Twenty-three inch wheels have gone from a specialist order to a normal request, particularly on the new Defender and the L460 and L405 Range Rover. They look right on a big body, but of all the sizes we sell they are the least forgiving if the specification is wrong.
Here is what to check before you order.
Bolt pattern: 5x120
Defender, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, Discovery and Velar all run 5x120. Five studs on a 120mm circle. That is the same pattern used by the VW Transporter, Tesla Model S and various BMWs, which is why 5x120 is one of our deepest ranges.
It is not the same as 5x112, which is what Audi, Mercedes and most Volkswagens use. There is no adapting between them safely.
Centre bore: 72.6mm
The Land Rover family uses a 72.6mm hub. Our 23 inch wheels are machined to suit, so on these vehicles a spigot ring often is not needed at all. Where one is required we supply it free.
Centre bore is not cosmetic. The hub, not the bolts, carries the weight of the vehicle. A wheel that is not hub-centric puts the load through five bolts instead, and on a three tonne vehicle on 23s that is not a risk worth taking to save a few pounds.
Offset and width
Our 23x10 inch wheels run ET45, which suits the standard arches on a Defender or Range Rover without needing spacers or arch work. Going to a much lower offset pushes the wheel outboard, which looks aggressive and then rubs the liner on full lock with a passenger load.
If your vehicle is lowered, on air suspension that sits low, or has had any arch work done, tell us before you order and we will check the specific wheel against it.
Load rating is the one people skip
This is the single most important number on a wheel for a vehicle this heavy, and it is the one most sellers never mention. A Range Rover or a loaded Defender puts far more through each corner than a hatchback. A wheel rated for a family car will fit, bolt up and look fine, and it is still the wrong wheel.
Ask any supplier for the load rating in kilograms per wheel before you buy, and if they cannot tell you, that is your answer. We publish ours.
Tyre sizes
On a 23x10, the common fitments are:
- 295/35 R23 on Range Rover and Range Rover Sport
- 285/35 R23 where you want to keep the rolling radius closer to a 22 inch setup
Going up to 23s from 21s or 22s without matching the profile changes your rolling radius, which affects the speedometer, the ABS and the adaptive cruise. Keep the overall diameter within about two percent of standard and none of that is an issue.
Ride quality, honestly
A 295/35 R23 has very little sidewall. On a Range Rover with air suspension you will barely notice it on a motorway and you will notice it on a pothole. On a Defender with coils it is more pronounced. They look superb and they are firmer. Anyone who tells you a 23 rides like a 20 is selling you something.
If the vehicle does green lanes or farm tracks, stay at 20 or 21 inch. A big sidewall is what protects the rim.
What we stock
Our 23 inch range sits in the 23 inch collection, and the Land Rover specific designs in Range Rover style alloy wheels.
A good starting point is the 23x10" Defender Urban Style in gloss black, 5x120, 72.6mm bore, ET45. There is a 20x9" version of the same design if you want the look with more sidewall.
Need just one
Twenty-three inch wheels and potholes are a bad combination, and replacing a set because of one cracked rim is an expensive way to fix one corner. We supply single replacement wheels, which is unusual in this size. See the Single Wheel Replacement range, or ask us about a single from the main catalogue.
Check before you buy
Send your registration to sales@omiwheels.com or WhatsApp +44 7753 828059 and we will confirm bolt pattern, bore, offset and load rating against your exact vehicle. On a vehicle this heavy, on a wheel this size, it is worth the five minutes.