Much appreciate the feedback. If I went with the LR, is it worth it to upgrade to the 21” tires?
Absolutely not. The previous version of the model S was offered with 21" wheels that were forged. (much lighter and MUCH stronger than cast). The current version of the model S has 21" wheels as the option that are CAST. Not strong/not light/cheaper to make.
The better "value"? Get the base 19" wheels/tires. Spend less than $4500 on aftermarket 21" wheel/tire combo that is cast and have two sets of wheels /tires (or sell the 19" wheel/tires to someone to offset your aftermarket wheel purchase) or spend a bit more and get fully forged 21" wheels, and still have the 19" set for sale or to keep
Worth is your definition. You will not go wrong with the OEM 21 but is it worth $4500 -
@2101Guy has a good idea on taking the 19" and then buying aftermarket (or used OEM) 21's if there are ones out there you like the looks of better than the OEM.
For me, the 21's are great. Mine came with 21, then I switched to 20 (285/35r20 square) all season pilot 4. I am getting a more smooth ride, more quiet ride, and better range with the OEM combo.
I had the 21" on for 15k miles, the 20" for 17k miles, and back to the 21 for the last 2k miles. The noise went down considerably. It takes bumps much smoother. My range went up - these tires/wheels are more aero and have less rolling resistance.
@2101Guy is right in what he says about the forged being lighter and stronger than the cast OEM. He is wrong in saying the OEM are not strong. They are not as strong as the forged but they are plenty strong for the current S. But the current cast 21's will not be broken like the previous generations of 21's - cast wheels are very strong if designed correctly. Mine have been around and in deep pot holes - no bends, cracks, or dents. The only blemish is when the tire guy dropped it on a metal rack and took a small chip of paint.
The suspension was engineered for the weight of this combo - it was designed to handle the cast wheel.
For my driving, the forged wheels do not offer much benefit for the cost. I like the looks of the 21" OEM over the19 or aftermarket. I am in the minority here but I like my cars to look "factory" and not aftermarket/modified. With all that being said, I may still go to the Martian forged 20" with the Pilot 4S later to see how it does.