The tires on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class W465 are integral to the vehicle’s performance, especially given the G-Class’s reputation as a rugged off-road vehicle. The tires are specifically chosen to enhance the G-Class’s capability on both paved roads and challenging off-road terrains such as sand, gravel, rocks, and mud. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the tires used on the G-Class W465:

1. Tire Types and Categories

• All-Terrain Tires: These tires are versatile and provide a balance between off-road traction and on-road comfort. They are designed to perform well on mixed surfaces, making them ideal for the G-Class’s dual-purpose nature.
• Mud-Terrain Tires: For more extreme off-road conditions, mud-terrain tires offer superior grip on loose and slippery surfaces like mud, sand, or snow. These tires have more aggressive treads, which provide better traction in deep ruts or soft terrains.
• Highway Tires: For the more road-oriented versions of the G-Class, tires designed for highway performance are used. These tires prioritize comfort and low road noise while still maintaining a solid grip on dry and wet road surfaces.
• Winter Tires: In cold or snowy climates, the G-Class W465 may be equipped with winter tires that provide better traction in freezing conditions. These tires use special rubber compounds and tread patterns to enhance performance in cold temperatures, snow, or ice.

2. Tire Sizes

The tire sizes vary depending on the trim level, model year, and optional packages on the G-Class W465. Common tire sizes for this vehicle include:

• 265/70R17: A standard size for the G-Class W465, providing a balance between comfort and off-road performance.
• 275/65R18: Larger tires that provide additional grip and support for off-roading, especially when navigating rocky or uneven surfaces.
• 275/60R20: For higher-performance models or those with AMG packages, these larger tires enhance off-road capability and improve the vehicle’s handling at higher speeds.
• 325/55R22: Found in some versions, particularly with AMG trims, these very large tires provide a bold stance and improved high-speed stability, while still offering off-road traction.

3. Tire Tread Patterns

• All-Terrain Tread: These tires typically feature an intermediate tread pattern with a combination of larger, more spaced-out lugs and closely packed center ribs. This design balances traction on various terrains like mud, gravel, and snow, while still offering a smooth ride on highways.
• Mud-Terrain Tread: For more aggressive off-roading, mud-terrain tires feature larger and deeper lugs designed to dig into soft, loose surfaces like mud or sand. These tires offer maximum grip in extreme conditions but can be noisier on highways.
• On-Road Tread: The on-road tread tires used in some G-Class models have a smooth, continuous tread pattern to provide a quieter and more comfortable ride on asphalt, reducing road noise and vibration.

4. Tire Construction

• Radial Construction: Most of the tires on the G-Class W465 are radial tires, which means the internal tire plies are arranged in a radial pattern from the center of the tire. Radial tires provide excellent durability, better grip, and more flexible sidewalls, which is important when tackling varied terrains.
• Reinforced Sidewalls: The G-Class, being an off-road vehicle, often comes with tires that have reinforced sidewalls to prevent damage from sharp objects like rocks, tree stumps, or debris. Reinforced tires also help prevent tire deflation in rugged conditions, giving the driver peace of mind in challenging situations.

5. Tire Performance for Off-Road Conditions

• Sand and Mud Performance: The tires are designed to work optimally on soft terrains like sand and mud. They feature deeper treads and larger voids to allow for better self-cleaning properties, ensuring that the tires don’t become clogged with dirt or mud, which can lead to loss of traction.
• Rock and Gravel: The tires are also designed to handle sharp rocks and gravel. The reinforced sidewalls ensure that the tires can resist punctures and abrasions, while the tread patterns grip well in loose gravel or rocks, providing superior off-road traction.
• Snow and Ice: Winter tires or all-season tires equipped with winter tread designs can offer superior grip on icy or snowy roads, with larger lugs and special rubber compounds that stay pliable even in freezing temperatures. These tires allow the G-Class to handle snow-covered trails and icy roads with better control.

6. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

The G-Class W465 features a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that continuously monitors the air pressure in each tire. This system helps ensure optimal tire performance, fuel efficiency, and safety by alerting the driver if tire pressure drops below the recommended levels. This is particularly important for off-roading, where tires may be deflated slightly for better traction on certain terrains.

7. Tire Pressure and Off-Roading

• Lowering Tire Pressure for Off-Roading: For off-roading, it is common to reduce the tire pressure in the G-Class W465’s tires for enhanced traction. Lower tire pressure increases the tire’s contact patch, giving better grip on loose surfaces like sand, snow, or rocks. The TPMS system ensures that the driver can monitor and maintain appropriate tire pressure when transitioning between on-road and off-road conditions.
• Inflation Systems: Some G-Class models come equipped with an on-board tire inflation system, which allows the driver to adjust tire pressure while on the move. This system is particularly useful when transitioning from road driving to off-roading.

8. All-Season Tires

Many G-Class W465 owners opt for all-season tires for a balance of comfort, traction, and durability in all conditions, including light off-roading and urban driving. These tires can perform decently on both wet roads and light dirt or gravel paths, making them suitable for daily driving and occasional off-road adventures.

9. Tire Maintenance

• Tire Rotation: Regular tire rotations are important to ensure even wear on all tires, especially for those who frequently drive off-road. Uneven wear can affect the vehicle's handling and performance.
• Balancing and Alignment: To maintain optimal tire performance and longevity, the tires should be balanced and the vehicle should have a proper wheel alignment, particularly after driving on rugged or uneven surfaces.

10. Upgrades and Aftermarket Options

• Custom Tire Packages: Many G-Class owners choose to upgrade their tires to larger sizes or specialized options, such as beadlock wheels or heavy-duty off-road tires for more extreme conditions. Aftermarket tires may be designed specifically for rock crawling, desert driving, or overlanding.
• Performance Tires: For those who drive the G-Class on both highways and track days, performance tires can be fitted, which offer excellent road grip, precision, and stability at high speeds.

11. Tire Brands

Mercedes-Benz often equips the G-Class W465 with premium tire brands, including:

• Michelin (e.g., Michelin LTX A/T2 for all-terrain needs)
• Pirelli (e.g., Pirelli Scorpion Verde or Scorpion ATR)
• Bridgestone (e.g., Bridgestone Dueler A/T or M/T)
• Goodyear (e.g., Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac)
• Continental (e.g., Continental CrossContact)

These brands provide high-performance tires specifically designed to handle the challenges of both urban and off-road driving.

Conclusion:

The tires on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class W465 are a key factor in ensuring optimal performance on both paved roads and rugged off-road conditions. The choice of tire type, size, and tread pattern influences the vehicle’s ability to tackle diverse environments, from highways to mountain trails. Whether you’re driving on smooth city streets or navigating rocky paths in the wilderness, the G-Class tires offer the traction, comfort, and durability needed to make the journey smooth and controlled.