Tried 22", 21" and 20" impressions from one day

[TomekGnomek]

Hi, I've had a chance to drive Macan 22" (demo), 21" (mine) and 20" (loaner) in one day.
All air suspension, all winter tires and similar cars so it's very comparable.

Impressions?

There is not much difference between 21 and 22 in terms of ride quality.
There is big difference however between 20 and 21/22 (these make the car much stiffer).
20" wheels have lower tire pressure and the car is much softer, much more comfortable.
Also 20" wheels make the car much quieter on highway compared to 21" and 22".
It comes with a cost as the grip on 20" was not as good as on 21 and 22.
As for the consumption this is something you would notice only on longer trips with a calculator.

Overall I think it's good to test drive before choosing you spec as the difference is noticeable.

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[Awaz]

Interesting, you experienced all three wheel sizes, and your observations.
Glad I'm on 20s, then. My tyre pressure is still +2-3psi, that I never changed.
Never notice any lack of grip, though. Perhaps I don't drive like a racing driver

 

[krissrock]

i'm hoping to move to 22's this summer!!
thanks for the info though!

 

[SteveInKirkland]

I was really torn between buying 20" and something else because of the ride comfort and efficiency of the 20" wheels. If my car were stolen today and I ordered another, I don't know which way I would go.

 

[MatC21]

Well, the main benefit of larger wheels is looks. If you don’t care about that then always choose the smallest wheels. There are only benefits.

I personally think 21 inch summer, 20 inch winter is the best compromise between looks, comfort and range though. I always go for the 2nd largest wheel the manufacturer allows for summer, has always been a good choice. And then size down once for winter.

 

[ColdCase]

Thats pretty consistent with my observations, but it could also be the tire. The 20 inch Pirelli Scorpion MS were quiet and firm but not harsh where the Michelin 21s were noisy, both tire and road noise.

As far as stick, these 20 inch Pirelli stick well but these Macans are heavy and that weight constrains tossability more than tires I think. The 21s and 22s have a wider tread and I think that contributes to the looks more than a wheel size difference of an inch or to. I'd be thinking about 20 inch tires with the max width along with wheels wide enough for the tire when it come time for new tires. OEM 20s are better in snow and slush (Narrower).

Perhaps a 20 inch tire with 255 and 295 tire width on 9J and 11J rims......

Those with the turbo may have a different opinion...

 

[PSPJames]

I went with 22s because I didn't like the look of the 20s or 21s. If I had to do it again I would still order the 22s. I lowered the air pressure a bit (I did that in my Tesla too to help ride quality).

 

[kaiju]

Well, the main benefit of larger wheels is looks. If you don’t care about that then always choose the smallest wheels. There are only benefits.

I personally think 21 inch summer, 20 inch winter is the best compromise between looks, comfort and range though. I always go for the 2nd largest wheel the manufacturer allows for summer, has always been a good choice. And then size down once for winter.

What are options for a winter set for Macan EV. Where are folks buying a second set, for example if you wanted or down size for winter? I have 21 so I could just get winter tires alone, but I also would like to run chains when I need it.

 

[ColdCase]

Keep in mind that 20, 21, 22 is the rim size and the OEM tires all have about the same diameter (22s are much wider than 20s). So , depending where the interference spot is, you get about the same chain clearance. You would need to go to a smaller diameter tire to provide more chain clearance.

 

[kaiju]

Keep in mind that 20, 21, 22 is the rim size and the OEM tires all have about the same diameter (22s are much wider than 20s). So , depending where the interference spot is, you get about the same chain clearance. You would need to go to a smaller diameter tire to provide more chain clearance.

That’s good to know. Even the 21” are wider in the front and back (chains) so could be that or even with 21” and more aspect ratio there is less chance chains messing them up.

 

[MatC21]

What are options for a winter set for Macan EV. Where are folks buying a second set, for example if you wanted or down size for winter? I have 21 so I could just get winter tires alone, but I also would like to run chains when I need it.

I bought them with the car directly at the dealer. The 20 inch Macan S wheels

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