Collaborations in the automotive industry have always led to fruitful results. A good example of this is the recent collaboration between BMW and Pirelli, which resulted in the i7 series getting a new set of Pirelli winter tires. It's about the new 20-inch P Zero Winter 2 that focuses on autonomy capabilities thanks to the European "class A" labeling for rolling resistance. With this novelty, we are dealing with a new point of reference in the tire sector, especially the one dedicated to electric vehicles.
What's So Special About BMW Tires?
It's no secret that BMW is very demanding regarding the selection of its tires. The brand chooses reliable partners who can supply it with tires developed especially for the specifics of its vehicles. BMW tires must meet the highest standards in terms of technology and quality. Whenever you spot the Star-Mark label on BMW tires, you can rest assured that they meet the strictest criteria set by BMW, along with ultimate performance and optimal safety.
The beautiful part of the story is that Pirelli perfectly meets the demanding requirements of the German leader. As proof, Pirelli's Perfect Fit strategy comes like a glove to its BMW partner, through which Pirelli develops specific tires for the cars in which they will be fitted.
Winter tires generally stand out for their higher rolling resistance than summer tires. This, as a rule, brings a negative impact on the autonomy of the vehicle. The more specific profile and unique formula of winter tires offer a much better grip on snow and cold roads. So, while these criteria are generally beneficial for winter traction, we cannot deny that the higher rolling resistance remains a disadvantage for vehicle autonomy.
New P Zero Winter 2 Tire for the BMW i7
But wait to discover the attributes of the new Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 20-inch model. Pirelli found a solution to compensate for these shortcomings. As a result, we have a tire that extends the range by up to 50 km/30 mph compared to traditional winter tires. The Development and Research department has made a massive effort to upgrade the formula, technology, and rolling resistance of the P Zero Winter 2 tire.
The new product will be available to BMW i7 series owners as early as August 2024. A little later, Pirelli will offer the same tire model to owners of the new generation BMW X3. This is expected to happen in the second half of the year, while the price of the new product remains a question mark.
Pirelli New P Zero Winter 2 Tire Release
The premium tire maker presented its new point of pride at the recent Tire Cologne 2024 exhibition. Using a virtual design, the Pirelli research team crafted a product different from its previous model. Moreover, the manufacturer has already performed tests on the product, and it performed superbly in various conditions of use.
The tire manufacturer developed its new product in such a way as to make it compatible with the specifics of both electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The line will be available in 13 sizes for now as a starting point. Regardless of the chosen tire size, drivers will have a package of technologies designed to improve the characteristics of their vehicles. It is about Pirelli Elect integrated into all sizes of the new P Zero Winter 2 line, among others.
Apart from that, Pirelli optimized the comfort of EV driving. The tire maker has integrated PNCS technology to meet this goal, which translates as Pirelli Noise Canceling System. According to reports, this technology can reduce rolling noise by up to 3dB. This is due to a special sponge in the tire's inner sidewall that can cancel sounds.
How about eco-materials? Sure thing. The new range itself includes more than 50% organic or recycled materials. To highlight the friendly composition of the product, Pirelli adds a personalized marking on the sidewall of the tires. The industry recently introduced this mark to highlight eco-conscious products whose composition includes more than 50% sustainable materials.
P Zero vs P Zero 2 Winter
As previously mentioned, the new range differs substantially from its P Zero predecessor. The first difference consists of the visibly different directional tread design.
Below is a graphic image that highlights the asymmetric design of the P Zero line. Pirelli opted for directional architecture in the new model to improve performance on snow and increase braking and handling on dry roads. Thus, the rigidity and uniform adhesion on the entire contact surface of the new product bring substantial performance benefits.
Notably, the new product features blades with a 3D structure. These blades significantly contribute due to their wider shapes at the points where the rubber contacts the ground and then narrow inwards. As a result, the tire promises constant efficiency throughout its lifetime. We also observe some grooves connected transversely using small blades. This structure increases the product's grip on snowy surfaces and, at the same time, improves driving performance.
Pirelli has incorporated a special tread compound in the new P Zero 2 to deliver a balanced and safe behavior during the winter. Moreover, the product boasts the highest European label rating for wet grip (class A) in the entire range.
According to Pirelli data, this range will include 35 sizes with variations between 18 and 22 inches. The product has already attracted the attention of several car brands as a potential OEM option. Of course, BMW was among the first to embrace it, opting for it as winter equipment for the i7 line.
Pirelli and BMW: FAQs
What Brand of Tires Does BMW Use?
Throughout its history, BMW has collaborated with various premium tire manufacturers. Depending on the series and type of vehicle, tire makers such as Goodyear, Dunlop, Continental, and Pirelli, among others, have supplied OEM tires for the car brand.
Which Tire Brand is Best for BMW?
The premium car maker recommends fitting its vehicles with premium tires from manufacturers such as Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, and Pirelli. In most cases, BMW specifically collaborates with them, especially for run-flat models, as these tire makers meet all the BMW performance requirements. Discover our full list of tire options for your BMW.
Why Is BMW So Faithful To Run Flat Tires?
This car brand cares a lot about its philosophy of a flawless, powerful, and insanely performing driving experience. BMW is constantly looking for solutions to ensure superior driving quality. In addition to the ultra-powerful engines and technical packaging of the vehicles with the latest generation technologies, BMW wants to ensure flawless driving, including from the tire perspective. A flat tire cannot be part of this scenario.
In this context, BMW is sure that run-flat tires are a philosophy that works. Even if many drivers criticize the ride stiffness associated with these tires, BMW still sees them as a safe option. It seems that between ultimate comfort and the ability to keep driving following tire damage, the latter is more prioritized in BMW's philosophy. This does not mean that comfort is left aside. Like no other, the car brand knows how to refine its customers' driving experience through the confidence and comfort of its vehicles. Here, you can find BMW tires according to vehicle model.
What is the Battery Life of the BMW i7?
The compact battery pack's 102 kWh capacity allows for a range of up to 388 miles on a single charge. While this falls short of the Mercedes EQS, which can achieve up to 441 miles, the i7 outperforms other high-end EVs like the Tesla Model S on the road.
Does The BMW i7 Use Fuel?
The BMW i7 series is available in an electric version.
Experience Pirelli Performance With NeoTires!
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Check out our range of Pirelli tires for superior performance in any season. Contact us if you need help fitting your vehicle specs with the correct tire set for a confident ride. Drive safe, and choose your tires wisely!
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Our platform offers various products for sale from the most reputable and recognized tire makers. We ensure that each customer finds the right product for their driving conditions to have a safe and efficient experience. Lastly, we are here to provide qualified assistance in this sector. It matters to us that our customers have an easy and friendly customer journey. Drive safely and choose your tires wisely!
