Michelin OE on new BMW X5 M and X6 M

BMW has chosen the Michelin Pilot Super Sport as the sole 21-inch fitment for its new high-performance X5 M and X6 M models. From its market launch in early 2015, the BMW X5 M and X6 M fitted with the optional 21-inch forged alloy wheels, will be equipped exclusively with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. The 285/35 ZR21 105Y front and 325/30 ZR21 108Y rear ultra-high-performance tyres feature a number of Michelin technologies including multi-compound tread and Variable Contact Patch 2.0.

Michelin has an ongoing relationship with BMW M and has designed tyres for the M3, M4, M5 and M6 models. The new tyres are the result of a two-year co-development between BMW M and Michelin. During this development phase around 1,400 prototype tyres and 500 pre-production tyres were produced and tested.

Originally developed for endurance race tyres, multi-compound technology uses different rubber compounds on the left and right sides of the tread. The outer shoulder provides exceptional grip and wear resistance during cornering, intermediate ribs are optimised for steering and handling and the inner shoulder is designed to break through water and provide grip on wet roads.

Variable Contact Patch 2.0 technology means it – the contact patch – changes shape depending on real-time driving conditions. In this way, even as the patch’s shape changes when cornering, the amount of rubber in contact with the road remains the same.