The new Michelin X-Ice Snow+: Designed for superior braking, increased durability, and optimized range for electric vehicles
Michelin X-ICE SNOW+ : Michelin’s new winter tire is coming this fall (with +26% longer tread life)
The Michelin X-ICE SNOW+ is the direct successor to the highly popular Michelin X-ICE SNOW. Presented as a major evolution (not just a simple “refresh”), this new Michelin winter tire will be available fall 2026 and has one clear goal: deliver even more safety and consistency on winter roads, while being significantly more durable.
At PMCtire.com, we closely follow Michelin’s latest releases because it is a leading brand in Canada — and because winters here are unforgiving. Snow, ice, slush, wet roads, temperature swings… a single drive can include several different conditions.
Key performance highlights of the X-Ice Snow+:
- Braking: Improved on ice, snow, wet and dry roads.
- Durability: 26% longer tread life than the competition.
- Efficiency: Up to 34% improvement in EV range or fuel efficiency.
- Quiet ride: Advanced acoustic technology for optimal comfort.
Why is Michelin launching the X-ICE SNOW+ now?
Having in mind to always offer the best, Michelin positions the X-ICE SNOW+ as an answer to unpredictable winters and modern driver expectations:
- More safety on ice and wet roads
- More stability in slush
- More longevity (less premature wear)
- Better energy efficiency (important for fuel… and critical for electric vehicles)
The idea is simple: a winter tire must stay effective from the first kilometer to the last, not just for the first two months.
The “+” in X-ICE SNOW+: what it really means
Michelin is clear: the “+” means more performance.
At the launch event, Michelin highlighed 3 key benefits:
1) More longevity
Michelin states that the X-ICE SNOW+ is designed to deliver more seasons, more kilometers, and more long-term value with more than 26% longer tread life (compared to three leading competitors).
2) More comfort (less road noise)
Michelin announces the integration of a technology designed to reduce road noise:
- Piano Acoustic Tuning Technology: a proprietary system intended to reduce road noise and improve comfort.
3) More efficiency (fuel savings / EV range)
Michelin also focuses on efficiency by reducing energy loss (rolling resistance) with up to 34% better efficiency (fuel economy / EV range) compared to three leading competitors.
Winter road performance: snow, ice, slush, wet, dry
Michelin highlights a typical Canadian reality: drivers may encounter snow, ice, slush, wet pavement, and cold dry pavement… sometimes all in the same trip. The X-ICE SNOW+ is presented as a tire engineered to perform across all these conditions.
Claimed braking improvements (vs X-ICE SNOW)
The Michelin X-Ice Snow + tire (predecessor) was already one of the most performing tire on the market, but this did not stop Michelin from announcing an even better performance on many road surfaces :
- Wet: up to +14%
- Dry: +7%
- Ice: +4%
- Snow: +1%
How a winter tire creates grip: mechanical grip + chemical grip
A key point: Michelin explains winter traction as the combination of two factors : Mechanical grip and chemical grip.
1) Mechanical Grip
The “visible” elements:
- Rubber blocks
- Sipes
- Grooves
- Tread pattern design
The goal is to create biting edges that grip snow and ice.
Michelin highlights:
- Full-depth sipes
- Two types of sipes
- Wide transverse grooves
- A V-shaped tread pattern
Key real-world benefit:
- Efficient slush evacuation
2) Chemical Grip
The “invisible” element (but often decisive on ice):
- New FLEX-ICE™ 3.0 tread compound
- Made with silica and carbon black
Goals: strong cold-weather performance, braking/control on ice, and reduced energy loss.
Built to last: +26% durability
Michelin also highlights work on force distribution when accelerating, braking or turning. This aims to reduce rapid wear and uneven wear. Michelin is claiming an Estimated tread life more than 26% longer vs three leading competitors.
What vehicles is the Michelin X-ICE SNOW+ designed for?
Michelin positions the X-ICE SNOW+ for a wide range of vehicles with size range going from 15 inches to 23 inches :
- CUVs / SUVs
- Sedans
- Pickups
- Hybrids
- Electric vehicles (EVs)
Is the Michelin X-ICE SNOW+ suitable for electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles face specific winter challenges that can be addressed by the new Michelin X-Ice Snow+.
- Higher weight
- Instant torque
- Reduced winter range
- Need for low rolling resistance
Winter certifications: 3PMSF and Ice Grip
The Michelin X-ICE SNOW+ carries the expected markings:
- 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake)
- Ice Grip (a newer designation focused on ice performance)
X-ICE SNOW vs X-ICE SNOW+: key differences
Michelin X-ICE SNOW
- Premium winter tire
- Highly trusted across Canada
- Strong overall balance
Michelin X-ICE SNOW+
- New FLEX-ICE™ 3.0 compound
- Multi-surface optimization
- Braking improvements (wet / dry / ice / snow)
- Improved durability (+26%)
- Improved efficiency (up to +34%)
- Noise reduction technology (Piano Acoustic Tuning)
Availability and purchase on PMCtire.com
The Michelin X-ICE SNOW+ will be available fall 2026. Once it arrives, it will be possible to buy it on our website based on your vehicle’s tire size.
When to buy winter tires?
When temperatures regularly drop below 7°C, you are entering “winter tire season.” Every year, certain sizes become harder to find once demand spikes. It's better to plan ahead.
Conclusion: safety + durability + efficiency
The Michelin X-ICE SNOW+ targets the winning trio:
- Optimized braking on ice, wet roads, cold dry pavement, and snow
- Better slush handling
- More durability (+26%)
- Better efficiency (up to +34%)
- Improved acoustic comfort
If you are looking for a premium winter tire designed for Canadian conditions and built to stay consistent over multiple seasons, the Michelin X-ICE SNOW+ is a model worth watching.
FAQ – Michelin X-ICE SNOW+
Does the Michelin X-ICE SNOW+ replace the X-ICE SNOW?
Yes, it is the direct successor. It keeps the same great performance, plus it pushes the limits of the previous model's performance.
What is the biggest improvement in the X-ICE SNOW+?
The combination of a new compound (FLEX-ICE™ 3.0), multi-surface braking improvements, and +26% claimed durability.
Is it suitable for SUVs?
Yes, Michelin strongly positions it for CUVs and SUVs. This tire is interesting if you own a heavier vehicle than sedans.
Is it suitable for electric vehicles?
Yes, Michelin highlights a specific focus on efficiency and rolling resistance, in addition to winter traction. The Michelin X-Ice Snow+ tire is suited to the fact that electric vehicles are generally heavier and have instant traction.
What sizes will be available?
From 15” to 23”.