XSeries-forum

Hi guys , I test drove a M50D with 21” wheels the other day and in comfort mode I thought the drive was pretty smooth ( my previous car Rangerover ) . Is there much difference in smoothness and comfort with 20” wheels ?

Really depends on the tyre spec?
I have 21" summer wheels with Perrelli PZero Run flats and there is definitely a noticeable deference against my 20" winters on Hancock winters, which are a lot smoother and take the potholes with less thud.
The winters tyres are a lot softer rubber hence the better ride, so as I say really is down to the tyres.

I guess your Hankooks are non runflats? If so then that will help with the better ride.

[quote="silverbeemersurfer"]
I guess your Hankooks are non runflats? If so then that will help with the better ride.
[/quote]
Yes you are correct.

So is it fair to say that everyone is happy with the ride comfort with 21” wheels when driven in comfort mode ?

I came from an F10 M5 on 20", of course with non RFT, and the X5 on 20" is not surprisingly more comfortable even on RFT - however, for the type of car it is, I think 20" is a good "compromise" between looks and comfort.

I previously had a 2014 F25 X3 3.5D M Sport on 19" runflats but changed last June for a 2015 F15 X5 3.0D M Sport on 20" runflats which has adaptive suspension as standard here in the UK.
The ride comfort difference between the two cars is very noticeable, with the X5 having a far smoother ride. I am more than impressed with the ride of our X5 and the performance and fuel consumption, constantly around 33MPG.
I have recently changed the tyres at 25K, only then because one of the rears had the inside shoulder worn through to the cords otherwise I would have achieved 30K. But still impressive I think for a 2+ tonne  SUV.

21” have been great, no issues at all mine are none runflats, have premium contact 5s all round but I do remember having these on the Range Rover and in before it went back needed the tyres doing, so rather than paying big money I but £100 tyres on, against range rovers advice, to my surprise there was very little difference at all . Obviously the X5 can go around a corner (just about) so I wouldnt risk a low end tyre now .