli Scorpion Winter
Been great the last 2 seasons. Took them from Boston to Denver, then from Boston to Orlando without issue. Maybe some additional wear in orlando. :-)
11-02-2017 | 05:20 PM
best winter tires for 2017 GLS 550
