I seriously need to figure out which aftermarket wheels look best on the new Model 3 Highland because the stock ones just arent doing it for me and the new front end is so much sleeker that my old favorites look kind of dated. I just picked up my Ultra Red Long Range last week and I'm already itching to swap out the Photon wheels. I've been a Tesla owner since 2018 so I'm not new to the whole aftermarket scene
I’m currently looking at something in the 19-inch range because I don’t want to completely destroy my efficiency since I do a ton of driving around Southern California for work but I also want that flush fitment without having to mess around too much with spacers if I can avoid it. I’ve been looking at the Tsportline options and some of the newer forged stuff from companies like Unplugged Performance but I cant decide if I should go with a dark satin finish or maybe try something bold like a light bronze since it might pop against the red. My budget is probably around $2500 to $3000 for the whole set not including tires since I’m planning on just swapping the factory rubber over for now. I’m also a bit worried about the aero performance too... part of me wants to keep that high range but man the car just looks so much better with a nice open spoke design where you can actually see the calipers.
If anyone has already pulled the trigger on some wheels for their Highland please post some photos or let me know what offsets you went with. I’m trying to get this sorted before my road trip to Vegas next month and I’m honestly stuck in choice paralysis right now...
Quick follow up to that since you're in SoCal... are you planning on lowering the Highland at all or staying at stock height? Just asking because that flush fitment you want really depends on the drop, and 19s can sometimes look a bit small if the gap is too big. Knowing if you're going with springs later would definitely change what offset you should look for. If you're trying to stay under that $3000 mark including taxes and shipping, you might want to consider Fast Wheels EV01(+) 19x8.5 5x114.3 in their titanium finish. They have removable aero inserts so you can keep the range for those Vegas trips but take them off when you want that open-spoke look. It's a solid way to save money on charging while still having a show wheel for the weekends. I would suggest being careful with bronze on the Ultra Red tho... some shades of bronze can clash hard with the new paint depth. If you go that route, try to find a matte antique bronze rather than a bright gold. Also, make sure to check the load ratings on whatever you buy. The Highland is heavy and some cheaper wheels aren't actually rated for the weight of the battery pack over long periods. I would suggest checking out Titan 7 T-S5 Forged 19x9.0 too. They're fully forged and usually hover right around your budget limit if you catch a sale. They have a more technical, sharp look that matches those new headlights really well. Just gotta be sure about the offset so you don't get any rubbing on the inner liner.
Regarding what #3 said about the aftermarket scene being a mess right now... hes totally right. I have been pretty disappointed with some of the newer flow-formed stuff lately because the finish quality just isnt what it used to be. Its a bummer when you drop 3k and see chips a month later. Since you are looking for that sharp Highland vibe, I would look at the Apex VS-5RS 19x9.5 ET35 Forged Wheels in Satin Bronze. They are lightweight, super strong, and actually engineered for the weight of the Model 3. Quick tips for the setup:
Honestly I just saw an Ultra Red with the TSportline TSS 19 inch Flow Forged Wheels in Satin Black and it looked amazing! I used to be so paranoid about aftermarket safety but these are super reliable. I actually did a similar swap on my old Tesla and the peace of mind with a TUV-spec style wheel is fantastic. That sleek Highland nose loves the thinner spokes, totally transforms the car!
@Reply #2 - good point! honestly tho i have to disagree with the rush to buy right now. in my experience, the aftermarket scene for a brand new release like the highland is always a total mess. ive tried many brands over the years and the lack of quality standards today is honestly ridiculous. it drives me crazy that we are expected to pay premium prices for what is often a subpar experience.