Low-profile tires have benefits when it comes to performance. Having less sidewall means less flex when cornering, which is a good thing when it comes to grip and handling. However, as with anything that adds performance, there is a trade-off.
In this case, less height in the sidewalls means less give in the tire on the road to soak up the initial lumps and bumps. The suspension on a car starts with the tires, and it makes a difference we regularly notice when moving between trim levels.
Your average commuter car doesn’t need low-profile tires, but along with big wheels, they’re used as a selling point. It gets even more absurd when they’re put on luxury vehicles, particularly when they’re also sold as off-roaders.
We remember speaking to someone at Land Rover once and being told that larger sidewalls improve the ride on the road and ability off-road on Range Rovers, but customers want low-profile tires, so that’s what Land Rover puts on them.
