Swapping 20" for 21" wheels..good idea?
10-17-2018, 12:39 PM
#1
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Swapping 20" for 21" wheels..good idea?
Hello! This is my very first post.
I've owned my 2018 Q7 for a year now. Love everything the car. But for the 20-inch rims, not so much.. When purchasing the car, I asked the salesman for a wheel upgrade from the 20" 10-spoke star wheels to the 21" 5-twin-spoke titanium wheels. He advised me not to upgrade considering the lack of air suspension on my car. He also mentioned that one of his previous customers upgraded his wheels and started to complain about an increase in cabin noise and also ride comfort.
I would appreciate getting a second thought on this matter based on your experiences. I would hate to upgrade and pay a lot of money only to find that I've sacrificed the ride quality and noise significantly.
Thanks in advance!
I've owned my 2018 Q7 for a year now. Love everything the car. But for the 20-inch rims, not so much.. When purchasing the car, I asked the salesman for a wheel upgrade from the 20" 10-spoke star wheels to the 21" 5-twin-spoke titanium wheels. He advised me not to upgrade considering the lack of air suspension on my car. He also mentioned that one of his previous customers upgraded his wheels and started to complain about an increase in cabin noise and also ride comfort.
I would appreciate getting a second thought on this matter based on your experiences. I would hate to upgrade and pay a lot of money only to find that I've sacrificed the ride quality and noise significantly.
Thanks in advance!
10-17-2018, 01:18 PM
#2
Hello! This is my very first post.
I've owned my 2018 Q7 for a year now. Love everything the car. But for the 20-inch rims, not so much.. When purchasing the car, I asked the salesman for a wheel upgrade from the 20" 10-spoke star wheels to the 21" 5-twin-spoke titanium wheels. He advised me not to upgrade considering the lack of air suspension on my car. He also mentioned that one of his previous customers upgraded his wheels and started to complain about an increase in cabin noise and also ride comfort.
I would appreciate getting a second thought on this matter based on your experiences. I would hate to upgrade and pay a lot of money only to find that I've sacrificed the ride quality and noise significantly.
Thanks in advance!
I've owned my 2018 Q7 for a year now. Love everything the car. But for the 20-inch rims, not so much.. When purchasing the car, I asked the salesman for a wheel upgrade from the 20" 10-spoke star wheels to the 21" 5-twin-spoke titanium wheels. He advised me not to upgrade considering the lack of air suspension on my car. He also mentioned that one of his previous customers upgraded his wheels and started to complain about an increase in cabin noise and also ride comfort.
I would appreciate getting a second thought on this matter based on your experiences. I would hate to upgrade and pay a lot of money only to find that I've sacrificed the ride quality and noise significantly.
Thanks in advance!
10-17-2018, 01:44 PM
#3
AudiWorld Member
Welcome!
i have 20” wheels on my Q7. I doubt moving to 21” wheels will make a noticeable difference. The tires are already low profile, and the stiff run-flats are really the determing factor. Run-flat tires are terrible at soaking up bumps.
I put 19” wheels with normal (not run-flat) snow tires on last week, and that was a tremendous change and very noticeable. The car is silky smooth now! It is a bit sloppy going around corners, though.
10-17-2018, 02:01 PM
#4
Audiworld Basic Sponsor
I have the 21” wheels that have non run flat tires and don’t find the ride harsh and don’t have air suspension . Sporty, yes, but not uncomfortable. My kids says ride quality is good.
It is all all a matter of perspective though. What other vehicles have you owned or have seat time in and which were a rough ride? Will provide perspective for others.
It is all all a matter of perspective though. What other vehicles have you owned or have seat time in and which were a rough ride? Will provide perspective for others.
10-19-2018, 06:21 AM
#5
AudiWorld Senior Member
i have the 21s and think they are VERY smooth for 21s.
Sure 20 is prob a bit better for that, but i have zero complains with 21s
Actually i thought it would be WAY worse when i optioned for 21s and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. Key is to get the non runflat tires
Sure 20 is prob a bit better for that, but i have zero complains with 21s
Actually i thought it would be WAY worse when i optioned for 21s and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. Key is to get the non runflat tires
10-19-2018, 06:26 AM
#6
AudiWorld Super User
I dont think you'd have much of an issue with the 21s without air suspension. It was just the salesman trying not to complicate his sale (they'll say anything).
10-19-2018, 06:51 AM
#7
AudiWorld Member
This is Dramatic. The inch won’t make a difference. 20s on the Q7 looks like donuts. Don’t forget to swap out your fender flares!
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10-20-2018, 03:03 AM
#9
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On our 18 Prestige...it came with the 10 spoke 20's. I bought the proper load rated Hartmann split 5 spokes that look exactly like the 21's. I had them color matched to the silver trim. Used the same tires. Looks amazing. I would usually have gone with the 21's, but all the issues such as wear, feathering, and lack of options made me do what I did. I also sold the stocks for 900...so it only cost like 500 for the swap.
No regrets at all. And 99% of people can't tell they are not 21s.
No regrets at all. And 99% of people can't tell they are not 21s.
Last edited by parkstr8; 10-22-2018 at 02:36 AM.
10-20-2018, 04:34 AM
#10
Don't forget, you're really only talking about 1/2 inch of sidewall difference from 20" to 21". I don't think you'll notice that big of difference. Then again, I don't know that you'd notice that big of a visual difference in wheel size, unless you just like the design of the 21s better.