Are you an owner of the new Alphard Z grade and feel like the quality of the standard wheels isn’t quite up to par? This time, we’ll take a deep dive into wheel replacement to solve that problem and make your car look even more attractive. In particular, we’ll focus on replacing the wheels with the 19-inch genuine wheels used on the new Alphard’s top-of-the-line Executive Lounge , and explain in detail the reasons for this, the selection process, driving impressions, and who we recommend them to.
Standard wheels for the new Alphard Z grade: What is their texture?
New 40 series Alphard Z grade, standard 18-inch aluminum wheels
The new 40-series Alphard Z grade comes standard with 18-inch aluminum wheels . It may be hard to notice from a distance, but some people may question the texture when they look closer. The surface is finished with a “Super Chrome Metallic” paint, which gives it a lustrous shine, but the design leaves something to be desired.
18-inch wheels equipped with the SC package of the 30 series Alphard
The difference is clear when compared to the 18-inch wheels that came with the SC package on the previous 30-series Alphard . The old wheels had such a high-quality feel that when the light hit them after a car wash, it was “truly captivating,” and it made me want to mount them on the new Z grade as is. Unfortunately, although they have the same five holes, the hole pitch is different, so they cannot be mounted on the new Alphard . This is what has led many owners to consider changing their wheels.
Reasons for choosing the Executive Lounge genuine wheels: A decision made after much deliberation
For this wheel change, I finally decided on the 19-inch genuine Executive Lounge wheels, but before that I considered several options.
1. Modellista 20 inch
Modellista 20-inch aluminum wheels exclusively for Alphard
The full specs of the Modellista model, unveiled at the 2024 Auto Salon, have a striking presence, and the wheels in particular are very attractive . The design stands out against both white and black body colors.
However, the price of 430,000 yen for the set including the tires was way beyond my budget (around 300,000 yen for a set of tires and wheels) , so it was ruled out as an option. In addition to Modellista, GR Parts also offers 20-inch wheels, but these are also expensive.
2. New Vellfire Z Premier 19-inch:
Vellfire Z Premier 19-inch wheels
The Vellfire Z Premier’s 19-inch wheels are finished with a “black sputtering paint” finish, giving them such a high-quality texture and beauty that you’d think they were plated wheels . It might be hard to tell on a cloudy day, but when you look up close, you can really see their appeal. Normally, they’re exclusive to the Z Premier, but they’re sold as accessories and are available for general purchase at dealerships . The price for just four wheels is around 250,000 yen. It was an attractive option, but since my new Alphard has a black (202) body color, I felt that regular plated silver wheels would suit me better than smoked plated wheels , so I decided against them.
3. Executive Lounge genuine 19-inch:
From the many options available, I finally decided on the Executive Lounge 19-inch wheels. The main reason for this was that I thought the regular plated silver wheels would look best with the black body color .
Although the area of the black part has increased, this wheel features a “machined” design that looks like it has been carved out of aluminum, and the jagged edges in particular make it look more like an Alphard . You may not notice it unless you look closely, but the attention to detail in the design is truly impressive.
One thing to note is that if you purchase only wheels from a dealer, the “air valve” used to inflate the tires may not be included . I have been confused by this myself, so I recommend that anyone considering purchasing a wheel check whether or not the wheel comes with an air valve.
After much deliberation, I found a new car dismantled one for sale on Yahoo Auctions and Mercari, and decided to buy it. It was selling for around 290,000 to 310,000 yen, which was a bargain considering the cost of the tires, wheels, and labor.
I found a good product, but it might be better to buy new wheels from a dealer or online and put on your favorite tires, as you’ll be sure to get nice wheels.
By the way, the original tires are “225/55/R19 Dunlop SP SPORT MAXX 060 “.
Before and after replacing the Alphard Z grade wheels with genuine Executive Lounge wheels
4. Aftermarket parts
As for aftermarket products, the “WEDS Leonis JG” and “VERSUS STRATAGIA Series VOUGE” have a good balance of flat and curved surfaces, and despite being aftermarket products, their “not too rough” design was appealing.
What I felt while driving: Has the ride quality changed?
Many people are concerned about the impact on ride comfort when upgrading from the standard 18-inch to 19-inch wheels.
Driving feel from the driver’s seat
When going over small bumps while driving on public roads , I felt that the response was slightly improved . This could also be described as a slightly firmer ride. However, when going over large bumps at low speeds, such as at railroad crossings, I didn’t feel a significant difference between the 18-inch and 19-inch wheels.
Second-row rear seat comfort
In the second row rear seats, where comfort is most important, there was almost no difference in ride quality even after changing the wheels . The second row of the new Alphard is already quiet and moderately soft, to the point that it feels “just comfortable.” The ride quality was “almost the same” when driving on the highway as well as on regular roads. Before changing the wheels, I was worried that the ride would become “harder” and become less comfortable, but I can say with certainty that this was not the case at all .
The wheels illuminated at night give a different beauty and a firmer impression than during the day . Once you change to these wheels, you’ll be so satisfied that you’ll never want to go back to your original Z-grade wheels.
Recommended for people like this!
Alphard Executive Lounge genuine 19-inch wheels
Replacing your wheels with these genuine Executive Lounge wheels is especially recommended for the following people:
1. People who buy new cars and drive them for a long time:
◦ Replacing wheels is a big expense, but the longer you drive, the more satisfied you will be. When I replaced the wheels, I put on studless tires on the original wheels and sold the remaining summer tires. If you plan to keep driving for 2-3 years, I highly recommend it .
2. People who don’t care about resale value
Generally speaking, if you replace your aluminum wheels with ones that are different from the standard equipment, even if they are aftermarket or genuine parts, it is likely to result in a negative appraisal result. This is because in the used car market, standard equipment on new cars tends to be considered a “must.”
However, since the Executive Lounge 19-inch wheels in this case are genuine parts of a grade that is sold as standard in overseas markets , there is a possibility that they may be appraised slightly higher . This is a delicate point, but it can be said that the risk is lower than with completely aftermarket parts. Also, these wheels have some overlapping designs with the wheels of the Crown Crossover, so they are also attractive in that they are less likely to become boring.
summary
For those who are dissatisfied with the standard wheels on the new Alphard Z grade, replacing them with the Executive Lounge’s 19-inch genuine wheels is a very attractive option , as it significantly improves the appearance while maintaining ride comfort that exceeds expectations . While budget and resale value need to be considered, this is a customization that is definitely worth considering for those who want to make their car more personalized and of higher quality.
