Track test: our team tried the X-Ice Snow+ at Mecaglisse
Michelin invited us to the Mecaglisse circuit on Friday, January 30 2026, to test the MICHELIN X-Ice Snow+ and evaluate its performance against some of the top competing winter tires.
During the drive, our team confirmed a few standout takeaways: the X-Ice Snow+ delivered strong performance across multiple winter surfaces, including ice, snow, and wet pavement. It also stood out versus several competing models by maintaining better traction on ice and in deep snow. Another important observation: Michelin has clearly worked on maintaining a high level of grip as the tread wears, which is a major advantage for a premium winter tire over multiple seasons. Finally, we found the tire to be notably quiet, especially compared with some competitor tires we tested. Discover everything you should know about this new product.
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Summary
The MICHELIN X-Ice Snow+ is a new studless premium winter tire designed for Canadian conditions: black ice, snow, slush and cold wet roads. Michelin highlights optimized braking, longer tread life, and improved efficiency (fuel savings or EV range), supported by technologies such as FLEX-ICE™ 3.0, MaxTouch, and Piano Acoustic Tuning Technology.
Canadian winters don’t play by the rules: a dry road can turn icy, then become slushy just a few kilometres later. In that reality, you want a tire that stays predictable and confidence-inspiring no matter what the forecast throws at you. That’s exactly the idea behind the MICHELIN X-Ice Snow+—an evolution of the X-Ice family built to deliver more braking confidence, reliable traction, and performance that lasts season after season.
Good news: the MICHELIN X-Ice Snow+ is coming to Canada soon and will be available to purchase on Blackcircles at launch.
MICHELIN X-Ice Snow+ release date in Canada
According to Michelin North America, the MICHELIN X-Ice Snow+ will be available for retailers to order starting in May 2026, ahead of the 2026 winter season.
What’s new with the MICHELIN X-Ice Snow+?
The “+” is more than a name change. Michelin points to measurable improvements (based on third-party testing referenced by Michelin) in three areas that matter most in winter:
Optimized braking on ice, snow, wet and cold dry roads (vs. the previous generation)
Longer tread life: more than 26% longer than three major competitors (third-party testing cited by Michelin)
Improved efficiency: up to 34% better efficiency (rolling resistance) vs. three major competitors—helpful for fuel economy or preserving EV range in winter
In short, Michelin positions the X-Ice Snow+ as a premium winter tire built to maintain high performance over multiple seasons, while also addressing a growing priority: efficiency in cold weather, especially for hybrids and EVs.
Ice grip, snow traction, and slush control
FLEX-ICE™ 3.0 compound: consistent grip in the cold
At the core of the X-Ice Snow+ is the new FLEX-ICE™ 3.0 tread compound, designed to stay effective in low temperatures—helping the tire remain stable and confidence-inspiring as conditions shift from wet to icy to snowy.
Tread pattern and sipes: durable bite as the tire wears
Michelin also emphasizes a winter-focused tread design built to keep strong traction when the road changes quickly, with full-depth siping and a tread pattern intended to maintain grip over time.
Ice Grip symbol: what it means (and why it matters in Canada)
On the X-Ice Snow+ spec sheet you’ll see the Ice Grip symbol. It’s different from the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) marking: 3PMSF relates to snow performance, while Ice Grip specifically targets braking on ice—a big deal in Canada where black ice and freeze-thaw conditions are common.
The Ice Grip symbol is based on ISO 19447:2021. To qualify, a tire must meet a minimum ice braking index of 1.18, meaning it performs at least 18% better in ice braking than a standardized reference tire used in the test.
In other words: if ice confidence is high on your list, Ice Grip is a helpful extra indicator beyond the usual winter markings.
Winter tires for EVs: why efficiency matters
EVs and hybrids often benefit from winter tires that balance strong traction with lower rolling resistance, since range can drop in cold temperatures. Michelin highlights the X-Ice Snow+’s rolling-resistance-related efficiency as one way to help preserve winter range—without sacrificing the grip you need on ice and snow.
X-Ice Snow vs. X-Ice Snow+ : side-by-side comparison
The MICHELIN X-Ice Snow and the new X-Ice Snow+ share the same goal: confident winter driving across snow, ice, and rapidly changing conditions. Where the “+” stands apart is its emphasis on braking, tread life, and efficiency, with added technologies and Michelin-stated gains (based on third-party testing cited by Michelin).
| Criteria | MICHELIN X-Ice Snow | MICHELIN X-Ice Snow+ |
|---|---|---|
| Braking | Proven premium winter performance with confidence-inspiring control | Optimized braking on ice, snow, wet and cold dry roads (vs. previous generation) |
| Traction | Full-depth 3D sipes for durable biting edges as the tire wears | Two types of full-depth sipes + design focused on maintaining grip season after season |
| Snow / slush control | V-shaped winter tread design built for variable conditions (snow, slush, cold wet roads) | Winter tread design optimized with a multi-surface performance focus |
| Tread life | Balanced performance and wear (varies by size and use) | 26%+ longer tread life vs. three major competitors (third-party testing cited by Michelin) |
| Efficiency / EV range | — | Up to 34% better efficiency (rolling resistance) vs. three major competitors (third-party testing cited by Michelin) |
| Comfort / noise | — (varies by size/version) | Piano Acoustic Tuning Technology to help reduce road noise |
| Winter markings | Winter markings vary by size/version | Ice Grip + winter markings (Ice Grip = ice braking standard) |
| Best for | Drivers who want a proven, well-rounded premium winter tire | Drivers who want the latest generation focused on braking, long-term value, and efficiency (including EV/hybrid drivers) |
Vehicles and sizes
Michelin indicates broad fitment coverage across cars, CUVs, SUVs, and light trucks, including hybrids and EVs, with sizes expected from 15" to 23".
Why buy Michelin winter tires from Blackcircles.ca?
When the X-Ice Snow+ arrives, the goal is simple: find your size, compare options, order quickly, and book installation. Blackcircles.ca makes buying winter tires online in Canada easy with:
a wide selection of Michelin tires
competitive pricing
fast shipping across Canada
installation through a partner shop near you
The MICHELIN X-Ice Snow+ fits perfectly with that promise: a premium winter tire built for Canadian conditions—soon available in just a few clicks.
Key takeaways
The MICHELIN X-Ice Snow+ is coming to Canada for the 2026 winter season with a clear focus: optimized braking, longer tread life, improved efficiency, and the Ice Grip symbol—a helpful indicator for drivers who want extra confidence on ice.
