Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 28 May 2026 – Premium tyre manufacturer Hankook has achieved a convincing test victory in the Auto Bild EV all-season tyre comparison with its iON FlexClimate all-season tyre (21 May 2026 issue). The iON FlexClimate held off seven competitors in the popular 215/55 R18 99 V size, achieving the top overall mark of 1.2 and an “Exemplary” rating.
Only EV specialist in the competition
As the only tyre developed specifically for EVs in the test, the Hankook iON FlexClimate demonstrated its excellent suitability for electric vehicles with a tyre tread that has been tailored specifically to the particular requirements of electric cars. Designed for high vehicle weight due to the battery, the iON FlexClimate offers outstanding safety in different weather conditions and features low rolling resistance. In their conclusion, the editors of Auto Bild state: “As the only tyre model designed expressly for electric cars, the winner is the Hankook iON FlexClimate. Astonishing performance: with the highest mileage of all competitors, it still delivers the best performance in wet conditions”.
“The golden middle”: iON FlexClimate wins with well-balanced strengths
The iON FlexClimate is most impressive on wet surfaces, taking first place in three of five categories. With the fastest lap time on the circular track and outstanding handling, it demonstrates confident, precise handling. It also delivers excellent braking performance: with a braking distance of 40.7 metres, the Hankook tyre brought the test car to a stop more than five metres earlier than the worst-performing competitor in the field. Here’s what the testers had to say: “The test winner finds the golden middle no matter the road conditions”.
The iON FlexClimate also tops the dry handling ranking for all-season tyres, offering a high level of driving safety despite the tread sipes typical of this tyre type, and also performs exceptionally well when it comes to braking distance. Hankook’s EV tyre also ranks among the top three for drive-by noise – an important criterion for quiet electric vehicles.
Mileage: undeniable value for money compared with budget options
The iON FlexClimate also takes first place when it comes to calculated mileage, significantly ahead of the rest of the field with 54,560 kilometres (33,902 miles). The lowest-priced candidate in the test managed only 26,420 kilometres (approx. 16,416 miles) – not even half that of the iON FlexClimate. Conclusion: From a long-term perspective, Hankook tyres offer better value for money than many budget options.
