About This Lincoln MKZ Reserve 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Lincoln MKZ Reserve 2017 sits on a set of 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch Option Lab R716 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Option Lab for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Lincoln MKZ Reserve builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Option Lab R716 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Option Lab R716 on the Lincoln MKZ Reserve 2017
I walked around this MKZ Reserve last week and the fitment immediately grabbed my attention. Mounting 18x8.5 Option Lab R716s on this chassis changes the entire vibe of the car. We measured the offset at +40 all the way around, which pushes the wheels just enough to fill those arches without screaming for attention.
The +40 offset sits flush enough to look aggressive but keeps the tires tucked safely inside the fenders. You won't deal with any nasty rubbing issues even on the stock suspension setup. It is a clean, functional look that keeps the car daily-driver friendly.
Caliper clearance is never a worry with this R716 spoke design. The spokes arch outward and give you plenty of breathing room for those stock Lincoln brakes. We verified there is no interference with the hub bore either, so it stays vibration-free at highway speeds.
The barrel depth on these 18x8.5s feels perfectly proportional to the body lines of the MKZ. You get enough depth to show off the design without looking like you are trying too hard. The wheel looks substantial next to the Lincoln's heavy body panels.
Because the car sits on stock suspension, you have a bit of tire-to-fender gap left. I actually like this because it keeps the factory ride quality perfectly intact. You won't bottom out over speed bumps or scrape your undercarriage on steep driveways.
If you decide to drop the car later, you will have plenty of room to play with. The 8.5-inch width is the sweet spot for this generation of Lincoln. It gives you a nice, square footprint that translates into better grip through the corners.
What We Recommend for Lincoln MKZ Reserve 2017 Owners
If you own an MKZ, stick to the 18-inch or 19-inch diameter range for the best balance of comfort and style. Anything larger than 20 inches ruins the smooth ride this platform is famous for. I always recommend an 8.5-inch width to keep steering feel sharp and responsive.
For your offset, stay between +35 and +45 for the most natural look. Anything lower than +35 starts poking out too far and destroys your paint with road debris. We have tested these ranges extensively and the +40 offset remains our gold standard.
Forget about staggered setups on this front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive platform. A square 18x8.5 setup allows for proper tire rotation and keeps your drivetrain happy. You get better handling balance when all four corners match perfectly.
Watch your tire selection carefully when moving to these wheels. A 245/45/18 tire keeps your speedometer accurate and fills the wheel well nicely. Avoid overly aggressive stretch, as it looks cheap and ruins the ride quality on a luxury cruiser.
Do not waste your money on cheap spacers if you choose the right offset initially. Bolt-on wheels like the R716 should fit hub-centrically without any extra hardware. Keep it simple, keep it safe, and you will have a build that lasts for years.
Style and Build Analysis
The Blue finish on these R716s is a bold move that absolutely pays off. It creates a striking contrast against the Lincoln’s factory paint. Every time the sun hits these wheels, the metallic flake pops and draws eyes from across the lot.
The multi-spoke design of the Option Lab wheel gives the MKZ a more technical, performance-oriented look. It breaks up the soft, flowing lines of the Lincoln body with some much-needed sharp geometry. It transforms a business commuter into a custom street machine.
Stance is everything, and this car nails it without needing an inch of drop. The wheels tuck just enough to look factory-plus while highlighting the brake package behind them. It has that "if you know, you know" aesthetic that true car guys respect.
We see a lot of MKZs running boring silver or chrome wheels, but this blue setup is different. It adds personality to a car that usually blends into the background of office parking lots. It proves that a luxury sedan can still have an edge.
Proportions are spot on for the MKZ frame. The wheels do not overwhelm the car, nor do they look lost in the cavernous fender wells. It feels like a cohesive build that Lincoln should have offered straight from the factory floor.
Why We Love This Build
Seeing this Lincoln MKZ in person changed my mind about the platform entirely. The blue Option Lab R716s catch the light perfectly and turn the car into a rolling piece of art. It sits with a purposeful, confident stance that makes you look twice every single time you walk away. The colors work together in a way that feels intentional and custom without being loud or tacky. We love this build because it proves that you do not need to slam a car or ruin the ride to make it stand out. It is a masterclass in clean, thoughtful modification for a daily driver. Go get a set of these and transform your ride today.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Lincoln MKZ Reserve 2017
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Option Lab R716
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 40 / 40
- Wheel Finish: Blue
- Tires: Continental Control Contact Sport Srs 235/50 27.3″x9.3″ / 235/50 27.3″x9.3″
- Suspension: Stock Suspension
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Lincoln MKZ Reserve owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch wheels fit my Lincoln MKZ Reserve? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Lincoln MKZ Reserve owners run 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
