SPARTANBURG, S.C.—BMW A.G. has approved three Bridgestone-brand and three Hankook-brand tires as original equipment fitments on its four-door X3 hatchback "sport 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 U.S. and sells globally.
Japan's Bridgestone Corp. and South Korea's Hankook Tire Co. Ltd. are the third and fourth tire 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 tire is specified for the BMW X3 in 18-, 19-, 20- and 21-inch rim diameters, including a few select models with run-flat technology, Bridgestone said, without specifying which X3 trim levels. The tire maker noted that the Alenza 001 tires are engineered to provide precise handling with a comfortable, highway luxury ride in wet and dry conditions.
The Dueler H/P Sport AS tires selected are all-season run-flats, Bridgestone said, without specifying which size or sizes.
The Blizzak LM-001 fitment is limited to X3 models sold in select European markets where winter tires are required during specific months. The fitment can be either standard or run-flat, Bridgestone said.
As for Hankook, the Seoul-based tire maker said its engineers worked with BMW to develop a tire 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.
The Ventus fitment on the X3 is size 225/60 R18 104 W XL, Hankook said.
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. Hankook did not say which size or sizes of the Kinergy were specified.
BMW's selection of Hankook summer and winter tires as OE not only on the X3 but on BMW's 7 series as well is a "testament to the engineering performance" of the company's tire developers, Hankook President and CEO Hyun Bum Cho said, and substantiates Hankook's decision to invest in its own winter testing ground in Ivalo, Finland.