The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e brought plug-in hybrid power into the S-Class, blending flagship luxury with modern efficiency in a full-size sedan still expected to deliver the calm, substantial road manners buyers associate with Mercedes-Benz. That makes tire fitment especially important, because this model uses a staggered radial setup rather than a one-size arrangement at all four corners. Front fitment is either 245/45R19 or 245/40R20, while the rear uses 275/40R19 or 275/35R20. Available choices include blackwall, raised white letter, and redline sidewall treatments across several radial performance series, so the right selection depends on wheel diameter, front-versus-rear position, and the appearance you want to maintain.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e uses four primary tire sizes because fitment is split by both axle position and wheel diameter. The first step is confirming whether the car is on 19-inch or 20-inch wheels, then matching the correct front and rear sizes for that setup. Since this is a radial-only fitment with a staggered layout, the real decision is choosing the right series, brand, and sidewall treatment once the wheel package is confirmed.
245/40R20 is a metric radial size with a 245-millimeter section width, a 40-series aspect ratio, and a 20-inch rim diameter. On the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e, this size serves the front position when the car is equipped with the 20-inch wheel setup, so it needs to be paired with the matching rear size rather than treated as a universal fitment. Available options include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac tires, with blackwall, raised white letter, and redline sidewall choices depending on the series. It is the right size to evaluate when preserving the car's 20-inch staggered configuration and selecting a tire style that suits either a modern or more customized presentation.
245/45R19 is a metric radial size that combines a 245-millimeter section width with a 45-series profile on a 19-inch rim. On the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e, it is the front tire size for the 19-inch wheel package, making it part of the factory-style staggered relationship with a wider rear tire. Choices in this size include BFGoodrich and Nitto offerings in performance-oriented radial series, with blackwall sidewalls across the available options. This is the size to focus on when the car retains 19-inch front wheels and you want to compare tire series, load-capacity figures, and rim-width compatibility within that front fitment.
275/35R20 is a metric radial size with a 275-millimeter section width, a 35-series profile, and a 20-inch rim diameter. For the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e, this is the rear fitment used with the 20-inch wheel setup, so it belongs with 245/40R20 on the front in a staggered arrangement. BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac options are available, and sidewall choices extend beyond blackwall to include raised white letter and redline in the Street Pro III line. This size matters when confirming the rear wheel package on a 20-inch car and deciding whether the tire should emphasize a clean OE-style look or a more distinctive sidewall presentation.
275/40R19 is a metric radial size that uses a 275-millimeter section width and a 40-series profile on a 19-inch rim. On the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e, it serves the rear axle with the 19-inch wheel package, complementing the narrower 245/45R19 front tire in the car's staggered fitment. Available products include multiple BFGoodrich series along with Nitto, all in blackwall form, giving buyers a meaningful choice in tread family and product specifications without changing the basic appearance. It is the correct rear size to compare when maintaining a 19-inch setup and checking wheel width along with the tire's intended road use.
Fitment on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e is straightforward once the tire position is understood, because the covered sub-model entries separate front and rear sizing rather than introducing different trim-level tire packages. Checking the exact position matters so the correct staggered pairing is maintained with either the 19-inch or 20-inch wheel setup.
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2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e Base Front
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e Base Front uses the narrower front tire sizes in the staggered setup, with one size tied to the 19-inch wheel package and the other tied to the 20-inch package. Tire selection here starts with wheel diameter, then moves to comparing available radial series and sidewall treatments that suit the look and road character you want.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e Base Rear carries the wider rear tire sizes that complete the staggered fitment, again split between 19-inch and 20-inch wheel packages. Choosing the rear tire means matching it to the correct front size and confirming that wheel width and overall setup still align if the car has been altered from stock.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e Tires for Sale
Tires for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e vary by 19-inch or 20-inch staggered sizing, with choices from BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Depending on size, the product grid lets you compare radial series, blackwall versus RWL or redline sidewalls, and rim-width compatibility.
These FAQs focus on the staggered tire fitment used on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e, including front and rear sizing, 19-inch versus 20-inch wheel packages, product-selection differences, and the checks worth making before regular road use.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e?
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e uses a staggered radial setup, so front and rear tire sizes are different. Front fitment is either 245/45R19 or 245/40R20, while rear fitment is either 275/40R19 or 275/35R20. The correct pair depends on whether the car has 19-inch or 20-inch wheels.
That means tire selection starts with confirming wheel diameter and axle position, not just the model name. A 19-inch setup should keep the 245/45R19 front and 275/40R19 rear pairing, while a 20-inch setup should keep 245/40R20 front and 275/35R20 rear. If wheels have been changed, verify actual wheel size and width before choosing tires.
What size rim does a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e use?
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e uses either 19-inch or 20-inch rims, depending on the wheel package on the car. The 19-inch setup pairs 245/45R19 front tires with 275/40R19 rear tires, and the 20-inch setup pairs 245/40R20 front tires with 275/35R20 rear tires.
Because both rim diameters appear on this model, wheel measurement matters before anything else. Do not assume a tire size from the badge alone, especially if the car was bought used or has aftermarket wheels. Checking the wheel itself, the current tire size, and whether the car remains staggered front to rear helps prevent ordering the right size for the wrong rim.
What does 245/45R19 mean on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e?
245/45R19 is a metric radial tire size. The 245 identifies the nominal section width in millimeters, 45 is the aspect-ratio profile, R means radial construction, and 19 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e, this size is used on the front with the 19-inch wheel package.
Reading the size correctly helps keep the staggered layout intact, because the rear of the car uses a different width and profile. It also keeps the buyer from confusing a 19-inch front size with the 20-inch front option. Before replacing tires, confirm both the axle position and wheel diameter so the front and rear relationship stays properly matched.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 245/40R20 tire for a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e?
Start by confirming that 245/40R20 is the front size for a 20-inch-wheel 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e, not a universal fitment for every car. Then compare the available radial options by brand, tire series, sidewall style, and wheel-width compatibility where that specification is given.
In this size, choices include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac, with blackwall, raised white letter, and redline treatments available depending on the tire. That makes appearance part of the decision along with fitment. It also helps to compare load-capacity details when present and make sure the wheel width falls within the tire's intended range before making a final selection.
What sidewall styles are available for 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e tires?
Sidewall style depends on tire size. Blackwall options are available across all four sizes used on the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e, while raised white letter and redline treatments appear in the 20-inch sizes through Pro-Trac Street Pro III offerings.
That means a 19-inch setup keeps a more understated blackwall presentation, while the 20-inch setup opens the door to a more customized look. Sidewall choice does not change the need to keep the correct front and rear size pairing. Buyers focused on appearance should still confirm wheel diameter first, then compare sidewall treatments only within the proper size for each axle.
What brands offer tires for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e?
Available tire brands for the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e include BFGoodrich, Nitto, and Pro-Trac. Brand coverage varies by size, with BFGoodrich and Nitto appearing across the fitments and Pro-Trac options showing up in the 20-inch sizes with more distinctive sidewall treatments.
Brand choice should come after size and wheel confirmation, since the car uses different front and rear tires and comes on either 19-inch or 20-inch rims. It also helps to compare the tire series within each brand, because the available options differ in naming, sidewall appearance, and certain product specifications such as weight, load figures, and rim-width range where shown.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e?
Yes. Wheel swaps, suspension changes, lowering, spacer use, or body alterations can all affect tire fitment on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e. That matters even more on this model because it uses a staggered setup, so front and rear tire widths and profiles are already different before any modifications are introduced.
A car that no longer has its original wheels may need closer checking of wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance at full steering lock or suspension travel. Even when the tire size matches one of the accepted S550e sizes, the actual setup still needs to be verified. Clearance around fenders, liners, and suspension components deserves a careful look before regular road use.
What should I inspect before driving a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e on new tires?
Inspect the wheel diameter and tire size at each corner first, then make sure the front and rear positions are correctly matched for the car's staggered setup. After installation, check inflation pressure, bead seating, valve condition, and whether there is any rubbing, vibration, or uneven stance once the vehicle is on the ground.
A road-ready inspection should also include a look at alignment-related wear patterns, suspension condition, and any signs that the car has been modified. On a luxury sedan with wide rear tires, even small clearance issues can show up quickly. Rechecking pressure and overall appearance after the first drives is a smart step before putting more miles on the car.
How often should tires on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e be inspected?
Tires on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550e should be inspected regularly rather than only when tread looks worn. Frequent checks for pressure loss, cuts, bulges, cracking, punctures, and uneven wear are especially worthwhile on a staggered setup, since front and rear tires cannot simply be treated as one interchangeable group.
A quick visual check before longer drives and a more careful inspection at routine service intervals is a practical habit. Any vibration, pull, or sudden change in ride quality deserves attention right away. Cars that sit for extended periods should also have their tires checked for age-related deterioration and flat-spotting before returning to steady road use.
