The partnership between Pirelli and BMW is renewed with two new P Zero tyres, developed specifically for the new iX3, the first model built on the electric Neue Klasse platform. Two distinct solutions, united by Elect technology: the P Zero focuses on driving precision, while the P Zero E is designed to enhance the characteristics of electric powertrains. Both belong to the P Zero family, long synonymous with innovation and performance.
Elect technology, engineered to elevate the performance of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, significantly improves range¹, comfort² and durability³, thanks to low rolling resistance and dedicated solutions developed by Pirelli's engineers in Bicocca.
Beyond Elect technology, the P Zero E — the flagship of Pirelli's technological development — achieves a triple A rating on the European label and contains over 55% bio-based and recycled materials. These qualities earned it the ADI Compasso d'Oro International Award: P Zero E was the first tyre in history to receive the world's most prestigious industrial design prize, presented at Expo 2025 in Osaka.
Pirelli P Zero: performance and sportiness at its core
The dedicated version of the fifth-generation P Zero has been engineered to support the performance of high-output all-electric all-wheel-drive systems (two electric motors delivering a combined 345 kW / 469 hp), capable of instantly producing 645 Nm of torque and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds.
The tyre ensures precise, stable handling even at high speeds, thanks to a structure optimised to manage the immediate torque delivery of an electric powertrain. The strengths of P Zero lie in performance and safety, with track-tested handling and reduced braking distances.
These results are achieved through an innovative compound developed by Pirelli engineers with the support of artificial intelligence.
Pirelli P Zero E: the flagship of Pirelli's Eco-Safety strategy
Alongside the P Zero, Pirelli brings the P Zero E to the new BMW iX3 — a clear expression of its Eco-Safety strategy: a tyre that combines safety, durability and a considered approach to environmental impact across its entire life cycle, fully aligned with the philosophy of the new Neue Klasse platform.
It stands out with over 55% bio-based and recycled materials, as well as a triple A rating on the European label for rolling resistance, wet braking and noise. Its architecture is designed to reduce rolling resistance, contributing to energy efficiency and the extended range of the iX3, while low noise levels enhance acoustic comfort — a key aspect for this zero-emissions model.
The bespoke development for the iX3 also allows the tyre to enhance chassis responsiveness and the fluidity of the new electronic driving dynamics management.
The P Zero for the BMW iX3 is available in 20-inch fitments all around, and in 21-inch versions with staggered sizes front and rear, while the P Zero E is offered in a 22-inch configuration, also with a staggered setup.
Developed in a virtual environment between Breuberg and Munich
For the development of the dedicated fitments, Pirelli's R&D team leveraged the advanced technologies of the Virtual Development Centre (VDC) in Breuberg, Germany, alongside the BMW Group Driving Simulation Centre in Munich.
Advanced virtual simulation techniques, combined with a new compound material package and structural reinforcements, made it possible to overcome the typical trade-offs associated with tyre design, such as balancing handling, rolling resistance and wet performance.
Design and testing carried out in a virtual environment offer several advantages, from greater precision compared to traditional methods to a 30% reduction in development time and a decrease of around one third in the number of physical prototypes produced.
The Perfect Fit philosophy
In line with Pirelli's Perfect Fit approach, the new tyres are distinguished by the presence of the “star marking” on the sidewall, identifying fitments developed specifically for BMW.
They have in fact been designed in close collaboration with the Munich-based manufacturer, as bespoke solutions engineered to fully enhance the performance of the new BMW iX3.
¹Comparison between PIRELLI SCORPION™ ELECT™ and PIRELLI SCORPION™ tyres, size 235/60/R18, measuring the increase in battery range, up to 10%, resulting from reduced rolling resistance in the ELECT™ version. Tests were conducted on a Volkswagen ID.4 under instrumented conditions at a constant speed of 50 km/h over a range of 550 km. Source: Pirelli internal research and development tests carried out between March and June 2022.
²Comfort: Comparison between PIRELLI SCORPION™ ELECT™ and PIRELLI SCORPION™ tyres in size 255/50R20. Source: Pirelli internal R&D tests conducted in November 2022 on an Audi e-tron. In-cabin noise was measured at different speeds – 40, 60, 80 and 110 km/h – and on different types of surface (smooth/rough asphalt). In all eight combinations (speed/surface), ELECT™ tyres produced lower perceived interior noise, up to 20%, averaging around -0.6 dB and up to -0.8 dB.
³Durability: Comparison between PIRELLI SCORPION™ ZERO ALL SEASON +3 ELECT™ and PIRELLI SCORPION™ ZERO ALL SEASON +3 tyres in size 255/45R20. Source: Texas Test Fleet test conducted in January 2024 on a Toyota Tacoma; wear rate, reduced by up to 20%, measured in mm/10,000 km.
