Tesla Model X winter wheels: 19- and 20-inch wheel and tyre sets, ready to bolt on

Which winter wheel size for your Tesla Model X?

On the Model X, the year decides the size.

The Model X Long Range and Plaid leave the factory on 20-inch or 22-inch wheels; our winter sets stop at 20 inches. The taller sidewall better protects the wheel on frost-damaged roads, and energy use goes down. As a rule of thumb, GreenDrive sees energy use drop by around 5% for every inch of wheel diameter you give up, and Tesla’s official ratings point the same way. For example, the 2025 Model X Plaid is rated at 314 miles of range on 20-inch wheels against 294 miles on 22-inch (US EPA). The real gap also depends on the tyre, wheel design, speed and temperature. Already have winter tyres? See our alloy wheels for the Tesla Model X. Already have wheels? See our tyres for the Tesla Model X.

Winter tyres for a Model X: UK and Irish law, and ski trips abroad

Neither the UK nor Ireland requires winter tyres: on a Model X they are recommended, not a legal requirement. The Highway Code’s snow and ice rules (228 to 231) cover how to drive, not what to fit (GOV.UK); the law sets a 1.6 mm minimum tread depth (Highway Code, Annex 6), as in Ireland (AA Ireland).

For ski trips: in France, from 1 November to 31 March, signed mountain areas require four winter tyres or chains or snow socks on board; a winter tyre must now carry the 3PMSF symbol (three-peak mountain and snowflake), and M+S alone no longer counts (Préfecture de la Savoie). In Germany, ice, snow, slush or frost make winter tyres with the alpine symbol mandatory (§ 2 StVO, § 36 StVZO). Austria requires winter equipment in wintry conditions from 1 November to 15 April, with at least 4 mm of tread; chains on the rear wheels are an alternative on snow- or ice-covered roads (Austrian transport ministry). In Italy, signed roads can require winter tyres or chains on board from 15 November to 15 April (Italian transport ministry).

One point specific to the Model X: Tesla forbids chains on the front wheels. The winter tyres in our Model X sets carry the 3PMSF symbol; for an all-season tyre, check the marking on the product page. On four 3PMSF tyres, you need no chains on board unless a sign requires them.

Winter wheels, tyres and sensors: what a Model X package includes

• 4 alloy wheels and 4 winter tyres, fitted and balanced, delivered ready to bolt on;
• the tyre: a winter tyre fitted as standard or a choice of several brands, depending on the product page; check the 3PMSF symbol of the tyre you pick;
• tyre pressure sensors (TPMS) programmed for Tesla, included in every package, Bluetooth on the 20-inch sets for the Model X 2021+;
• the type approval stated on each product page (ECE, NAD or TÜV depending on the wheel), original wheel nuts reusable where the product page says so and, on some product pages, a Swiss type-approval certificate as an option.

On looks, each product page gives the wheel’s construction (forged or cast aluminium), its finish and, where relevant, whether it takes Tesla centre caps.

After fitting: what Tesla recommends for the Model X

Select your winter tyres under Service > Wheel & Tire > Tires so the car recalibrates faster, as the Model X Owner’s Manual advises.

On chains, Tesla recommends König-type chains, for example the K-Summit K67 for the Model X on 20- and 22-inch wheels; the chains in our chains and equipment for the Tesla Model X category work on the same principle. Fit them to the rear tyres, never at the front or on summer tyres, and stay below 48 km/h (30 mph). Before fitting, set the suspension to Medium, turn off ‘Default Ride Height to Low’ and never let air out of the tyres. For the 19-inch wheels of a 2016–2020 Model X, the manual we consulted gives no chain reference: check your own car’s manual.

Tesla Model X winter wheels: frequently asked questions

Which winter wheels fit a 2021+ Model X?

Our 20-inch sets, compatible with the Model X Long Range and Plaid 2021+, on 265/45 R20 front and 275/45 R20 rear tyres.

Can a 2016–2020 Model X take the 20-inch sets?

No, they are listed for 2021+ cars. For a 2016–2020 Model X, choose a 19-inch set, after checking your COC against the fitting condition on its product page.

Are tyre pressure sensors included?

Yes: every Model X package comes with its TPMS sensors programmed for Tesla, Bluetooth on the 20-inch sets for the Long Range and Plaid 2021+. Your car reads the pressure as soon as the wheels are fitted, with nothing to set up.

Are winter tyres compulsory for a ski trip to France?

In signed mountain areas from 1 November to 31 March: four 3PMSF tyres, or chains or snow socks on board. An all-season tyre marked M+S alone does not count (Préfecture de la Savoie).

Where do snow chains go on a Model X?

On the rear wheels: Tesla forbids chains at the front of the Model X. Tesla recommends König-type chains, for example the K-Summit K67 on 20- and 22-inch wheels, and our chains for the Model X work on the same principle (Model X Owner’s Manual).

When should I switch to winter wheels?

As soon as temperatures drop, and before 1 November if you are heading to the French mountains: the Model X manual notes that performance tyres lose grip below 5 °C.