I have a 2021 GLS450W4 on order. The build includes the 20" Twin 5-Spoke Wheels (R33), mainly because I didn't want a staggered tire size front to rear. I just don't like the idea of not being able to rotate tires in order to increase tread life. What are some thoughts on the positives and negatives...?

Should I move up the 21" 5-Spoke Wheels (R76), different size front and rear?

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

 

You beat me to it on this question! I am getting very close to pulling the trigger on a new GLS450 and searching my area for what is available. I don't really like the idea of not being able to rotate tires either (although my mechanic on my old 2014 W212 sedan says not to rotate as well). But, I also don't feel really comfortable with the low profile sidewall on the 21's. They're 40 series I believe. How well can these 21' rims take a pot hole without a bent rim? And do they alter the smooth/quiet ride characteristic that much? Ours won't see off road, but will see all 4 seasons and quite a few pot holes. I am thinking along the lines of a 10 year car here, and thinking the 21' set up might be a moment in time where I regret it when it comes time to replace the tires, and/or chasing out odd vibrations due to a bent rim.

On my W212 (E350 sedan), it has the AMG appearance package that includes the 18 AMG rims and Continental tires. I've had more than a few trips to the tire repair shop for a bent rim on that car for hits that I wouldn't think would bend a rim. They look great, but....

 

I recommend the 20" wheels. I have a 2020 GLS450 with 21". While driving slowly over rough payment impact noise and vibration resonates through the cabin. I will probably switch to 20".

 

Actually we ended up going with the 21's instead. I get what you're saying, you feel more of the road surface with them for sure, and the wide rear-end set as well. But for us, it doesn't really bother us and will likely replace with Michelin's when ready, which have always helped smooth out the road surface and overall ride for us on low profile tires on other cars we've had with low profile. The tradeoff is a bit more crispier handling in my opinion. We came from a Toyota Highlander (2013) to this car. We loved the Highlander, but no comparison to the GLS on any level, especially in the handling department and we contribute a lot of that to the larger tires with smaller profiles. Wife drove both the 20's and 21's, and preferred the 21's by quite a lot. But no doubt, a bit of a different ride and feel between the two.

 

A member sent me an email over my post above, but I can’t figure out how to respond to it on the side, so I’ll respond here. The member has a 2015 Highlander and looking at the GLS as a replacement too.

Strictly my opinion here...

The 21’s are big, and we’ve found they tend to roll “over” a lot of road imperfections instead of roll thru them. But you will notice more of the imperfections with the 21’s than with the 20’s, but it not bad, certainly not choppy. You just feel them a little bit. I’d say on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being gocart - the highlander rides at about a 3, the GLS with 20’s is a 4, and the 21’s are a 5-6. It’s really impossible to compare the Highlander though to the GLS as the Highlander is on a Camry frame and drives/rides more like a sedan. The GLS drives/rides more like a body on frame SUV. It’s a different feel, but a very nice feel. The GLS is also quite easy to live with and easy to park, as it has an insanely tight turning radius and lots of cameras and buzzers to help you out. It’s actually easier to navigate than our 2013 Highlander was because of the advanced tech.

Road noise - hardly there. Our Highlander was great in the road noise category - felt far more Lexus than Toyota. But the GLS is also excellent as well. The thick sheet metal insulated a lot more of the sounds from the outside than the Toyota did. We don’t hear road noise beyond any level that wouldn’t be expected. In fact, it’s quite impressive just how quiet it is at 80mph. You don’t realize sometimes just how fast you’re going, which was never the case for our Highlander. 80 in the GLS feels like 50mph.

end of the day, the Highlander is a superb vehicle. But it’s a Camry with a lift. The GLS is far more solid feeling, stable on the road, and has that German tank feeling about it. It’s a fantastic cruiser that is super easy to navigate the Costco parking lots on any given Saturday afternoon. The 20’s will feel more like the Highlander, and the 21’s will feel more like sporty-ish sedan.

we have no regrets with going the 21’ route, and would do it again now if we had to.

 

I've noticed that if you go with the 21's, you get wider black fender flares in the rear vs the 20's. Most likely to prevent dirt/rocks kicking up in the rear. Definitely gives it a more aggressive look.

 

never noticed that, but you’re right! The rear black trim piece is flared out a bit more and has a second little piece for extra protection. Thanks!

 

How about the 21" staggered tires with the Acoustic Comfort package, should be pretty quiet then?

 

i'm glad you pointed that out. i saw the difference in person at the dealership and ordered a GLS 450 earlier this week with the 21" wheels, mostly for the flared look and also to have wider tires for trips to some snow. the tire options aren't too plentiful, but you can get at least the michelin primacy tour a/s in stock size.

 

Yep, mine came with the Pirelli's and we'll be going right to the Michelins when it's time, no question about it. Not saying the Pirelli's are bad tires, but I just like Michelin better. Just a personal preference...

 

My GLS 450 with the same size 20" all around are Michelin.