Winter tires (and wheels)

[xrtdr]

which winter tires did you select - and what size width? I live in Colorado and will need a second set of wheels/tires - my build has 21"s but I will likely go with 20"s for winter.

I am in the same boat needing to downsize to 20in wheels/winter tires (from 22 and all season tires)

What did you end up doing and did you use aftermarket wheels (such as sold by tire shops?)

Sponsored

 

[colorpaulporsche]

I decided to put Michelin XICE on the factory wheels. I may be regretting my decision to get the off road wheels and I don’t think they are very efficient / aerodynamic. Would love to see WLTP testing against the different factory wheels

 

[xrtdr]

I've been slipping around all week on these 22in continental cross contacts. Don't think I have a choice but go with tire rack wheels and 20 inch winter tires. Was eyeing the X Ice.

 

[PanameraFrank]

I have the Alpin 5s on in 20 and a know a few others do as well. Awesome tires, would absolutely recommend.

The X-Ice are more pure snow tires, if you live in an area that gets dry and/or wet along with snow I'd definitely go Alpin 5. They still crush it in the snow but much nicer out of it.

 

[Budget M3]

Every review I’ve seen comparing the Alpin 5 and X-Ice say that the Alpin is a great tire, but only for moderate winter conditions. The X-Ice is the only safe choice for unplowed snow and extreme cold.

My own experience with the Alpins on my Cayenne was that they are not nearly as stable in the snow as I would’ve liked. Here in Colorado, my 23-year old X5 on X-Ice ran circles around the Cayenne in snowy and icy conditions.

in fact, the main reason we got the Macan was that my wife slid sideways at only 10 mph into a downhill curb in her Cayenne on Alpins in icy conditions (approximately 2-3 inches of snow on top of an icy road underneath). The side airbags deployed which totaled the car, necessitating a new car. Meanwhile, my X5 on X-Ices was running up and down the hill to ferry neighbors to and from their homes when they could not make it up the hill.

An analogy comes to mind: the comparison between the two is like comparing a good all season performance tire with a dedicated summer performance tire. The all season will be a little better in the wet at the expense of dry traction and performance. Analogously, the X-Ice will be better in the snow at the expense of some dry traction and performance.

For unplowed snow or ice, I will not compromise for a little bit better dry traction. Our new Macan 4S was just fitted with X-Ices and it’s a winter beast!

 

[xrtdr]

I appreciate that reply. I, too totaled my Cayenne (2016 S EHybrid) by hitting a deer going 65 on the highway with airbag deployment. Decided to try the EV thing for a few years with a lease.
Anyway, what wheel size are the X-Ice on? Since my Macan 4 came with 22s I think I need to downsize for winter. I'm in Ohio close to a snow belt and my Cayenne on Continental Extreme Contacts was much better in slush

 

[Budget M3]

I appreciate that reply. I, too totaled my Cayenne (2016 S EHybrid) by hitting a deer going 65 on the highway with airbag deployment. Decided to try the EV thing for a few years with a lease.
Anyway, what wheel size are the X-Ice on? Since my Macan 4 came with 22s I think I need to downsize for winter. I'm in Ohio close to a snow belt and my Cayenne on Continental Extreme Contacts was much better in slush

The Macan is on 21-inch Off-road Design wheels with stock size 255/295 rubber which is not optimal for snow. I would’ve preferred a 20-inch with narrower tires, but wasn’t ready to buy another set of wheels just yet. The Cayenne was on 21-inch as well with 295 all around.

 

[PanameraFrank]

If you run anything that isn't studded without chains on ice, you're rolling the dice. The X-Ice have better ice performance, sure, but you should still be putting on chains or at least socks. Snow isn't going to be a problem for the Alpin 5, plenty of tests to prove that.

Alternatively, if it's a cold wet or dry day the X-Ice will be significantly worse than the Alpin and there's just nothing you can do about that. You will not want X-Ice on during shoulder season, so you'll want to put your other tires back on early. The Alpin still performs well in mild and/or rainy weather.

If you live in a place with constant snow, I'd do the X-Ice. If it's a mix, the Alpin. Either way, carry chains or socks as well.

 

[Budget M3]

If you run anything that isn't studded without chains on ice, you're rolling the dice. The X-Ice have better ice performance, sure, but you should still be putting on chains or at least socks. Snow isn't going to be a problem for the Alpin 5, plenty of tests to prove that.

Alternatively, if it's a cold wet or dry day the X-Ice will be significantly worse than the Alpin and there's just nothing you can do about that. You will not want X-Ice on during shoulder season, so you'll want to put your other tires back on early. The Alpin still performs well in mild and/or rainy weather.

If you live in a place with constant snow, I'd do the X-Ice. If it's a mix, the Alpin. Either way, carry chains or socks as well.

Respectfully disagree. While everyone else is sliding off the road or unable to climb and descend hills, my X-Ice equipped X5 is comparatively like Velcro and stuck to the (snow covered) road. Agree that performance (of any tire) better with chains or studs.

My experience with the Alpins was that they are a great tire, and decent in the less than 3-inches of snow, but they suck on ice or deeper snow. I think the tread pattern keeps too much rubber in the contact patch and causes the tires to ride on top of snow instead of cutting through it. As with all snow tires, they are also pretty weak in the dry compared to all seasons or performance oriented Conti’s or Michelins. Yes, they are better in the dry compared to X-Ices, but honestly that’s not a high bar to clear.

Any way you cut it though, having a dedicated winter tire on all four corners in winter is way safer than even the best all season tires.

Sponsored