Let me start by saying that this week’s article is a bit different. Since I didn’t have time to visit the BMW booth at the Montréal en Lumière Festival myself, I sent my son William, who lives in town just around the corner. This week, in a special collaboration, he wrote this text! Here is what he had to say…
Last Friday, I had the opportunity to meet for the first time as an automotive journalist with BMW as part of their partnership with Montréal en Lumière. On the menu, two 100% electric vehicles. The iX, an SUV with impressive technology and the i4 M50, a small performance car.
It’s true, rolling resistance has an impact on any type of vehicle. However, anyone who is interested in electric cars will tell you that whether you are looking for range or performance, this impact is much greater than on combustion cars! With models like these BMWs, you will see that the choice of tires was not taken lightly.
A small note, however, we are talking about the original tires shown on the vehicles for demonstration purposes only. In winter, it’s better to get the right tires!
The iX and its Bridgestone Alenza 001
Designed specifically for urban SUVs, the Bridgestone Alenza 001s were a perfect choice for the iX. It must be said that the iX is a real technology bomb. This is not just a matter of the infotainment system. Rather, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that allows you to automate your car’s startup, music and charging. The grille is even made of a unique polyurethane that repairs itself under UV rays!
To accompany such a model, tires that stand out for their technology and efficiency were needed. The Alenza 001 is a top-of-the-line tire that meets all the criteria that future owners of this luxury SUV might have. In addition to being quiet, they offer almost unparalleled handling and one of the best braking distances in its category. Capable of enhancing the driving experience of any vehicle, the Alenza adds dynamism and handling to the BMW iX experience.
The i4 M50 and its Pirelli P Zero
For the first electric BMW M ever created, it was also necessary to choose the tires wisely! The choice of P Zero tires is not surprising when you look at the technical specifications of the new electric model. With its 536 horsepower, distributed by four motors that ensure all-wheel drive, Pirelli’s performance tires were just right! In addition to its absolutely amazing 0-100 (3.9 seconds to be precise), the most striking feature is its optional matte blue color.
It’s hard to find a more balanced performance tire on the market than the P Zero. Created specifically for high-capacity vehicles, they must be safe without compromising on power. Pirelli’s high silica rubber and intelligent tread construction allow it to stay on the road, even at very high speeds!