Experience: Testing JK Tyre Levitas Ultra on a Mercedes E Class and BMW 6 Series GT

Homegrown tyre maker JK is looking to foray into higher, more premium segments and to do this, the company has developed a new set of tyres specifically meant for larger luxury cars and SUVs, from the Audi A3 and BMW X1 to the Mercedes S-Class and Toyota Vellfire. In fact, the new Levitas Ultra tyres are said to be ultra high performance units, and have been said to be benchmarked against the best that European tyre makers currently offer.

In order to get a feel for these new tyres, which are currently available in sizes from 16 to 20 inches (22s will arrive soon), are priced at about Rs 9,000-18,000 (depending on the size) and have a speed rating of W (up to 270kph) or Y (up to 300kph), we were invited to NATRAX (National Automotive Test Tracks) near Indore, to use their test track. We would put the tyres through a moose test, a slalom course, a braking test and a high-speed one.

JK Tyre Levitas Ultra handling tests

Our first outing was at the dynamic test track, where the moose test and slalom had been laid out. I got into a Mercedes E 220d that was shod with 245/45 R18 Levitas Ultra tyres and set out to do my runs. JK Tyre says the usage of HT Polyester and a high-strength Polymide to reinforce the body, adaptive tread stiffness and a multi-layered xPolymer ensures the tyres provide sure-footedness.

In the first two tests, with the long-bodied E-Class making its size felt, the tyres held to the line quite decently, providing adequate grip through the bends. We were then advised to switch the ESP off for the second run, to see just how much work the Levitas tyres were doing. And they didn’t disappoint – despite the sedan making its weight felt, the tyres helped keep the E 220d from understeering through consecutive turns.

JK Tyre Levitas Ultra braking tests

We were then ferried to the braking tracking, where there was a BMW 6 Series GT waiting, which was also equipped with Levitas tyres, but these were 17-inchers with a higher profile. This section was also divided into two parts – the dry bit and the wet. In both tests, the Levitas tyres performed more than adequately, particularly impressing with its braking performance on the wet surface. The company says that the tyres use AI optimised grooves to provide more grip in wet conditions.

JK Tyre Levitas Ultra high speed test

One of the most important aspects of a tyre meant for a luxury car is comfort and road noise, and JK Tyre is said to have put in a lot of work to meet standards set by more expensive European rivals by utilising a noise cancelling pitch sequence, which is meant to provide quiet running at all speeds. To put that claim to the test, we were then taken to the 12km-long banked high-speed track, which claims the honour of being Asia’s longest test track.

Other than the muted diesel drone coming from the E 220d’s engine, and the wind noise due to jetting along at 248kph, the cabin felt quite hushed. There was very little tyre noise and stability even at the sedan’s electronically limited top speed was confidence inspiring.  An added bonus is that JK Tyre has submitted the Levitas tyres to the voluntary BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency) star rating program for rolling resistance, where it managed a full 5 stars; this should benefit fuel efficiency figures.

While JK Tyre has yet to reach agreements with carmakers to supply the Levitas tyres with their cars straight off the production line, potential individual buyers can make enquires at the brand’s more exclusive Steel/Xpress Wheels outlets.

Also see:

Feature: Testing Vredestein’s new tyres on a BMW X5 and Isuzu D-Max

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Choosing performance tyres for a Volkswagen Virtus