Hankook Tire Winter i*cept evo4 ranks first in Auto Bild test

Hankook Tire & Technology’s winter performance tire, the ‘Winter i*cept evo4’, has secured first place in a comparative winter tire test conducted by the German automotive magazine Auto Bild. The test evaluated 10 different products from leading global brands using 225/55 R18 size tires mounted on a BMW X1.

The Winter i*cept evo4 achieved an overall rating of 1.3, earning a ‘Very Good’ grade. It demonstrated exceptional performance on wet surfaces, receiving a 1.2 rating in straight-line and cornering aquaplaning evaluations. On dry roads, the tire maintained high average driving speeds and stability, while also proving reliable on snowy surfaces.

Key technical features contributing to these results include the ‘Balance Grip Compound’ for improved wet braking and a V-shaped tread pattern designed to reduce aquaplaning. The tire also features enhanced sipes and wider lateral grooves, which have increased snow traction and grip by 5% compared to previous models, while improving mileage by 15%. Following its European launch in June and South Korean release in September, the company plans to expand sales into major markets including North America.