2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tyre Test

The 2024 Auto Bild AllRad SUV winter tyre test tested twelve of the popular SUV winter tyres in 245/45 R18.

Dry BrakingMichelin Pilot Alpin 5: 40.7 MMaxxis Premitra Snow WP6: 43.3 M
Dry HandlingMichelin Pilot Alpin 5: 106.4 Km/HGiti GitiWinterW2: 104 Km/H
Wet BrakingContinental WinterContact TS 870 P: 31 MImperial ICE PlusS210: 42.9 M
Wet HandlingGoodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 85.7 Km/HImperial ICE PlusS210: 76.7 Km/H
Wet CircleBridgestone Blizzak 6: 15.8 sImperial ICE PlusS210: 17.02 s
Straight AquaMaxxis Premitra Snow WP6: 81.2 Km/HImperial ICE PlusS210: 68.9 Km/H
Curved AquaplaningHankook Winter i cept evo3: 3.1 m/sec2Kumho Winter Craft WP52: 2.35 m/sec2
Snow BrakingMichelin Pilot Alpin 5: 20.5 MImperial ICE PlusS210: 26.7 M
Snow TractionMichelin Pilot Alpin 5: 2880 NImperial ICE PlusS210: 2136 N
Snow HandlingMichelin Pilot Alpin 5: 65 Km/HImperial ICE PlusS210: 58 Km/H
NoiseMichelin Pilot Alpin 5: 72.8 dBHankook Winter i cept evo3: 74.6 dB
Rolling ResistanceGoodyear UltraGrip Performance 3: 7.21 kg / tImperial ICE PlusS210: 8.54 kg / t

Dry

In dry braking, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 performed best among the winter tyres, stopping in 40.7 meters. The worst performer was the Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6, taking 43.3 meters to stop - a difference of 2.6 meters. Notably, the reference summer tyre outperformed all winter tyres, stopping in just 35.5 meters, demonstrating the superior dry performance of summer compounds.

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 again led the winter tyres in dry handling with an average speed of 106.4 km/h, while the Giti GitiWinterW2 was slowest at 104 km/h - a 2.4 km/h difference. The reference summer tyre was fastest at 107 km/h, showing its advantage in dry conditions. The Michelin's strong performance in both dry tests highlights its well-rounded capabilities.

Wet

In wet braking, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stopped in 31 meters, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 took 42.9 meters - a substantial 11.9 meter difference. The reference summer tyre outperformed all winter tyres, stopping in just 27.4 meters, emphasizing summer tyres' advantage in wet conditions above freezing temperatures.

The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 led in wet handling with an average speed of 85.7 km/h, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 was slowest at 76.7 km/h - a 9 km/h difference. The reference summer tyre was fastest at 89 km/h. The Imperial's poor performance in both wet tests indicates a significant weakness in wet conditions.

The Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 achieved the highest float speed of 81.2 km/h, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 was lowest at 68.9 km/h - a 12.3 km/h difference. Interestingly, the reference summer tyre (82 km/h) only slightly outperformed the best winter tyre in this test.

Snow

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped in 20.5 meters on snow, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 took 26.7 meters - a 6.2 meter difference. As expected, the reference summer tyre performed poorly, taking 54.4 meters to stop, highlighting the crucial need for winter tyres in snowy conditions.

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 generated 2880 N of traction force, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 managed only 2136 N - a significant 744 N difference. The reference summer tyre produced just 365 N, demonstrating its ineffectiveness in snow.

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 achieved an average speed of 65 km/h, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 managed only 58 km/h - a 7 km/h difference. The reference summer tyre was drastically slower at 32 km/h, further emphasizing winter tyres' superiority in snowy conditions.

Comfort

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was quietest at 72.8 dB, while the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was loudest at 74.6 dB - a 1.8 dB difference. The reference summer tyre produced 73.7 dB, falling in the middle of the winter tyre range.

Value

The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 had the lowest rolling resistance at 7.21 kg/t, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 had the highest at 8.54 kg/t - a 1.33 kg/t difference. The reference summer tyre's resistance was 7.52 kg/t, showing that some winter tyres can match or even exceed summer tyres in this aspect.

Results

1st: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
  • 245/45 R18 100V
  • EU Label: C/B/72
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 880.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking1st40.7 M100%
Dry Handling1st106.4 Km/H100%
Wet Braking5th32.5 M31 M+1.5 M95.38%
Wet Handling3rd84 Km/H85.7 Km/H-1.7 Km/H98.02%
Wet Circle9th16.27 s15.8 s+0.47 s97.11%
Straight Aqua4th78.3 Km/H81.2 Km/H-2.9 Km/H96.43%
Curved Aquaplaning5th2.84 m/sec23.1 m/sec2-0.26 m/sec291.61%
Snow Braking1st20.5 M100%
Snow Traction1st2880 N100%
Snow Handling1st65 Km/H100%
Noise1st72.8 dB100%
Rolling Resistance4th7.66 kg / t7.21 kg / t+0.45 kg / t94.13%
Exemplary premium tyre with top performance on snow and wet surfaces, sporty and responsive handling, short braking distances in all weather conditions, low rolling resistance.
Higher price point.
Excellent.

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2nd: Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
  • 245/45 R18 100V
  • EU Label: C/B/71
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 800.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking3rd41.2 M40.7 M+0.5 M98.79%
Dry Handling4th105.4 Km/H106.4 Km/H-1 Km/H99.06%
Wet Braking1st31 M100%
Wet Handling4th83.9 Km/H85.7 Km/H-1.8 Km/H97.9%
Wet Circle2nd15.82 s15.8 s+0.02 s99.87%
Straight Aqua3rd78.5 Km/H81.2 Km/H-2.7 Km/H96.67%
Curved Aquaplaning3rd2.98 m/sec23.1 m/sec2-0.12 m/sec296.13%
Snow Braking8th22 M20.5 M+1.5 M93.18%
Snow Traction5th2723 N2880 N-157 N94.55%
Snow Handling3rd64 Km/H65 Km/H-1 Km/H98.46%
Noise10th74.1 dB72.8 dB+1.3 dB98.25%
Rolling Resistance2nd7.27 kg / t7.21 kg / t+0.06 kg / t99.17%
Top-tier tyre with excellent driving characteristics on snowy and wet roads, good safety reserves for aquaplaning, short braking distances, low rolling resistance.
Higher price point.
Excellent.

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2nd: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
  • 245/45 R18 100V
  • EU Label: C/C/71
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 760.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking2nd40.8 M40.7 M+0.1 M99.75%
Dry Handling2nd106.3 Km/H106.4 Km/H-0.1 Km/H99.91%
Wet Braking2nd32 M31 M+1 M96.88%
Wet Handling1st85.7 Km/H100%
Wet Circle3rd15.84 s15.8 s+0.04 s99.75%
Straight Aqua6th76.9 Km/H81.2 Km/H-4.3 Km/H94.7%
Curved Aquaplaning4th2.88 m/sec23.1 m/sec2-0.22 m/sec292.9%
Snow Braking3rd21.4 M20.5 M+0.9 M95.79%
Snow Traction2nd2855 N2880 N-25 N99.13%
Snow Handling4th63.7 Km/H65 Km/H-1.3 Km/H98%
Noise7th73.8 dB72.8 dB+1 dB98.64%
Rolling Resistance1st7.21 kg / t100%
Outstanding qualities in snow and ice, dynamic performance with safe driving characteristics in wet and dry conditions, short braking distances, good rolling comfort, low rolling resistance.
Slightly higher price point.
Excellent.

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4th: Bridgestone Blizzak 6

Bridgestone Blizzak 6
  • 245/45 R18 100V
  • EU Label: C/B/70
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 760.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking8th42.5 M40.7 M+1.8 M95.76%
Dry Handling7th105 Km/H106.4 Km/H-1.4 Km/H98.68%
Wet Braking4th32.4 M31 M+1.4 M95.68%
Wet Handling2nd84.7 Km/H85.7 Km/H-1 Km/H98.83%
Wet Circle1st15.8 s100%
Straight Aqua8th75.2 Km/H81.2 Km/H-6 Km/H92.61%
Curved Aquaplaning6th2.74 m/sec23.1 m/sec2-0.36 m/sec288.39%
Snow Braking2nd21.3 M20.5 M+0.8 M96.24%
Snow Traction3rd2819 N2880 N-61 N97.88%
Snow Handling5th63.5 Km/H65 Km/H-1.5 Km/H97.69%
Noise11th74.3 dB72.8 dB+1.5 dB97.98%
Rolling Resistance3rd7.49 kg / t7.21 kg / t+0.28 kg / t96.26%
Good and safe driving characteristics in snow and ice, sporty handling with convincing grip and short braking distances on wet surfaces, low rolling resistance, good rolling comfort.
Slightly higher price point.
Excellent.

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5th: Hankook Winter i cept evo3

Hankook Winter i cept evo3
  • 245/45 R18 100V
  • EU Label: D/B/72
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 640.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking5th41.6 M40.7 M+0.9 M97.84%
Dry Handling6th105.1 Km/H106.4 Km/H-1.3 Km/H98.78%
Wet Braking3rd32.3 M31 M+1.3 M95.98%
Wet Handling6th83.1 Km/H85.7 Km/H-2.6 Km/H96.97%
Wet Circle4th16.02 s15.8 s+0.22 s98.63%
Straight Aqua5th77.9 Km/H81.2 Km/H-3.3 Km/H95.94%
Curved Aquaplaning1st3.1 m/sec2100%
Snow Braking4th21.5 M20.5 M+1 M95.35%
Snow Traction4th2745 N2880 N-135 N95.31%
Snow Handling6th63.2 Km/H65 Km/H-1.8 Km/H97.23%
Noise12th74.6 dB72.8 dB+1.8 dB97.59%
Rolling Resistance5th7.68 kg / t7.21 kg / t+0.47 kg / t93.88%
Convincingly good driving characteristics on snowy roads, very good safety reserves for aquaplaning, short braking distances in all weather conditions, low rolling resistance, pleasantly fair price.
Increased road noise.
Excellent.

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6th: Vredestein Wintrac Pro

Vredestein Wintrac Pro
  • 245/45 R18 100V
  • EU Label: D/B/72
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 680.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking10th42.7 M40.7 M+2 M95.32%
Dry Handling9th104.9 Km/H106.4 Km/H-1.5 Km/H98.59%
Wet Braking10th34.8 M31 M+3.8 M89.08%
Wet Handling9th82.5 Km/H85.7 Km/H-3.2 Km/H96.27%
Wet Circle6th16.2 s15.8 s+0.4 s97.53%
Straight Aqua9th73.4 Km/H81.2 Km/H-7.8 Km/H90.39%
Curved Aquaplaning10th2.56 m/sec23.1 m/sec2-0.54 m/sec282.58%
Snow Braking5th21.6 M20.5 M+1.1 M94.91%
Snow Traction6th2715 N2880 N-165 N94.27%
Snow Handling2nd64.7 Km/H65 Km/H-0.3 Km/H99.54%
Noise4th73.2 dB72.8 dB+0.4 dB99.45%
Rolling Resistance6th7.84 kg / t7.21 kg / t+0.63 kg / t91.96%
Sporty dynamic driving characteristics and short braking distances on snow and ice, balanced handling on wet and dry roads.
Moderate resistance to aquaplaning, slightly longer wet braking distance.
Good.

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7th: Kumho Winter Craft WP52

Kumho Winter Craft WP52
  • 245/45 R18 100V
  • EU Label: C/B/72
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 520.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking7th41.9 M40.7 M+1.2 M97.14%
Dry Handling5th105.2 Km/H106.4 Km/H-1.2 Km/H98.87%
Wet Braking6th32.6 M31 M+1.6 M95.09%
Wet Handling8th82.7 Km/H85.7 Km/H-3 Km/H96.5%
Wet Circle11th16.54 s15.8 s+0.74 s95.53%
Straight Aqua7th75.3 Km/H81.2 Km/H-5.9 Km/H92.73%
Curved Aquaplaning12th2.35 m/sec23.1 m/sec2-0.75 m/sec275.81%
Snow Braking9th22.4 M20.5 M+1.9 M91.52%
Snow Traction7th2701 N2880 N-179 N93.78%
Snow Handling6th63.2 Km/H65 Km/H-1.8 Km/H97.23%
Noise2nd72.9 dB72.8 dB+0.1 dB99.86%
Rolling Resistance7th7.95 kg / t7.21 kg / t+0.74 kg / t90.69%
Convincingly good driving characteristics on snowy roads, safe handling with short braking distances on wet and dry surfaces, low road noise.
Average aquaplaning resistance.
Good.

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8th: Giti GitiWinterW2

Giti GitiWinterW2
  • 245/45 R18 100V
  • EU Label: D/B/70
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 650.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking9th42.6 M40.7 M+1.9 M95.54%
Dry Handling12th104 Km/H106.4 Km/H-2.4 Km/H97.74%
Wet Braking7th33.5 M31 M+2.5 M92.54%
Wet Handling10th82 Km/H85.7 Km/H-3.7 Km/H95.68%
Wet Circle8th16.26 s15.8 s+0.46 s97.17%
Straight Aqua2nd81 Km/H81.2 Km/H-0.2 Km/H99.75%
Curved Aquaplaning7th2.71 m/sec23.1 m/sec2-0.39 m/sec287.42%
Snow Braking5th21.6 M20.5 M+1.1 M94.91%
Snow Traction8th2693 N2880 N-187 N93.51%
Snow Handling9th62.5 Km/H65 Km/H-2.5 Km/H96.15%
Noise3rd73 dB72.8 dB+0.2 dB99.73%
Rolling Resistance11th8.49 kg / t7.21 kg / t+1.28 kg / t84.92%
Good traction and lateral guidance on snowy roads, very good safety reserves for aquaplaning, pleasantly low road noise.
Slightly delayed steering response, increased rolling resistance.
Good.

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9th: Pirelli P Zero Winter

Pirelli P Zero Winter
  • 245/45 R18 100V
  • EU Label: C/B/72
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 840.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking11th43 M40.7 M+2.3 M94.65%
Dry Handling10th104.8 Km/H106.4 Km/H-1.6 Km/H98.5%
Wet Braking8th34.1 M31 M+3.1 M90.91%
Wet Handling4th83.9 Km/H85.7 Km/H-1.8 Km/H97.9%
Wet Circle5th16.16 s15.8 s+0.36 s97.77%
Straight Aqua10th71.7 Km/H81.2 Km/H-9.5 Km/H88.3%
Curved Aquaplaning8th2.63 m/sec23.1 m/sec2-0.47 m/sec284.84%
Snow Braking11th23.3 M20.5 M+2.8 M87.98%
Snow Traction11th2619 N2880 N-261 N90.94%
Snow Handling8th62.8 Km/H65 Km/H-2.2 Km/H96.62%
Noise6th73.6 dB72.8 dB+0.8 dB98.91%
Rolling Resistance8th7.97 kg / t7.21 kg / t+0.76 kg / t90.46%
Well-balanced good winter performance, good grip and sporty handling in wet conditions, low road noise, good rolling comfort.
Limited safety reserves for aquaplaning, slightly longer braking distances.
Satisfactory.

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10th: Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro

Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
  • 245/45 R18 100V
  • EU Label: D/B/70
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 600.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking6th41.8 M40.7 M+1.1 M97.37%
Dry Handling3rd105.6 Km/H106.4 Km/H-0.8 Km/H99.25%
Wet Braking9th34.4 M31 M+3.4 M90.12%
Wet Handling7th83 Km/H85.7 Km/H-2.7 Km/H96.85%
Wet Circle7th16.25 s15.8 s+0.45 s97.23%
Straight Aqua11th69.8 Km/H81.2 Km/H-11.4 Km/H85.96%
Curved Aquaplaning9th2.6 m/sec23.1 m/sec2-0.5 m/sec283.87%
Snow Braking10th23.1 M20.5 M+2.6 M88.74%
Snow Traction9th2674 N2880 N-206 N92.85%
Snow Handling10th62 Km/H65 Km/H-3 Km/H95.38%
Noise9th73.9 dB72.8 dB+1.1 dB98.51%
Rolling Resistance10th8.47 kg / t7.21 kg / t+1.26 kg / t85.12%
Dynamic handling on wet and dry roads, short dry braking distances, low road noise, good rolling comfort.
Average winter performance, limited safety reserves for aquaplaning.
Satisfactory.

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11th: Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6

Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
  • 245/45 R18 100V
  • EU Label: D/B/69
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 520.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking12th43.3 M40.7 M+2.6 M94%
Dry Handling11th104.7 Km/H106.4 Km/H-1.7 Km/H98.4%
Wet Braking11th35.6 M31 M+4.6 M87.08%
Wet Handling11th81.3 Km/H85.7 Km/H-4.4 Km/H94.87%
Wet Circle10th16.42 s15.8 s+0.62 s96.22%
Straight Aqua1st81.2 Km/H100%
Curved Aquaplaning2nd3.08 m/sec23.1 m/sec2-0.02 m/sec299.35%
Snow Braking7th21.8 M20.5 M+1.3 M94.04%
Snow Traction10th2657 N2880 N-223 N92.26%
Snow Handling11th61.9 Km/H65 Km/H-3.1 Km/H95.23%
Noise7th73.8 dB72.8 dB+1 dB98.64%
Rolling Resistance9th8.25 kg / t7.21 kg / t+1.04 kg / t87.39%
Good traction and short braking distances on snowy roads, low road noise, very good safety reserves for aquaplaning.
Significantly delayed steering response, limited lateral guidance, longer braking distances in wet conditions.
Satisfactory.

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12th: Imperial ICE+S210

Imperial ICE PlusS210
  • 245/45 R18 100V
  • EU Label: C/C/72
  • 3PMSF: yes
  • Price: 400.00
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking4th41.3 M40.7 M+0.6 M98.55%
Dry Handling7th105 Km/H106.4 Km/H-1.4 Km/H98.68%
Wet Braking12th42.9 M31 M+11.9 M72.26%
Wet Handling12th76.7 Km/H85.7 Km/H-9 Km/H89.5%
Wet Circle12th17.02 s15.8 s+1.22 s92.83%
Straight Aqua12th68.9 Km/H81.2 Km/H-12.3 Km/H84.85%
Curved Aquaplaning11th2.47 m/sec23.1 m/sec2-0.63 m/sec279.68%
Snow Braking12th26.7 M20.5 M+6.2 M76.78%
Snow Traction12th2136 N2880 N-744 N74.17%
Snow Handling12th58 Km/H65 Km/H-7 Km/H89.23%
Noise4th73.2 dB72.8 dB+0.4 dB99.45%
Rolling Resistance12th8.54 kg / t7.21 kg / t+1.33 kg / t84.43%
Safe driving behavior on dry roads, good comfort, quiet rolling noise.
Severely limited winter performance, poor grip and unsafe handling on wet surfaces, low safety reserves for aquaplaning.
Not recommended.

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