All seasons tire recommendations for 21in
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All seasons tire recommendations for 21in
Have the staggered 21in (275/45R21 front and 315/40R21 rear)
Looking for all season tire recommendations. Temperatures can drop as low as 20F with a few days of light snow.
Currently considering
Experiences and/or recommendations are appreciated.
Thanks
Looking for all season tire recommendations. Temperatures can drop as low as 20F with a few days of light snow.
Currently considering
- Continental Cross Contact LX Sport
- Yokohama Geolandar X-CV
- Pirelli Scorpion Zero
- Michelin Primacy Tour
Experiences and/or recommendations are appreciated.
Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2023
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C230K
No experience with any of those tires, but I’ve had great experience with Continental DWS 06. Continental’s DWS 06 and ECS 02 tires are highly praised for their cold weather performance, and I assume that their Cross Contact would be be the same.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
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2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
Been running the Michelins for the last 75k miles / 4 ½ years (obviously been replaced along the way). They're perfect for us, never a problem in any weather condition. Have driven the car in nearly 10 inches of unplowed snow with 0% problems. They're also readily available in my area, making them easy to get and not a chore of a process.
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Been running the Michelins for the last 75k miles / 4 ½ years (obviously been replaced along the way). They're perfect for us, never a problem in any weather condition. Have driven the car in nearly 10 inches of unplowed snow with 0% problems. They're also readily available in my area, making them easy to get and not a chore of a process.
I've been very pleased with two sets of Conti Cross Contact LX. Haven't liked any Conti's since the 80's, (tried two sets - DWS was the worst) so I was surprised. Good in standing water, OK in snow, pretty good at the track.
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Michelin Primacy Tours? Or another Michelin? The Primacy's weren't OE as I remember.
I've been very pleased with two sets of Conti Cross Contact LX. Haven't liked any Conti's since the 80's, (tried two sets - DWS was the worst) so I was surprised. Good in standing water, OK in snow, pretty good at the track.
I've been very pleased with two sets of Conti Cross Contact LX. Haven't liked any Conti's since the 80's, (tried two sets - DWS was the worst) so I was surprised. Good in standing water, OK in snow, pretty good at the track.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,026
Likes: 2,205
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 776
2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
Michelin Primacy Tours? Or another Michelin? The Primacy's weren't OE as I remember.
I've been very pleased with two sets of Conti Cross Contact LX. Haven't liked any Conti's since the 80's, (tried two sets - DWS was the worst) so I was surprised. Good in standing water, OK in snow, pretty good at the track.
I've been very pleased with two sets of Conti Cross Contact LX. Haven't liked any Conti's since the 80's, (tried two sets - DWS was the worst) so I was surprised. Good in standing water, OK in snow, pretty good at the track.
I order them from Tirerack, shipped to my indi who installs them for us.
Last edited by nc211; Feb 1, 2026 at 08:51 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,026
Likes: 2,205
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
I just switched to winters, and the rears had 17,700 miles with 5-6/32" left. Starting tread depth was 9/32".
They had more wear on the outer tread, which surprised me, since there's about 1 - 1.5 degree negative camber.
Going in for an alignment next week.
They had more wear on the outer tread, which surprised me, since there's about 1 - 1.5 degree negative camber.
Going in for an alignment next week.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 26
Likes: 2
2021 GLS450
Hello All,
This is an interesting topic. I recently bought a 2021 GLS450 with 65K miles. I asked Gemini about tires:I want the best tires for 2021 GLS450 with 21" wheels. My preferences are great grip in dry and wet, then quiet sound, then tire life. Price is not a concern.
And the response:
For the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 with 21-inch wheels, you have a staggered setup: 275/45R21 on the front and 315/40R21 on the rear.
Since price is not a concern and you prioritize dry/wet grip and quietness over longevity, the following tires are your best options:
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV XL
$468.99
Michelin
4.3 (7k+)
Opens in a new window If you want a tire that leans slightly more toward steering response and all-weather capability, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus is a fan favorite. It is renowned for its exceptional hydroplaning resistance and "DWS" (Dry, Wet, Snow) indicators. While slightly noisier than the Michelin over time, it offers a very sporty, connected feel for a vehicle of this size.
Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus
$435.99
Continental
4.7 (3k+)
Opens in a new window For those who want a blend of maximum luxury and performance, the Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season is often the original equipment (OE) for high-end Mercedes models. It features Pirelli's Noise Canceling System (PNCS), which uses sound-absorbing foam inside the tire to significantly reduce road noise, making it arguably the quietest high-performance option on this list.
Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season
$439.89
Pirelli
4.2 (3k+)
Opens in a new window
===
My car came with the Pirelli Scorpion, which provides great grip and does seem very quiet.
Barry
This is an interesting topic. I recently bought a 2021 GLS450 with 65K miles. I asked Gemini about tires:I want the best tires for 2021 GLS450 with 21" wheels. My preferences are great grip in dry and wet, then quiet sound, then tire life. Price is not a concern.
And the response:
For the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS450 with 21-inch wheels, you have a staggered setup: 275/45R21 on the front and 315/40R21 on the rear.
Since price is not a concern and you prioritize dry/wet grip and quietness over longevity, the following tires are your best options:
Top High-Performance Recommendations
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV is the gold standard for your specific priorities. It is an ultra-high-performance tire specifically engineered for heavy, high-torque luxury SUVs like the GLS. It provides superior cornering and braking on both wet and dry pavement while maintaining a refined, quiet cabin experience that matches the Mercedes-Benz standard.Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV XL
$468.99
Michelin
4.3 (7k+)
Opens in a new window If you want a tire that leans slightly more toward steering response and all-weather capability, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus is a fan favorite. It is renowned for its exceptional hydroplaning resistance and "DWS" (Dry, Wet, Snow) indicators. While slightly noisier than the Michelin over time, it offers a very sporty, connected feel for a vehicle of this size.
Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus
$435.99
Continental
4.7 (3k+)
Opens in a new window For those who want a blend of maximum luxury and performance, the Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season is often the original equipment (OE) for high-end Mercedes models. It features Pirelli's Noise Canceling System (PNCS), which uses sound-absorbing foam inside the tire to significantly reduce road noise, making it arguably the quietest high-performance option on this list.
Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season
$439.89
Pirelli
4.2 (3k+)
Opens in a new window
Summary of Best Choices
- Best Grip (Dry/Wet): Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
- Quietness Leader: Pirelli Scorpion Zero All Season (Look for the "PNCS" or "MO" marked versions)
- Best All-Weather Versatility: Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus
===
My car came with the Pirelli Scorpion, which provides great grip and does seem very quiet.
Barry
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 163
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From: USA
2021 GLS580
primacy tour. Car came with Pirelli’s which I don’t care for. Rears lasted 25k miles, and switched over to the Michelins at that time. We loaded up about 50k miles on the car in the first 16 months of ownership. We’re knocking on 100k today. Rears still only last about 25k, but fronts go for about 40k+. 21’s staggered.
I order them from Tirerack, shipped to my indi who installs them for us.
I order them from Tirerack, shipped to my indi who installs them for us.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 776
2020 GLS450 (wife) / 2024 Ford Bronco (mine) / 2014 VW Tiquan (son)
Evaluating tires on an Internet forum is like debating different oil manufacturers on who's best! :-)
That said - I personally like the Michelins more than the Pirelli's that came with the car from MB, but not a huge difference. I will say the Pirelli's wore out faster on the rears than our Michelins have over the years. The Pirelli's were at the wear bars at 25k, while the Michelins can make it to about 30k before approaching the wear bar. But, the fronts for the Pirelli's seemed to wear slower than the Michelins. When we switched over at 25k miles, the front Pirelli's looked much better than any of our Michelins have at that same mileage interval. I think the Pirelli fronts would have seen 50k, whereas the Michelin fronts see about 45k.
There used to be a branding enhancement for MB for these tires, something like MO2 or similar. I guess if you wanted to pay for it, you could get them with a little foam liner inside to further insulate road noise. I don't know if they still do that, but we've never done it. Just basic Michelin Primacy for us. Hard to beat...
That said - I personally like the Michelins more than the Pirelli's that came with the car from MB, but not a huge difference. I will say the Pirelli's wore out faster on the rears than our Michelins have over the years. The Pirelli's were at the wear bars at 25k, while the Michelins can make it to about 30k before approaching the wear bar. But, the fronts for the Pirelli's seemed to wear slower than the Michelins. When we switched over at 25k miles, the front Pirelli's looked much better than any of our Michelins have at that same mileage interval. I think the Pirelli fronts would have seen 50k, whereas the Michelin fronts see about 45k.
There used to be a branding enhancement for MB for these tires, something like MO2 or similar. I guess if you wanted to pay for it, you could get them with a little foam liner inside to further insulate road noise. I don't know if they still do that, but we've never done it. Just basic Michelin Primacy for us. Hard to beat...
