German auto company BMW has selected three Bridgestone-brand and three Hankook-brand tyres as OEM fittings on its four-door X3 hatchback sports activity vehicle.
BMW has selected the Bridgestone Alenza 001, Dueler H/P Sport and Blizzak lines in 14 sizes, and Hankook’s Ventus S1 evo² SUV, i*cept evo² SUV and Kinergy GT for fitment on various iterations of the vehicle BMW builds in the US and sells globally.
Japan’s Bridgestone Corp. and South Korea’s Hankook Tire Co. Ltd. are the third and fourth tyre makers to announce OE fitments on the X3. The others are Kumho Tire Co. Inc. and Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd.
The Alenza 001 summer pattern tyre is specified for the BMW X3 in 18-, 19-, 20- and 21-inch rim diameters, including a few select models with run-flat technology. The Alenza 001 tyres are engineered to provide precise handling with a comfortable, highway luxury ride in wet and dry conditions, says Bridgestone.
The Dueler H/P Sport AS tyres selected are all-season run-flats.
The Blizzak LM-001 fitment is limited to X3 models sold in select European markets where winter tyres are required during specific months.
Meanwhile, Hankook says it worked with BMW to develop a tyre that offers high performance without compromising comfort and came up with the Ventus S1 evo² SUV, which includes a specially adapted bead filler to help achieve the necessary rigidity to meet BMW’s requirements for high steering precision.
To be able to cope with higher operating temperatures typical of heavier SUVs at speeds up to 167 mph, Hankook uses a heat-resistant hybrid textile in the reinforcing layers.
In addition, BMW has approved the Hankook’s winter i*cept evo² SUV in 225/60 R18 104 H XL as an optional fitment for winter climates, as well as the all-season Kinergy GT.
BMW selected Hankook summer and winter tyres as OE not only on the X3 but on the BMW 7 series too.