An all-season advantage: 3 rear-drive EVs made winter ready by CrossClimate 3

Rear-drive cars have long struggled on slippery roads. But combine this lack of traction with an EV’s formidable torque, and the problem only gets worse. Or does it? Michelin’s new CrossClimate 3 has the answer.

Pin-sharp front-end response. Uncorrupted steering feel. A more adjustable handling balance. When it comes to performance driving, rear-wheel drive has long been the purist’s choice on dry summer roads and tracks. And many recent EVs capaitlise on this layout with an improved weight distribution — thanks to a low-mounted battery pack.

However, while modern traction and stability control systems have come a long way, rear-wheel drive cars (especially electric ones) start to fall down when roads freeze over. Afterall, no matter how advanced a car’s electronics, if there’s no traction on the tarmac, you’re going nowhere. 

So why not make your own grip? With the help of three popular rear-drive EVs, we find out how Michelin’s latest CrossClimate 3 rubber finds traction in all-weathers, regardless of drivetrain type.

BMW i4

BMW’s first attempt at an all-electric saloon has been well received for a number of reasons. It’s efficient, quiet, comfortable and, most importantly for a BMW, offers a fantastically engaging driving experience.

However, unless you’re willing to splurge on the top-rung M50 all-wheel drive model, it’s a rear-drive only machine. And that can be challenging when temperatures start to plummet. Thankfully, though, Michelin’s new CrossClimate 3 all-season tyre has been specially designed with such cars in mind. With an official 3PMSF rating, the CrossClimate sports a Thermal Adaptive Tread Compound which works in tandem with the I4’s stability control to offer greater grip and control on ever changing road conditions — even when snow has carpeted the roads.

So it won’t leave you scrabbling for grip as you try to vacate your sloped driveway this winter. But, just as importantly, the CrossClimate 3’s EV-ready design won’t hamper the i4’s exceptional refinement or efficiency during the warmer months.

Polestar 2

With it’s marginally raised ride height and crossover-esque silhouette, Polestar’s 2 looks as though it might offer a stronger showing as the seasons change, but with rear-wheel drive as standard, it could struggle to find the grip its looks suggest.

Sure, the all-wheel drive model will fare better in the snow, but regardless of which variant you pick, quality all-season tyres can be essential if you don’t want to get stuck. That’s why CrossClimate 3 is an excellent option for such machines. Designed and tested to withstand harsh winter conditions, the Michelin all-season tyre performs just as well in the heavy rain — thanks to a 4% improvement in wet braking compared to its predecessor — as it does in sleet and snow.

And, as with the BMW, the CrossClimate 3’s Piano Acoustic Tuning Technology will help to preserve the Polestar’s cabin serenity for the other three seasons of the year. It’s a win-win.

MG IM5

Coming out of nowhere, MG’s new premium IM sub-brand greatly impressed us at this year’s Goodwood Motor Show. From its commendable driving range, blistering performance, and attractive price point, it looks like the Chinese newcomer could be a serious alternative to the established EV status quo.

That said, the new rear-wheel drive IM5 is less likely to impress when traction is scarce. With its sub-six second sprint to 60 mph, the vast torque reserves could easily trouble the rear tyres on colder days. Therefore, winter-ready rubber like CrossClimate 3, with its specially designed V-shape tread pattern, is vital to keep things rolling.

Oh, and don’t forget, due to a blend of energy efficiency technologies, the new Michelin tyre also optimises rolling resistance — so the IM5’s claimed 300+ mile range should be easily achievable.

Are you ready to find out what your rear-drive EV is really capable of this winter? Take the fear out of those frosty mornings with Michelins all-new CrossClimate 3 tyre. 

Hero image credit:   Alexander Migl (edits made)