Handling Differences - 20" vs 21" Wheels

[Geebs55]

I am looking for thoughts here as to the differences between 20" and 21" wheels on a Macan EV.

My new (August 2025) Macan 4 came with 20" wheels. While I love the ride overall, and know the "Sport / Sport Plus Dial" can adjust (read 'tighten up') my suspension and handling, I wonder if there is a big enough difference between the two wheel sizes and the native tire profile differences on each, to drastically affect the handling, and should I go after this change.

I look through the forum postings and almost no one talks about 'handling' differences between the two wheel sizes. A few talk about 'ride quality' differences, and it is obvious that a 55 profile tire will ride smoother and quieter than a 45 series tire.

I am coming up to winter wheel season and could (a) buy a Porsche tequipment 20" winter wheel-and-tire set, or (b) put on 20" winter tires on my existing 20" wheels this winter and in the spring buy a tequipment 21" summer wheel-and-tire set, with the additional need for wheel arch extensions. After taking into account a factory upcharge for ordering a 21" wheel (that I didn't pay for) I would be looking at an approximate US $2,500 extra cost.

Is there a $2,500 difference in handling? Thoughts - please and thank you.

Sponsored

 

[W1NGE]

I am looking for thoughts here as to the differences between 20" and 21" wheels on a Macan EV.

My new (August 2025) Macan 4 came with 20" wheels. While I love the ride overall, and know the "Sport / Sport Plus Dial" can adjust (read 'tighten up') my suspension and handling, I wonder if there is a big enough difference between the two wheel sizes and the native tire profile differences on each, to drastically affect the handling, and should I go after this change.

I look through the forum postings and almost no one talks about 'handling' differences between the two wheel sizes. A few talk about 'ride quality' differences, and it is obvious that a 55 profile tire will ride smoother and quieter than a 45 series tire.

I am coming up to winter wheel season and could (a) buy a Porsche tequipment 20" winter wheel-and-tire set, or (b) put on 20" winter tires on my existing 20" wheels this winter and in the spring buy a tequipment 21" summer wheel-and-tire set, with the additional need for wheel arch extensions. After taking into account a factory upcharge for ordering a 21" wheel (that I didn't pay for) I would be looking at an approximate US $2,500 extra cost.

Is there a $2,500 difference in handling? Thoughts - please and thank you.

You won't notice the difference.

21" have less rubber so more road feel is likely, easier to kerb the alloys and the biggest difference will be a reduction in range.

Cosmetically speaking larger rims look better.

 

[jsclarke]

We are a 2 Macan S family, one with 20" S wheels and the other with 21's. I was suprised by how much more I like the 20's. The ride is still sporty but more comfortable. If I keep the car past it's 3 year lease, I would swap the wheels if practically possible.

 

[ColdCase]

The 21s have slightly wider tread width along with shorter sidewall. Given the same tire brand/model. The 21s grip dry pavement better at the limit. Wet pavement and snow, the grip is less.

Shorter 21 sidewalls gives more immediate feel to turn in but are a harsher ride.

A couple things that you may prefer if you drive the SUV near the limit routinely. Or like the driving feel of tight handling.

The 20s will be more comfortable on choppy pavement and have less of a tendency to follow road irregularities.

Then there are the looks

All subjective for a daily driver, I think.

 

[Wilco]

21's will probably give you less milage & also be more expensive to replace.
As an example on a similar car my 18's on my ipace lasted much longer than a neighbour's car on 21's.
I suppose all this suggestions depends on your priorities.

 

[Fluff]

I cant directly answer, but i had a 4 with 22" for 3 months, now in a 4 with 21" the 22" used to tramline a lot, especially in UK a lot of roads get tar and chippings, and the car would find the lines, and really you would feel them. Now on 21" massively reduced. Both with Bridgestone tyres.

 

[MatC21]

I have 20 winter and 21 summer. There is actually surprisingly little difference between the two, especially in comfort. It is only 22 when you can really feel a harsher ride. The 21 are obviously sportier but that is mainly due to them being summer tires.

 

[Geebs55]

As the original post author, I can report that I went to the dealer and drove my car with 21" wheels, considered what I had just experienced, and decided to stay with 20" wheels - they give ME the best/most practical Range and Ride. YMMV.

There is a ride and handling difference (for me) for sure, between the 20" and 21" wheels; most of those were articulated above. I am satisfied that absolutely love what I have with the 20" wheels.

Thanks to all for chiming in. This is what this forum does well.

 

[CHP]

I had 21 and 20 inch on 4s. I didn’t notice any difference in handling, comfort or range (daily use). Little unfair as my current has RWD but that’s roughly the price difference between 20 and 21 inch. Personal choice, I think the 20 inch go well with some colours and not so much with others.

As for range, I only had ideal conditions for 70% battery discharge on highway at 70mph once. No traffic whatsoever, average was 38 kWh/100 miles (including 10 miles to get to highway). In this scenario I like to think 21 inch would be slightly worse. Way back with some traffic 32 kWh/100 miles. Range is all about speed for Macan, not as efficient as some other, less eye pleasing EVs.

Sponsored