Photographs by JK Tyre
When you’re gunning for perfection in the premium car tyre game, you’re not just battling the road — you’re battling German engineering, Swedish precision, and Italian flair. JK Tyre clearly came to the party prepared, donning its newest suit of armour, the Levitas Ultra. And where better to put this fancy new rubber to the test than at the hallowed grounds of NATRAX, Indore’s pride and Asia’s longest automotive test track? Armed with an Audi, a Merc, and a BMW (because why test premium tyres on anything less?), we set out to see if JK Tyres can walk the talk. First up, the high-speed track at NATRAX.
If there’s one place where tyres reveal their true character, it’s at 252 kph on a Mercedes-Benz C220d. The high-speed oval at NATRAX, stretching for 11.3 km, is where legends are made and rubber is burned. Five-time rally champ Hari Singh kicked things off with a briefing, but let’s be honest, we were itching to get behind the wheel. The Levitas Ultras took to the tarmac like ducks to water. Despite the Merc’s diesel clatter playing conductor and the wind noise serving as backup vocals, tyre noise was surprisingly muted, letting the 2.0-litre diesel engine hum its symphony. At flat-out speeds, stability was impressive, with the car feeling glued to the track. Even when I overenthusiastically yanked the steering wheel mid-lane change (because restraint is overrated), the tyres refused to squeal in protest. Minimal screeching, maximum confidence.
The next act in our testing escapade was the handling course, where the tyres had to prove their mettle against a slalom and the infamous moose test. For the uninitiated, the moose test is a European rite of passage — a quick emergency lane change to dodge an imaginary oversized deer. JK Tyre claimed its secret sauce here was polyester and high-strength polyamide reinforcement, designed to grip the surface tighter. Behind the wheel of an Audi A6, I darted between cones with absolute ease. At 105 kph, the tyres held their ground. Even on the second round, when I threw the Audi’s long wheelbase into corners like a Bollywood stunt driver, the Levitas Ultras kept their cool. A minor rear tyre skid during the slalom? Sure, but nothing to raise an eyebrow over. And for the rear-wheel-drive purists, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class crew confirmed that the tyres played just as nicely with their sedan’s longer wheelbase.
Finally, it was time to stop the show — literally — with the braking test. Divided into dry and wet runs, this segment showcased the Levitas Ultra’s AI-optimised grooves. First up, the BMW 320d took to the dry braking course, and despite the tyres already warmed up from prior abuse, they bit into the tarmac with reassuring grip. The traction control system may have lent a helping hand, but credit where it’s due — these tyres can stop on a dime. The wet braking test, however, was the real wild card. With the tyres now battling water (and my nerves), I floored it and then stomped on the brakes like I’d spotted a pothole the size of Andheri West. The result? Minimal fishtailing
and a confident stop. That said, while the tyres excelled in controlled wet conditions, I’d reserve judgment until they face the wrath of Indian monsoons. You know, the kind where roads transform into rivers and potholes turn into craters.
Aimed squarely at the luxury car segment, these tyres prove that homegrown talent can tango with the Europeans. From whisper-quiet high-speed runs to sharp handling under pressure, the Levitas Ultra checks most boxes for premium car enthusiasts. At ₹9,000 to ₹18,000 per tyre, it’s not exactly a budget-friendly option. But if you’ve already splurged on an Audi or BMW, why skimp on the very thing connecting you to the road? So, if you’re looking to replace the rubber on your luxury ride, the Levitas Ultra might just be the perfect fit.
