Covering 14 of the leading winter tyres in 205/55 R16, AMS puts them through their paces with the typical thoroughness of a German magazine.
Test source Auto Motor Und Sport
2011 AMS Winter Tyre Test
Overall test winnerGoodyear UltraGrip 8
We might be well into the winter tyre season, but this excellent winter tyre test from Auto Motor und Sport was too good to ignore.
- Tyres tested
- 14
- Tested size
- 205/55 R16
At a glance
Tyre shortlist
Published finishing positions, with the strengths and considerations from this test. Owner reviews cover other sizes and driving conditions.
+Very good handling, good traction and short braking distances on snow, good wet performances, good comfort.
−Stopping distance in dry conditions are not optimal
Read full verdict+Very good handling characteristics and short braking distances on wet, snow-good characteristics, low noise.
−Stopping distance in dry conditions are not optimal.
Read full verdict+Well-balanced driving characteristics under all conditions, very short wet braking, good comfort.
−Only moderate aquaplaning properties.
Read full verdict+Currently the best properties in the winter-competitive environment, good handling in dry conditions.
−Only moderate wet performances.
Read full verdict+Well-balanced driving characteristics under all conditions, wet braking distances short, good comfort, low noise.
−Snow traction is not optimal.
Read full verdict+Good handling characteristics, short braking distance and snow traction, good wet performances.
−Only moderate aquaplaning properties.
Read full verdict+Good handling characteristics and short braking distances and good traction on snow, very low rolling resistance.
−Poor aquaplaning properties.
Read full verdict+Good handling on dry roads, good comfort, low noise levels.
−Only average snow traction, moderate aquaplaning properties.
Read full verdict+Very good handling, good traction and short braking distances on snow.
−Average properties in wet and dry, high rolling resistance.
Read full verdict+Very good handling, good traction and short braking distances on snow.
−Average properties in wet and dry, high rolling resistance.
Read full verdict+Good driving comfort and low road noise, satisfactory performance on snow.
−Long dry braking distance, high rolling resistance.
Read full verdict−Good handling and very good braking performance on dry roads.
Read full verdict+Very good driving characteristics on dry roads, good comfort.
−Unsatisfactory handling on snow, just average in the wet.
Read full verdict+Good handling characteristics on dry roads, good comfort.
−Unsatisfactory handling on snow, average in the wet.
Read full verdictSelect 2–8 tyres to compare
The full test
The evidence behind the verdict
Covering 14 of the leading winter tyres in 205/55 R16, AMS puts them through their paces with the typical thoroughness of a German magazine.


He can't be the Pilot Alpin 4 on this test because he doesn't exist in 16". That must be a Alpin 4 ;)
You are correct :) We will get this updated soon, thank you for noticing.