Wheel Size: 17" vs 18"
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Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Ontario
Smooth - yes.
Road noise - yes, but you'll have some road noise, no matter which tire you pick.
Bumpy - no.
See my earlier post. We just did our third trip 500km +/- trip since we have the car, and we have no complaints. But you know what, people are expecting the same level of quietness and smoothness as in prior years' ES350; and I don't think they'll find that. The suspension is more than just a little firmer-- the downside is that you feel the road a little more.
Lexus is also using low rolling resistance tires in order to remain competitive on the fuel efficiency front. But again, the downside is that not only will low resistance tires wear out faster but they will also be noisier and you'll feel the bumps more, and that applies to both 18s and 17s.
Notwithstanding, are the 18s noisier than the 17s? Probably; but not enough IMHO to offset the better look of the 18" wheels. If there's a little cabin noise on the highway, I just crank up the ML a notch or two and I'm in heaven.
Your best bet is to go to the dealer and try them both for yourself.
Road noise - yes, but you'll have some road noise, no matter which tire you pick.
Bumpy - no.
See my earlier post. We just did our third trip 500km +/- trip since we have the car, and we have no complaints. But you know what, people are expecting the same level of quietness and smoothness as in prior years' ES350; and I don't think they'll find that. The suspension is more than just a little firmer-- the downside is that you feel the road a little more.
Lexus is also using low rolling resistance tires in order to remain competitive on the fuel efficiency front. But again, the downside is that not only will low resistance tires wear out faster but they will also be noisier and you'll feel the bumps more, and that applies to both 18s and 17s.
Notwithstanding, are the 18s noisier than the 17s? Probably; but not enough IMHO to offset the better look of the 18" wheels. If there's a little cabin noise on the highway, I just crank up the ML a notch or two and I'm in heaven.
Your best bet is to go to the dealer and try them both for yourself.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 68,624
Likes: 4,044
From: Maryland
Lexus is also using low rolling resistance tires in order to remain competitive on the fuel efficiency front. But again, the downside is that not only will low resistance tires wear out faster but they will also be noisier and you'll feel the bumps more, and that applies to both 18s and 17s.
See my earlier post. We just did our third trip 500km +/- trip since we have the car, and we have no complaints. But you know what, people are expecting the same level of quietness and smoothness as in prior years' ES350; and I don't think they'll find that. The suspension is more than just a little firmer-- the downside is that you feel the road a little more.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 20
Likes: 3
From: NC
I see this thread dates back from Oct 2012.
Anyhow, I recently test drove an ES 350, one using Michelin 17" and the other, 18" I believe it was Bridgestone.
The 18" wheels gave a more rough ride, unquestionably. We felt every little bump in the road. Road noise was no different in the short drive we took. We gave up on the 18" and bought the ES with 17" wheels. Very happy with it, though steering is way too light for me, and not enough feeling of control (road feel).
Anyhow, I recently test drove an ES 350, one using Michelin 17" and the other, 18" I believe it was Bridgestone.
The 18" wheels gave a more rough ride, unquestionably. We felt every little bump in the road. Road noise was no different in the short drive we took. We gave up on the 18" and bought the ES with 17" wheels. Very happy with it, though steering is way too light for me, and not enough feeling of control (road feel).
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Bobcat
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