BMW has chosen General Tire to supply the tyres for its latest X5 SUV with the all-terrain Grabber AT3 being selected by the German car maker.

Recommended in 275/45 R20 110V XL size, the Grabber AT3 has three distinct technologies which put it ahead of others when BMW was developing the car.

It has Trac Gen, an open shoulder design and traction ridges which General Tire’s developers describe as traction pockets and sipes arranged at different angles to improve grip. The DuraGen compound gives good wear over rough surfaces and is resistant to ripping on challenging terrain. Working in combination, these two design features help the tread to clear itself of stones or rubble in the grooves, give good interlocking with loose surfaces and plenty of edges to deliver grip.

Finally, ComfortBalance relies on the balanced block geometry of the tread with low stiffness and the specially modified arrangement of the blocks in the centre of the tread to reduce vibration in the tyre, giving a smooth ride.

Since 1987 General Tire has been part of the Continental group and a spokesman said the BMW supply contract is a significant recognition of its products.

“For the General Tire brand this recognition by one of the leading European 4×4 vehicle manufacturers is a special seal of quality. BMW invariably sets the bar high in terms of the requirements of the tyres in both the original equipment and replacement sectors.”