Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 14^th October 2024 – Premium tyre manufacturer Hankook is supplying the specially matched Ventus S1 evo Z UUHP (ultra ultra-high performance) tyre as original equipment for the new BMW M5. The brief for the high-performance saloon, now in its seventh model generation, was a meticulously tuned tyre. The reason the tyres need to meet special requirements is due to the introduction of an electrified drive system in the luxury-class model from BMW M GmbH for the first time in its 40-year history. These requirements include a high load capacity for effortless handling of the PHEV (plug-in hybrid) model. On the other hand, excellent grip was required to transmit the system output from the V8 engine and electric machine of 535 kW/727  hp as well as the maximum system torque of 1,000 Newton metres to the road in a controlled manner.

At the same time, Hankook engineers had to take account of one of the most defining characteristics of the BMW M5, tuning the Ventus  evo Z specifically to the fast and highly precise responsiveness of the steering – whether on the road or on the race track. The result? The mixed tyres in the size 285/40 ZR20 at the front axle and 295/35 ZR21 at the rear axle are the ideal combination of lightning-fast steering response, perfect transmission of cornering forces, and driving dynamics for which the M models are known. At the same time, the developers have been able to make a contribution to the modest fuel consumption and energy consumption through a low rolling resistance. Like all tyres that are explicitly approved as original equipment for BMW M and BMW vehicles, these tyres also bear the ☆ mark on the sidewall and follow the strict criteria imposed by the manufacturer. The Ventus S1 evo Z premium tyres are produced in Hankook’s European plant in Hungary.

“We are proud of having developed the perfect tyre for such a legendary vehicle as the M5 in close cooperation with BMW M,” says Klaus Krause, Vice President and Head of Europe Technical Center at Hankook in Hanover. “Our clear objective was to transmit the unique driving dynamics of the high-performance saloon to the road without having to compromise when it comes to rolling resistance. We have achieved this over the three-year development time.”

Ventus S1 evo Z: High-load tyre with bespoke tread for maximum steering precision

Tyres that are used exclusively on the BMW M models have to meet the highest standards with respect to all driving characteristics, whether handling, rolling resistance or long-term performance over the entire life cycle. In order to perfectly transmit the well-known M model characteristics to the road for the new BMW M5, the first step involved equipping the Ventus S1 evo Z with high-load characteristics to ensure the superior directional stability of the high-performance saloon, even when driven in a sporty style. The new tread features an especially generous contact surface and rearranged linear grooves that support fast feedback in response to steering commands, even when the vehicle is being put through its paces on a race track. Wide tread blocks support the agile steering behaviour.

In addition, the Ventus S1 evo Z is equipped with a reinforced aramid hybrid belt for use on the BMW M5, which enhances the performance further, especially on dry surfaces. This prevents unwanted expansion of the tyre due to centrifugal forces at high speed, and, with the speed index (Y), indicates approval for top speeds in exceed of 300 km/h resp. 186 mph. Moreover, the dimensionally stable aramid fibres minimise the deformation of the tread due to lateral forces when changing direction, which promotes neutral handling and control at all times.

Despite the outstanding performance of the BMW M5, even when driven to its limits on the race track, the Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z developers also focused on maximum comfort during day-to-day driving. As a result, even long motorway journeys at moderate speed become a relaxed pleasure. They also succeeded in combining the tyre’s outstanding driving dynamics with a low rolling resistance.

Exclusive material mix for one-of-a-kind performance

The tread of the Ventus S1 evo Z was designed specifically for the BMW M5 and uses an exclusive material mix that is precisely tailored to the handling characteristics of the high-performance saloon. Through the addition of various high-performance resins, it offers optimum grip across a wide range of temperatures. In addition, an innovative structure of interconnected, organic fillers ensures consistently high performance over the entire journey time.

Uncompromising test procedure – AI-supported in the virtual space and on the race track

During the development of the Ventus S1 evo Z, the Hankook engineers also relied on AI-supported algorithms to achieve the desired handling. The focus here was particularly on the optimum force distribution in the tyre tread during demanding cornering manoeuvres. The AI forecasts are based on Hankook’s comprehensive body of data from countless tyre tests. 

In order to determine the perfect combination of driving fun, safety and cornering dynamics, numerous laps were completed on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring as well as on the incomparable Nardò high-speed ring.

iON i*cept winter tyre for safe driving during the winter season

To ensure enjoyable driving that is safe at all times even during the winter season, the Hankook iON i*cept premium winter tyre can also be ordered for the high-performance saloon. The winter tyre, originally developed for all-electric cars, perfectly complements the performance characteristics of the plug-in hybrid and features the 3PMSF mark for superior winter characteristics. Just like the summer tyres, the winter tyres also bear the ☆ mark on the sidewall to label them as approved as original equipment for BMW M and BMW vehicles.

Tyres developed exclusively for BMW M GmbH vehicles not only have to exhibit ideal handling characteristics in winter road conditions, but also need to transmit the unmistakable driving dynamics of the high-performance saloon on dry and wet roads. The Hankook iON i*cept for the BMW M5 therefore has a stiffer tread mixture than on conventional passenger car winter tyres. In addition, an exclusive iON tread design helps to transmit the high torque safely to the road at all times.