When you buy a premium car in the UK—whether it’s a BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, or Tesla—you’re not just paying for design, performance, and technology. One crucial component that directly affects safety, comfort, and driving experience is the tyre.

Many drivers ask the same question: Which tyre brands do these leading car manufacturers actually use in the UK?
The answer reveals a strong partnership between top car brands and world-class tyre manufacturers.

In this guide, we’ll break down which tyre brands power BMW, Audi, Mercedes, and Tesla in the UK, why these tyres are chosen, and what it means for you as a driver.

Why Tyre Choice Matters for Premium Cars

Tyres are the only point of contact between your car and the road. For high-performance and electric vehicles, tyres must deliver:

• Excellent grip in UK weather conditions

• Low noise and high comfort

• Fuel efficiency or extended EV range

• Strong braking and handling

• Durability for motorways and city roads

That’s why premium car brands don’t compromise—they work closely with established tyre manufacturers to develop OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) approved tyres.

What Are OEM Tyres?

OEM tyres are factory-approved tyres designed specifically for a car model.
They are developed through joint testing between the car brand and tyre manufacturer.

OEM tyres often carry special markings, such as:

• ★ (BMW Star)

• MO (Mercedes Original)

• AO (Audi Original)

• Tesla T0 / T1

These markings mean the tyre meets the car manufacturer’s performance standards.

BMW: Precision Meets Performance

Tyre Brands Used by BMW in the UK

BMW primarily partners with:

• Michelin

• Bridgestone

• Pirelli

• Continental (on some models)

BMW tyres usually carry the ★ (Star) marking, indicating BMW approval.

Why BMW Chooses These Tyres

BMW cars are known for:

• Sharp handling

• Balanced ride comfort

• Rear-wheel or all-wheel drive performance

Brands like Michelin and Bridgestone provide tyres that enhance steering response, braking stability, and motorway comfort—perfect for UK driving conditions.

Popular BMW Tyres in the UK

• Michelin Pilot Sport series

• Bridgestone Turanza & Potenza

• Pirelli P Zero

Audi: Technology, Comfort & Control

Tyre Brands Used by Audi in the UK

Audi commonly fits:

• Continental

• Pirelli

• Bridgestone

• Michelin

Audi tyres often feature AO or RO markings.

Why Audi Prefers These Brands

Audi vehicles—especially Quattro models—require tyres with:

• Strong wet-weather grip

• Stable cornering

• Reduced road noise

Continental, a German tyre manufacturer, is a long-time Audi partner and performs exceptionally well on UK roads.

Popular Audi Tyres

• Continental PremiumContact

• Pirelli Cinturato

• Michelin Primacy

Mercedes-Benz: Luxury with Safety

Tyre Brands Used by Mercedes-Benz in the UK

Mercedes-Benz partners with:

• Continental

• Pirelli

• Michelin

• Goodyear (select models)

Mercedes tyres carry the MO (Mercedes Original) marking.

Why Mercedes Uses These Tyres

Mercedes focuses heavily on:

• Ride comfort

• Low cabin noise

• High safety standards

Tyres are tuned to complement advanced suspension systems, making long UK motorway drives smooth and quiet.

Common Mercedes Tyres

• Continental EcoContact

• Pirelli P Zero

• Michelin Pilot Sport & Primacy

Tesla: Electric Power Needs Special Tyres

Tyre Brands Used by Tesla in the UK

Tesla works with:

• Michelin

• Continental

• Hankook

• Pirelli

Tesla tyres are often marked T0 or T1.

Why Tesla Tyres Are Different

Electric vehicles need tyres that:

• Handle instant torque

• Reduce rolling resistance

• Minimise road noise

• Support heavier battery weight

Michelin and Continental have developed EV-specific tyres to maximise Tesla’s range and performance in UK conditions.

Popular Tesla Tyres

• Michelin Pilot Sport EV

• Continental EcoContact 6

• Hankook iON evo

Can You Use Non-OEM Tyres?

Yes, you can—but there are trade-offs.

OEM Tyres: Pros

• Optimised for your car

• Better handling & comfort

• Manufacturer-approved

Non-OEM Tyres: Pros

• Often cheaper

• More brand choices

For premium cars, many UK drivers prefer OEM or equivalent premium tyres to maintain performance and resale value.

Best Tyre Brands for UK Roads (Overall)

Across BMW, Audi, Mercedes & Tesla, the most trusted tyre brands in the UK are:

• Michelin

• Continental

• Pirelli

• Bridgestone

• Goodyear

• Hankook

These brands consistently perform well in wet weather, motorway driving, and urban conditions.

Final Thoughts

BMW, Audi, Mercedes, and Tesla don’t make their own tyres—but they carefully choose world-leading tyre manufacturers to match their vehicles’ performance and safety standards.

If you’re replacing tyres in the UK, understanding which tyre brands power your car helps you make a smarter, safer decision. Contact now

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