Hankook Tire & Technology is supplying its Hankook Ventus S1 evo Z as an original equipment tyre for the new BMW M5. The performance saloon is available with this ultra ultra-high-performance (UUHP) tyre in the front axle size HL 285/40 ZR20 (111Y) XL and rear axle fitment 295/35 ZR21 (110Y) XL. Drivers intending to head into snowy regions can also additionally purchase BMW M-approved winter tyres, with the Hankook iON i*cept now homologated for the M5.
Announcing its original equipment supply, Hankook says the brief it received for the seventh generation BMW M5 was to develop a “meticulously tuned tyre” to accompany the debut of the first electrified drive system in the 40-year history of BMW M GmbH. The design team thus focused upon a high load capacity to provide the PHEV (plug-in hybrid) model with “effortless handling” as well as excellent grip to transmit the V8 petrol engine and electric motor’s 535 kW/727 PS 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 S1 evo Z specifically to the fast and highly precise responsiveness of the steering – whether on the road or on the race track.
The result? Hankook says the mixed fitment tyres 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 contribute towards reducing fuel and energy consumption through low rolling resistance.
Transmitting driving dynamics to road
Like all tyres that are explicitly approved as original equipment for BMW M and BMW vehicles, these tyres bear the ☆ mark on the sidewall and follow the strict criteria imposed by the manufacturer. Hankook produces Ventus S1 evo Z tyres in its 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
Tyres designed exclusively for BMW M models must meet stringent standards across all driving characteristics, from handling to rolling resistance and long-term performance. To ensure the new BMW M5 retains its renowned performance characteristics, Hankook equipped the Ventus S1 evo Z with high-load capabilities, providing the high-performance saloon with superior directional stability even when driven aggressively.
The tyre’s tread design incorporates an enlarged contact area and optimised linear grooves, facilitating fast, precise feedback in response to steering inputs, even under demanding conditions such as track use. Additionally, wide tread blocks contribute to agile and responsive steering behaviour, further enhancing the M5’s dynamic handling.
The Ventus S1 evo Z incorporates a reinforced aramid hybrid belt specifically for the BMW M5, which improves performance on dry surfaces. This construction minimises unwanted expansion caused by centrifugal forces at high speeds. A (Y) speed rating denotes the tyre’s approval for top speeds exceeding 300 km/h (186 mph). The use of dimensionally stable aramid fibres also reduces tread deformation due to lateral forces during directional changes, ensuring consistent control and neutral handling at all times.
Despite the M5’s performance capabilities, including track driving, Hankook’s engineers ensured the Ventus S1 evo Z also delivers maximum comfort for everyday driving. The tyre maker promises more comfortable journeys when racking up motorway miles, even at moderate speeds. Furthermore, the tyre’s low rolling resistance further enhances the driving experience without compromising its high-performance dynamics.
Exclusive material mix for optimal performance
Hankook specifically engineered the tread of the Ventus S1 evo Z for the BMW M5, featuring a unique material composition tailored to the vehicle’s handling characteristics. The addition of high-performance resins ensures optimum grip across a wide temperature range, while an innovative structure of interconnected organic fillers maintains high performance throughout the tyre’s lifespan.
The tyre maker utilised advanced AI algorithms during the development of the Ventus S1 evo Z to refine its handling capabilities. These algorithms focused on optimising force distribution across the tyre’s tread, particularly during challenging cornering manoeuvres. The AI predictions drew from Hankook’s extensive database of tyre testing data.
To validate these developments, Hankook conducted numerous virtual and on-track tests, including extensive evaluation on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring and the high-speed Nardò ring. This comprehensive testing process ensured the perfect balance of driving pleasure, safety, and cornering dynamics.
iON i*cept for safer winter driving
For safe and enjoyable driving during the winter season, the Hankook iON icept premium winter tyre is available for the BMW M5 in the front axle size HL 275/40 R20 109V XL and rear size HL 285/40 R20 111V XL. Originally developed for electric vehicles, the iON icept complements the high-performance saloon’s characteristics, offering outstanding winter capabilities with the 3PMSF mark for superior traction in cold conditions. Like the summer tyres, the winter tyres feature the ☆ marking, indicating their approval as original equipment for BMW M vehicles.
The iON i*cept winter tyre for the BMW M5 is designed not only for optimal handling in winter conditions but also for transmitting the vehicle’s high-performance dynamics in dry and wet environments. It utilises a stiffer tread compound than conventional winter tyres, while the exclusive iON tread pattern ensures that the car’s high torque is effectively delivered to the road surface, enhancing safety and performance in challenging winter conditions.
