Michelin adds 44 sizes to X-Ice Snow line

GREENVILLE, S.C.—Michelin North America Inc. is adding 44 sizes to its X-Ice Snow winter tire lineup, expanding the line's market coverage to 93 percent.

The new sizes, to be phased in throughout the year, include the line's first 20- and 22-inch rim-diameter sizes and will bring the number of sizes to 123, the company said, covering 14- to 22-inch sizes. The bulk of the new sizes are in 19- and 20-inch sizes.

Launched in early 2020, the X-Ice Snow replaced the X-Ice Xi3 and Latitude X-Ice Xi2. At the time of the launch, Michelin said testing revealed that the X-Ice Snow tire features improved snow performance and braking compared with the Xi3 and stops nearly 10 feet shorter on ice than a leading competitor—the Nokian Hakkappeliitta R3 SUV.

The X-Ice Snow was developed and tested in Michelin's Nordic test centers under the most rigorous constant extreme-winter driving conditions, the company said.

X-Ice Snow features include:

• A V-shaped tread design that provides 100 percent use of the contact patch for optimal grip performance on snow, ice and slush. It retains its shape even when worn to continue providing grip in winter conditions.
• Flex-Ice 2.0 tread compound, a silica-based rubber mix that maintains flexibility in severe cold climate conditions.
• Michelin EverGrip technology, a tread compound with rigid polymer for improved grip on both snow and ice for the duration of the wear life.
• Two types of full-depth, interlocking 3-D sipes for an increased claw effect on snow and ice, and for long-lasting biting edges.