Michelin's New X-Ice Snow Winter Tire
March 02, 2020 - Michelin North America - New-generation X-Ice tire provides improved snow and ice performance, winter after winter
Michelin introduced the MICHELIN® X-Ice® SNOW tire ― the new generation of its superior winter tire designed for maximum mobility and safety, winter after winter ― in a special demonstration last week.
The new X-Ice SNOW winter tire for passenger cars and SUVs has been developed, tested and proven in Michelin's Nordic test centers under the most rigorous constant extreme-winter driving conditions. Notably, 85% of Michelin's North American volume for the X-Ice SNOW tire will be produced in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Testing reveals that the new MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW tire features improved snow performance and braking as compared to its predecessor1, stops nearly 3 meters (10 feet) shorter on ice than a leading competitor2, and lasts up to one additional winter season than the average of leading competitor tires.3
"The new MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW tire is designed to give drivers peace of mind when driving in extreme winter conditions," says Sylvaine Cuniberti, Michelin's marketing director. "We have an exceptional winter tire with a new tread design and innovative technologies, resulting in improved snow performance1 and leadership in ice braking4. The MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW provides drivers and passengers with long-lasting winter performance and continues to perform as an industry leader as it wears3,4, while being covered by a segment-exclusive limited treadwear warranty."
The new MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW tire provides the necessary traction to overcome extreme winter conditions by relying on innovations that support the key characteristics of a winter tire:
Next-generation V-shaped tread design: providing 100% use of the contact patch for optimal grip performance on snow and ice and for exceptional slush performance5. Maintains its shape even when worn to continue providing grip in winter conditions.
FLEX-ICE 2.0™ tread compound: a unique rubber mix for use in a wide range of winter temperatures with a full silica-based compound to maintain flexibility in severe cold climate conditions.
MICHELIN EverGrip™ technologies: an innovative tread compound with rigid polymer for improved grip on both snow and ice for the duration of the wear life.1
Two types of full-depth, interlocking 3-D sipes: for an increased claw effect on snow and ice, and for long-lasting biting edges.
The MICHELIN X-Ice SNOW tire replaces Michelin's X-Ice® Xi3™ and Latitude X-Ice® Xi2™ tire lines and will be available Fall 2020 in 82 sizes with speed ratings T and H for passenger vehicles, CUVs and SUVs using 14 to 22-inch rim diameters. An additional 41 sizes will be introduced starting Fall 2021.
