Front, 17", Profile 1, 5 Lugs, Anthracite- Rear, 17", Profile 1, 5 Lugs, Anthracite
VW MK7 Jetta/GLI Wheels
Lightweight forged & flow formed APEX wheels for your 2015+ VW MK7 Jetta/GLI
Construction Type
AllFinish: Anthracite
Total
$1,376.00$1,100.80Overview
MK7 Jetta GLI Wheel Performance
Despite being marketed as a performance sedan, the OEM MK7 Jetta GLI wheels and tires that come on the car from the factory leave quite a bit of performance on the table. The MK7 Jetta GLI has a lot of tuning potential and can be a relatively quick car both on the street and at the track. However, the stock wheels and tires reach their grip limit well before what this chassis is capable of. If you want to maximize the performance of your MK7 Jetta GLI, a chassis-specific set of lightweight wheels in a wider fitment will completely transform your driving experience. We developed our forged VS-5RS and flow formed SM-10 wheels to reduce weight and improve overall traction. Fitment-wise, the MK7 GLI is practically the same setup as the MK7 Golf/GTI, so if you want to learn more about our recommended setups for this chassis, you can check out our MK7 Golf GTI/Jetta GLI Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide.
Overview of the MK7 Jetta GLI
Prior to picking out your preferred set of MK7 Jetta GLI Wheels, let’s take a look at what makes the newest generation of VW’s beloved sport sedan such a solid performer both on the street and at the track.
The newest generation of the Jetta GLI made its initial debut at the 2018 North American International Auto Show and continues to be sold to this day. The MK7 Jetta GLI is based on VW’s MQB chassis, which shares its underpinnings across a plethora of other VW models, including the ever-popular Golf and GTI. Powered by the acclaimed E888 2.0T inline-four motor, the MK7 GLI makes 228 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque at the crank. Power is sent to the front wheels via a standard 6-speed manual or optional 7-speed DSG transmission, utilizing the same VAQ electronically controlled differential found in the MK7 GTI. While 18” alloy wheels are standard on the MK7 Jetta GLI, the factory tire size and compound tend to be a bit lackluster compared to the mechanical grip this chassis offers. With that said, a set of Apex MK7 Jetta GLI wheels wrapped in some wide and grippy performance tires will allow you to truly experience the handling characteristics of VW’s fun and sporty sedan.
In 2022, the MK7 Jetta GLI underwent a mid-cycle refresh with an aesthetic facelift utilizing revised front and rear bumpers. However, mechanically speaking, the facelift GLI did not forgo any changes, maintaining the same 2.0T engine, as well as the 6-speed manual and 7-speed DSG transmission options. Seeing how the MK7 Jetta GLI shares most of its components with the ever-popular MK7 GTI, the MK7 Jetta GLI has a wide range of aftermarket parts support with plenty of ways to increase overall performance. Prior to installing a set of MK7 Jetta GLI wheels and tires, you should check out Motortrend’s overview of the MK7 Jetta GLI to learn more about the quirks and features of these cars. You can find a link to Motortrend’s article: Motortrend: 2023 Volkswagen Jetta GLI first test.
MK7 Gallery
VW Jetta/GLI MK7
VW Jetta/GLI MK7
SM-10 Specifications
Reproductive Harm - www.p65warnings.ca.cov Fitment guides
Which Wheels Should I Get?
Check out our Fitment Guides, the most in-depth, authoritative guides for wheel and tire fitments, tailored for your vehicle and how you drive it.
SM-10 features
The Flow Form Advantage
Flow forming enables us to create high performance wheels without the price premium of forging. It improves the mechanical properties and grain structure of the barrel, increasing its strength and stiffness, which allows us to use less material and reduce weight. Thanks to our superior engineering, our flow formed wheels have a higher load rating than some competitors' forged wheels.
"I" Beam Spokes
One of the most prominent features of the SM-10 is its advanced "I" beam spoke machining. Any excess material that doesn’t add strength is carved out from the sides of the spokes using a precision CNC ball cutter. This process is often deemed cost-prohibitive by others, but for performance without compromise we believe it's essential.
Bigger, Tougher Inner Lip
The inner lip is the most vulnerable part of a wheel because it has no spokes for support. Our Flow Formed Evolution line adds more material to this high-impact area as an extra layer of protection against track berms, potholes, and whatever else the road may throw at you.
Maximizing Concavity
We use the deepest concave face profiles we can for every application after factoring in critical clearances such as brake calipers. The SM-10 utilizes 3 unique profiles to make this possible, with the deepest concave face delivering reduced weight and a stunningly aggressive appearance.
Big Brake Clearance
Big brakes often require bigger, heavier, more expensive wheels, which aren’t ideal in a performance environment. The SM-10 is one of our many wheels which solve this problem. Through comprehensive laser scanning and endless rounds of test-fitting, we’ve created 18” wheels to clear huge brakes that typically require 19” wheels from other manufacturers.
Weight Optimized
We conducted extensive Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to reinforce high-stress areas and to remove material where it didn’t improve strength. The result is a wheel that is exceptionally light without the strength compromises found on typical lightweight wheels.²
Built for Impact Sockets
Track wheels need track tools. Don’t settle for wheels that require undersized tuner lugs or thin walled sockets. All APEX wheels accommodate over-sized race lugs and impact sockets to make swapping wheels lightning fast.
32mm
Socket Diameter Clearance
Finishing Touches
The SM-10 is finished using a multi-stage liquid paint over a powder coated base coat. This coating process leaves lug holes, center bores and mounting pads untouched, which ensures proper fit and torque values.
JWL and Beyond
All APEX Flow Formed wheels meet or meaningfully exceed JWL load rating requirements. Some manufacturers don't meet the minimum requirements, yet still claim to be compliant. Always compare load ratings to ensure you aren’t sacrificing critical strength for a slightly lighter wheel.
True VIA
The VIA is an independent wheel testing and auditing agency similar to TÜV. Many companies falsely claim their wheels have been certified, and even use the VIA stamp without permission. Our Flow Formed wheels have been certified, and we provide the registration numbers for every wheel. Protect yourself. Demand registration numbers from manufacturers.
Additional features
Hub Centric
All SM-10 wheels are purpose built for select vehicle applications. Very few applications require centering rings.
Center Caps
All APEX wheels come with our gloss black cap included that is interchangeable with the OE cap. We also offer additional colors for select fitments.
Wheel Hardware
APEX wheels can be used with all OEM mounting hardware, proper aftermarket hardware and most wheel spacers. Wheel locks and stud conversion kits also work perfectly.
TPMS
All APEX wheels accept OEM and aftermarket Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensors and standard fit valve stems. If you don’t have sensors, then select from our metal stems available in multiple finishes.
Accessories
A Wheel You Can Depend On
Accidental damage replacement
Curb rash or pothole damage on the street? Make an oopsie at the track? We’ve all been there. APEX is proud to offer 50% off replacement wheels, no matter the damage.
Lifetime warranty
All APEX wheels come with a lifetime structural warranty against defects in workmanship and materials, plus a 1 year finish warranty. Exchanges are fast, easy, and hassle-free.
¹ All wheels compared with equivalent 18x10” ET25 5x120mm /72.56mm fitment
If you like cheap gear you will hate this newsletter.