Hankook Tire to Supply Original Equipment Tires for BMW "The New iX3"

Equipped with the Electric Vehicle-Specific Performance Tire "iON evo SUV"

Hankook Tire & Technology (hereinafter Hankook Tire) announced on March 16 that it will supply its electric vehicle-specific performance tire, the iON evo SUV, as original equipment for BMW’s all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), The New iX3.

The New iX3 is the first mass-produced model based on BMW’s next-generation electrification platform, Neue Klasse. By applying the sixth-generation eDrive electrification technology, the vehicle emphasizes a balance between driving efficiency and performance. It also features Panoramic Vision, which displays the instrument cluster and infotainment information broadly below the windshield, making it a core model that symbolizes the era of BMW’s electrification projects.

BMW The New iX3 vehicle image. Korea & Company Group

Hankook Tire successfully developed a dedicated tire optimized for the iX3 through close technological collaboration with BMW. The iON evo SUV, developed under the leadership of Cho Hyunbum, Chairman of Korea N Company Group, incorporates the proprietary iON INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY system designed specifically for electric vehicles. This design achieves optimal balance across four key performance metrics: low noise, enhanced mileage, perfect grip, and low rolling resistance, thereby maximizing overall performance.

The iON evo SUV utilizes optimal EV profile technology to increase cornering stiffness by 10%, while a reinforced belt made from super-fiber aramid hybrid material ensures outstanding high-speed handling stability. Custom-designed lateral and longitudinal groove widths on the tire surface enhance water drainage, and the application of the latest EV-specific compound further improves braking and traction on wet roads.

Thanks to its noise reduction technology, the tire reduces interior noise generated during driving by up to 18%, resulting in a more comfortable driving environment. By significantly lowering rolling resistance, which affects electric vehicle driving range, energy efficiency is improved by up to 6%. In addition, a specialized compound blending high-concentration silica with eco-friendly materials and an optimized profile structure dramatically reduce abnormal wear, increasing mileage by up to 15%.

With this latest original equipment supply, Hankook Tire has reinforced its position as a core partner in BMW's electrification efforts. The company is expanding its portfolio to cover leading BMW electric models, including The New iX3, the all-electric Gran Coupe i4, and the flagship electric SUV iX, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the electric vehicle tire market.

Meanwhile, Hankook Tire continues to serve as a key partner to BMW by supplying original equipment tires for both internal combustion engine and electrified core models, as well as being the exclusive high-performance tire supplier for 12 consecutive years to the BMW Driving Center, the automobile complex and cultural space operated by BMW Group Korea.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.