BMW 5 Series tyres: the Bavarian business chooses Continental through the seasons   

Many fast family cars choose Continental for original equipment rolling off the production line. But, if you live in a part of the world with fierce seasonal changes, you’ll want to change your tyres to handle the climate. Luckily, for BMW 5 Series and i5 owners, they can choose from three sets of Continental tyres to see them through the seasons.  

Unpacking the new 5 Series and i5 

The 5 Series Sedan is available with petrol and diesel engines with mild hybrid technology, with a plug-in hybrid expected in Spring 2024. These options for choice are mirrored in the i5. From launch, i5 customers will be able to choose between the eDrive40 Sedan, features an output of up to 250 kW/340 hp and up to 582 kilometres, or the M60 xDrive Sedan which allows up to a zippy 442 kW/601 hp. 

Across both the 5 Series Sedan, the creature comforts have been added to with in-car gaming and audio and video streaming. For those behind the wheel, BMW has increased its high-grade driver assistance systems. Notably adding the Highway Assistant, which allows drivers in Germany to take their hands off the steering wheel while hurtling along at up to 130 km/h. Consider us spooked, especially given the list of disclaimers, including length of time, traffic-monitoring, and reassurance that the driver will be able to take over from the system again, at any time, if necessary. Interestingly, something that doesn’t seem to feature in the bullet-proof i7 Protection, which you think might be handy in a high-stakes situation.  

Next up in BMW’s future-thinking line up is a global-first, the Automatic Lane Change. It will trigger a lane change with a simple glance in the exterior mirror. The question is, why? 

Rolling with Continental tyres 

Keeping BMW’s feet firmly on the ground – or road, as the case is here – is its choice of Continental as its tyre partner. The new BMW 5 Series and i5 are equipped with the SportContact 7 for sporty driving, the energy-efficient EcoContact 6 Q summer tire, and the WinterContact TS 860 S as the winter tire for the cold months. 

Option 1: SportContact 7

Owners looking to maximise their driving pleasure will surely opt for Continental SportContact 7, as used by Mercedes-AMG C43 and Audi RS6 Avant Performance. This high performance tyre is the perfect crossover for sporty driving and safety. It delivers excellent handling and short braking distances. Indeed, compared to the predecessor model, the SportContact 7 offers reduced wet braking distances by 8% and extends tyre mileage by 17%.  

Option 2: EcoContact 6 Q

Customers in milder climates or during summer seasons can opt for the energy-saving and noise-optimized EcoContact 6 Q, as chosen by BYD Atto, Kia Niro EV, and Alfa Romeo Tonale. The energy efficiency comes from a special rubber compound which reduces energy absorption, friction, and rolling resistance. It’s quieter too, with reduced rolling noise through optimized tyre tread.  

Option 3: WinterContact TS 860 S

When the weather turns, BMW drivers can still feel confident on the roads with Continental’s WinterContact TS 860 S, to deliver maximum safety on mud and snow. As well as offering precise handling on dry and wet roads as the mercury drops, it boasts solid grip on snowy ground. Ensuring reliable braking performance, drivers can have that added peace of mind on a winter’s drive.  

Beemer buyers will have to wait and see what tyres line up with the new BMW 5 Series Touring, but we have no doubt they’ll be equally reputable. Does a full rotation of seasonal tyres sway your buying decisions? Let us know.