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2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test

Overall test winnerMichelin Pilot Alpin 5

Following on from the 52 winter tyre braking test, the top 20 winter tyres in 245/45 R18 have been put through the usual Auto Bild winter tyre tests, to discover the best performance winter tyre for the 2020 season.

Data analyzed and reviewed byJonathan Benson
10 min read Updated
Tyre shortlist Read the test
Tyres tested
20
Tested size
245/45 R18
Disciplines
12

At a glance

Tyre shortlist

20 Tyres tested

Published finishing positions, with the strengths and considerations from this test. Owner reviews cover other sizes and driving conditions.

1st

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

+Test winner with high levels of grip in the snow, dynamic wet and dry handling, short braking distances, very low wear, low rolling resistance.

−High price.

Read full verdict
33 owner reviews Test Results
2nd

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

+Convincing all round performance, excellent winter properties, good wet and dry handling, low rolling resistance.

−Average wear.

Read full verdict
115 owner reviews Test Results
3rd

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+

+Excellent in the snow and on dry roads, safe characteristics on wet roads, good aquaplaning resistance.

−Average comfort.

20 owner reviews Test Results
Joint4th

BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2

+Convincing winter tyre with good economy, good in the snow, good aquaplaning resistance and low wear.

−Increased rolling resistance.

Read full verdict
30 owner reviews Test Results
Joint4th

Kleber Krisalp HP3

+Well priced with good performance level and safe handling in all weather, low wear.

−High rolling resistance.

Read full verdict
36 owner reviews Test Results
6th

Hankook Winter i cept evo3

+New winter profile with sporty performance on wet and dry roads, good in the snow, short snow and wet braking distances.

−High rolling resistance.

Read full verdict
23 owner reviews Test Results
7th

Continental WinterContact TS 850 P

+Wet specialist with sporty dynamic handling in all weather conditions, precise steering, very low wear.

−Long dry braking distances, high price.

Read full verdict
20 owner reviews Test Results
8th

Dunlop Winter Sport 5

+Balanced winter tyres with excellent grip in the snow, high aquaplaning resistance, good comfort.

−Extended wet braking, high price.

Read full verdict
47 owner reviews Test Results
Joint9th

Apollo Aspire XP Winter

+Good traction and short braking distances, good aquaplaning resistance, dynamic dry handling.

−Extended wet braking.

Read full verdict
3 owner reviews Test Results
Joint9th

Semperit Speed Grip 3

+Short braking distances and dynamic behavior in the wet, high mileage, good value.

−Low aquaplaning resistance.

Read full verdict
7 owner reviews Test Results
11th

Fulda Kristall Control HP2

+Good snow grip, good aquaplaning resistance, good levels of comfort, low wear.

−Understeer in the wet and dry, extended wet braking.

Read full verdict
12 owner reviews Test Results
12th

Vredestein Wintrac Pro

+Balanced in all weather conditions, short snow braking distances, dynamic wet handling.

−Average value, increased rolling resistance.

Read full verdict
30 owner reviews Test Results
13th

Giti GitiWinterW1

+Short braking distances and good traction on snow, dynamic wet handling, low wear, low price.

−Average aquaplaning resistance, long wet braking.

Read full verdict
2 owner reviews Test Results
14th

Uniroyal MS Plus 77

+Good in the snow, high aquaplaning resistance, good levels of comfort.

−Average wet grip, high wear.

Read full verdict
9 owner reviews Test Results
15th

Barum Polaris 5

+Good in the snow and on dry roads, good aquaplaning reserves.

−Long wet braking, average wear, high rolling resistance.

Read full verdict
16 owner reviews Test Results
Joint16th

Laufenn I Fit+

+Balance performance in the dry, low noise, low rolling resistance.

−Understeer in the snow, average aquaplaning resistance.

4 owner reviews Test Results
Joint16th

Nokian WR A4

+Good snow qualities, good value.

−Low levels of grip in the wet.

Read full verdict
24 owner reviews Test Results
18th

General Altimax Winter 3

+Well priced with good snow performance, low noise.

−Understeer in the wet and dry, average aquaplaning resistance.

Read full verdict
3 owner reviews Test Results
19th

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

+Good in the snow and dry, low fuel use.

−Average wet grip, high price, high wear.

Read full verdict
59 owner reviews Test Results
20th

Cooper Weather Master SA2+

+Good aquaplaning resistance, low noise, low price.

−Average grip in the snow, understeer in the dry, high wear.

6 owner reviews Test Results

Tyre shortlist

Compare selected tyres

2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test · 245/45 R18

TyreMichelin Pilot Alpin 5Bridgestone Blizzak LM005Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2Kleber Krisalp HP3Hankook Winter i cept evo3Continental WinterContact TS 850 PDunlop Winter Sport 5Apollo Aspire XP WinterSemperit Speed Grip 3Fulda Kristall Control HP2Vredestein Wintrac ProGiti GitiWinterW1Uniroyal MS Plus 77Barum Polaris 5Laufenn I Fit+Nokian WR A4General Altimax Winter 3Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3Cooper Weather Master SA2+
Position1st2nd3rdJoint 4thJoint 4th6th7th8thJoint 9thJoint 9th11th12th13th14th15thJoint 16thJoint 16th18th19th20th
Category scores (% of best)
Dry100%97%96.8%96.3%96.5%97.5%95.4%95.5%97.7%96.8%93.2%97.6%95.1%95.5%95.8%96%96.8%94.2%97.4%93.7%
Wet97%99.3%93%93.5%92.8%96.1%97.4%91.9%92.5%98.2%89.7%95.2%91.8%92.8%91.4%89.3%91.7%89.2%90.8%92.4%
Snow98.2%98.8%99.3%98.2%90%96.1%96.6%97%95.4%94.2%97.6%95.7%95%97.5%95.4%95.4%94.9%97.4%94.3%92%
Comfort99.4%97.8%95.9%100%100%93.9%97.9%93.2%93.3%95.7%93.9%95.9%96.7%97.6%98%98.7%98%98.6%97.2%95.7%
Value86.9%84.2%84%85.4%85.3%80.9%82.9%84.9%83.7%87.1%89.4%78.6%87.5%75.4%80.4%90.8%82.9%84.9%84%75.9%
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Test Results

Explore the complete results →

The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

Following on from the 52 winter tyre braking test, the top 20 winter tyres in 245/45 R18 have been put through the usual Auto Bild winter tyre tests, to discover the best performance winter tyre for the 2020 season.

As usual there's a summer tyre for reference, so scroll down to see all the details of this mega test, and don't forget to check out the Auto Bild website for the full details of this epic winter tyre.

Dry

As always the case, the summer tyre had a significant advantage in dry braking, as the siped winter tyres can't provide enough block stiffness to match the summer tyre during an emergency stop.

The best of the winter tyres was the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, nearly two meters ahead of the second placed Vredestein Wintrac Pro.

 

Dry Braking

Dry braking in meters

Lower is better ↓
Position / TyreResultGap to best
RefReference Summer
 37.2 m -4.70 m
1Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 41.9 m Best
2Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 43.7 m +1.80 m
2Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 43.7 m +1.80 m
4Laufenn I Fit+
 43.9 m +2.00 m
4Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 43.9 m +2.00 m
4Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 43.9 m +2.00 m
7Kleber Krisalp HP3
 44.1 m +2.20 m
8BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 44.2 m +2.30 m
9Semperit Speed Grip 3
 44.3 m +2.40 m
10Nokian WR A4
 44.4 m +2.50 m
10Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 44.4 m +2.50 m
12Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 44.7 m +2.80 m
13Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 45.2 m +3.30 m
13Barum Polaris 5
 45.2 m +3.30 m
15Giti GitiWinterW1
 45.3 m +3.40 m
16Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 45.6 m +3.70 m
17General Altimax Winter 3
 45.7 m +3.80 m
18Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 45.9 m +4.00 m
19Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 46.1 m +4.20 m
20Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 46.5 m +4.60 m

The difference between best and worst was 25% (9.3 m ≈ 2.1 Car Lengths).

The summer tyre held the advantage in the dry handling testing, with the Apollo Aspire XP Winter moving up to the best of the winter tyres on test.

Dry Handling

Dry Handling Average Speed

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
RefReference Summer
 110.9 km/h +0.30 km/h
1Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 110.6 km/h Best
2Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 110.5 km/h -0.10 km/h
3Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 110.4 km/h -0.20 km/h
3Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 110.4 km/h -0.20 km/h
5Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 110.1 km/h -0.50 km/h
6Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 110 km/h -0.60 km/h
7Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 109.9 km/h -0.70 km/h
8Nokian WR A4
 109.7 km/h -0.90 km/h
9Semperit Speed Grip 3
 109.6 km/h -1.00 km/h
10Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 109.5 km/h -1.10 km/h
10Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 109.5 km/h -1.10 km/h
12Barum Polaris 5
 109.3 km/h -1.30 km/h
13Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 108.7 km/h -1.90 km/h
14Kleber Krisalp HP3
 108.4 km/h -2.20 km/h
15BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 108.2 km/h -2.40 km/h
16Giti GitiWinterW1
 108 km/h -2.60 km/h
17General Altimax Winter 3
 107 km/h -3.60 km/h
18Laufenn I Fit+
 106.8 km/h -3.80 km/h
19Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 106.5 km/h -4.10 km/h
20Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 106.3 km/h -4.30 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 4.1% (4.6 Km/H).

Wet

As winter tyre technology progresses, we are starting to see winter tyres outperform summer tyres in wet conditions, even when warm.

In this test, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 had an impressive advantage in the wet braking test, with the worst tyres taking nearly 10 meters longer to stop the car.

Wet Braking

Wet braking in meters

Lower is better ↓
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 47.3 m Best
2Semperit Speed Grip 3
 48.1 m +0.80 m
RefReference Summer
 49.1 m +1.80 m
3Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 49.7 m +2.40 m
4Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 49.9 m +2.60 m
5Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 50.5 m +3.20 m
6Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 51.9 m +4.60 m
7BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 53.3 m +6.00 m
8Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 53.4 m +6.10 m
9Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 53.7 m +6.40 m
9Kleber Krisalp HP3
 53.7 m +6.40 m
11Nokian WR A4
 54 m +6.70 m
11Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 54 m +6.70 m
13Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 54.9 m +7.60 m
14Giti GitiWinterW1
 55 m +7.70 m
14Barum Polaris 5
 55 m +7.70 m
14Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 55 m +7.70 m
14Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 55 m +7.70 m
18General Altimax Winter 3
 56.2 m +8.90 m
19Laufenn I Fit+
 56.6 m +9.30 m
20Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 56.7 m +9.40 m

The difference between best and worst was 19.9% (9.4 m ≈ 2.1 Car Lengths).

The Michelin, Continental and Semperit were all ahead of the summer tyre in the wet handling test.

Wet Handling

Wet Handling Average Speed

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 74.4 km/h Best
1Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 74.4 km/h Best
3Semperit Speed Grip 3
 74.3 km/h -0.10 km/h
RefReference Summer
 74.1 km/h -0.30 km/h
4Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 73.9 km/h -0.50 km/h
5Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 73.7 km/h -0.70 km/h
6Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 73.2 km/h -1.20 km/h
7Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 72.8 km/h -1.60 km/h
8BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 72.6 km/h -1.80 km/h
8Giti GitiWinterW1
 72.6 km/h -1.80 km/h
10Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 72 km/h -2.40 km/h
10Kleber Krisalp HP3
 72 km/h -2.40 km/h
12Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 71.7 km/h -2.70 km/h
12Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 71.7 km/h -2.70 km/h
14Nokian WR A4
 71.4 km/h -3.00 km/h
15Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 71.3 km/h -3.10 km/h
15Barum Polaris 5
 71.3 km/h -3.10 km/h
17Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 70.5 km/h -3.90 km/h
18General Altimax Winter 3
 70.1 km/h -4.30 km/h
19Laufenn I Fit+
 70 km/h -4.40 km/h
20Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 69.6 km/h -4.80 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 6.5% (4.8 Km/H).

Interestingly the summer tyre had a big advantage in straight aquaplaning, which is unusual for modern top tier summer tyres. This could indicate the chosen summer tyre was a second tier brand.

Straight Aqua

Float Speed in Km/H

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
RefReference Summer
 93.7 km/h +2.40 km/h
1Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 91.3 km/h Best
2Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 89.8 km/h -1.50 km/h
3Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 89.7 km/h -1.60 km/h
4Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 89.6 km/h -1.70 km/h
5Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 88.6 km/h -2.70 km/h
6Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 88.5 km/h -2.80 km/h
6BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 88.5 km/h -2.80 km/h
8Kleber Krisalp HP3
 88.1 km/h -3.20 km/h
9Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 87.7 km/h -3.60 km/h
9Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 87.7 km/h -3.60 km/h
11Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 87.6 km/h -3.70 km/h
12Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 87.5 km/h -3.80 km/h
13Barum Polaris 5
 87.2 km/h -4.10 km/h
14Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 86.1 km/h -5.20 km/h
15Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 86 km/h -5.30 km/h
16Laufenn I Fit+
 85.1 km/h -6.20 km/h
17Giti GitiWinterW1
 84 km/h -7.30 km/h
18Nokian WR A4
 83.8 km/h -7.50 km/h
19Semperit Speed Grip 3
 83 km/h -8.30 km/h
20General Altimax Winter 3
 81.9 km/h -9.40 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 12.6% (11.8 Km/H).

Snow

Unsurprisingly the summer tyre had no grip in the snow tests, and there was a near 2 meter spread between the best and worst winter tyre during snow braking.

Snow Braking

Snow braking in meters

Lower is better ↓
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 24.3 m Best
2Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 24.5 m +0.20 m
2Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 24.5 m +0.20 m
4BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 24.6 m +0.30 m
4Kleber Krisalp HP3
 24.6 m +0.30 m
6General Altimax Winter 3
 24.7 m +0.40 m
7Laufenn I Fit+
 24.8 m +0.50 m
7Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 24.8 m +0.50 m
9Barum Polaris 5
 24.9 m +0.60 m
9Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 24.9 m +0.60 m
11Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 25 m +0.70 m
11Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 25 m +0.70 m
11Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 25 m +0.70 m
14Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 25.2 m +0.90 m
15Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 25.3 m +1.00 m
16Giti GitiWinterW1
 25.4 m +1.10 m
17Nokian WR A4
 25.5 m +1.20 m
18Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 25.8 m +1.50 m
19Semperit Speed Grip 3
 26 m +1.70 m
20Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 26.1 m +1.80 m
RefReference Summer
 51.2 m +26.90 m

The difference between best and worst was 110.7% (26.9 m ≈ 6 Car Lengths).

The snow traction test was even worse for the summer tyre, with around 1/6 the traction performance of the best winter tyre.

Snow Traction

Pulling Force in Newtons

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 3098 N Best
2Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 3029 N -69.00 N
3BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 3012 N -86.00 N
4General Altimax Winter 3
 3006 N -92.00 N
5Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 3005 N -93.00 N
6Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 2990 N -108.00 N
7Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 2942 N -156.00 N
8Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 2926 N -172.00 N
9Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 2909 N -189.00 N
10Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 2890 N -208.00 N
11Nokian WR A4
 2883 N -215.00 N
12Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 2876 N -222.00 N
13Giti GitiWinterW1
 2874 N -224.00 N
14Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 2869 N -229.00 N
15Semperit Speed Grip 3
 2854 N -244.00 N
16Barum Polaris 5
 2834 N -264.00 N
17Laufenn I Fit+
 2827 N -271.00 N
18Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 2825 N -273.00 N
19Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 2777 N -321.00 N
20Kleber Krisalp HP3
 2294 N -804.00 N
RefReference Summer
 420 N -2,678.00 N

The difference between best and worst was 86.4% (2,678 N).

The sister brands of Dunlop and Goodyear lead the snow handling tests.

Snow Handling

Snow handling average speed

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 61.5 km/h Best
2Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 61.3 km/h -0.20 km/h
3Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 61.2 km/h -0.30 km/h
4Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 60.8 km/h -0.70 km/h
4Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 60.8 km/h -0.70 km/h
6Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 60.7 km/h -0.80 km/h
6BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 60.7 km/h -0.80 km/h
8Kleber Krisalp HP3
 60.6 km/h -0.90 km/h
9Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 60.2 km/h -1.30 km/h
9Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 60.2 km/h -1.30 km/h
11Barum Polaris 5
 60 km/h -1.50 km/h
12Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 59.9 km/h -1.60 km/h
12Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 59.9 km/h -1.60 km/h
14Laufenn I Fit+
 59.8 km/h -1.70 km/h
14Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 59.8 km/h -1.70 km/h
16General Altimax Winter 3
 59.7 km/h -1.80 km/h
17Semperit Speed Grip 3
 59.6 km/h -1.90 km/h
18Giti GitiWinterW1
 59.5 km/h -2.00 km/h
19Nokian WR A4
 59.3 km/h -2.20 km/h
20Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 57.4 km/h -4.10 km/h
RefReference Summer
 38.1 km/h -23.40 km/h

The difference between best and worst was 38% (23.4 Km/H).

Environment

As usual, Michelin had the best projected wear from the tyre, with the worst winter tyre having almost 50% of the projected mileage.

Wear

Predicted tread life in KM

Higher is better ↑
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 47,970 KM Best
2Laufenn I Fit+
 44,690 KM -3,280 KM
3BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 44,280 KM -3,690 KM
4Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 43,460 KM -4,510 KM
5Semperit Speed Grip 3
 43,050 KM -4,920 KM
5Kleber Krisalp HP3
 43,050 KM -4,920 KM
7Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 42,640 KM -5,330 KM
8Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 42,230 KM -5,740 KM
9Giti GitiWinterW1
 41,820 KM -6,150 KM
10Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 40,590 KM -7,380 KM
11Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 40,180 KM -7,790 KM
11Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 40,180 KM -7,790 KM
13Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 39,770 KM -8,200 KM
13Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 39,770 KM -8,200 KM
15General Altimax Winter 3
 39,360 KM -8,610 KM
15Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 39,360 KM -8,610 KM
17Nokian WR A4
 37,310 KM -10,660 KM
18Barum Polaris 5
 35,260 KM -12,710 KM
19Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 33,620 KM -14,350 KM
20Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 29,930 KM -18,040 KM

The difference between best and worst was 37.6% (18,040 KM).

When you compare price against projected mileage, the well priced, low wear Laufenn tyre proved to have the best value.

Even though the Michelin had the best wear on test, it also had the most expensive purchase price making it one of the worst value tyres.

Value

Euros/1000km based on cost/wear

Lower is better ↓
Position / TyreResultGap to bestcost per 1,000 km
1Laufenn I Fit+
 10.41 Price/1000 Best €17.94
2Giti GitiWinterW1
 11.12 Price/1000 +0.71 Price/1000 €18.07
3General Altimax Winter 3
 11.18 Price/1000 +0.77 Price/1000 €18.85
4Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 11.6 Price/1000 +1.19 Price/1000 €15.99
5Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 11.69 Price/1000 +1.28 Price/1000 €20.64
6Barum Polaris 5
 11.77 Price/1000 +1.36 Price/1000 €19.76
7Semperit Speed Grip 3
 12.08 Price/1000 +1.67 Price/1000 €18.38
7Kleber Krisalp HP3
 12.08 Price/1000 +1.67 Price/1000 €20.24
9Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 12.83 Price/1000 +2.42 Price/1000 €18.41
10BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 12.99 Price/1000 +2.58 Price/1000 €20.23
11Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 13.33 Price/1000 +2.92 Price/1000 €21.32
12Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 13.55 Price/1000 +3.14 Price/1000 €18.62
13Nokian WR A4
 13.8 Price/1000 +3.39 Price/1000 €17.46
14Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 14.56 Price/1000 +4.15 Price/1000 €23.52
15Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 14.68 Price/1000 +4.27 Price/1000 €17.94
16Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 14.72 Price/1000 +4.31 Price/1000 €21.66
17Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 14.73 Price/1000 +4.32 Price/1000 €21.32
18Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 14.77 Price/1000 +4.36 Price/1000 €18.84
19Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 15.22 Price/1000 +4.81 Price/1000 €20.55
20Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 16.22 Price/1000 +5.81 Price/1000 €17.98

The difference between best and worst was 55.8% (5.81 Price/1000). Over 40,000 km the cheapest tyre to own (Fulda Kristall Control HP2) works out €301 cheaper than the most expensive (Vredestein Wintrac Pro).

How this is calculated

Assumes a typical car using 8 l/100km (with rolling resistance causing 20% of fuel use), fuel at €1.65 per litre and €70 fitting per set of four. Purchase prices are from the time of the 2020 test; financing costs are excluded.

Pirelli and Bridgestone had the lowest impact on fuel use on test.

Rolling Resistance

Rolling resistance in kg t

Lower is better ↓
Position / TyreResultGap to bestExtra fuel / year
1Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 6.95 kg/t Best £0
2Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 7.35 kg/t +0.40 kg/t £25
3Nokian WR A4
 7.42 kg/t +0.47 kg/t £30
4Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 7.59 kg/t +0.64 kg/t £41
5Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 7.67 kg/t +0.72 kg/t £46
6Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 7.83 kg/t +0.88 kg/t £56
7Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 7.95 kg/t +1.00 kg/t £63
8Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 7.97 kg/t +1.02 kg/t £65
9Semperit Speed Grip 3
 8.18 kg/t +1.23 kg/t £78
10Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 8.23 kg/t +1.28 kg/t £81
11Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 8.26 kg/t +1.31 kg/t £83
12Giti GitiWinterW1
 8.34 kg/t +1.39 kg/t £88
13BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 8.44 kg/t +1.49 kg/t £95
14General Altimax Winter 3
 8.5 kg/t +1.55 kg/t £98
15Laufenn I Fit+
 8.52 kg/t +1.57 kg/t £100
16Barum Polaris 5
 8.53 kg/t +1.58 kg/t £100
17Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 8.59 kg/t +1.64 kg/t £104
18Kleber Krisalp HP3
 8.67 kg/t +1.72 kg/t £109
19Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 8.69 kg/t +1.74 kg/t £110
20Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 8.85 kg/t +1.90 kg/t £121

The difference between best and worst was 27.3% (1.9 kg / t). Over 19,000 km a year at £1.45/L, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro uses about 83 L (£121) more fuel than the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3.

Adjust the assumptions

Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.

19,000 km
£1.45/L
Estimates based on typical driving conditions. Rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20% of IC vehicle fuel consumption and 25% of EV energy consumption. Actual savings vary based on driving style, vehicle weight, road conditions, and tyre age. For comparative purposes only. Lifetime savings based on a 40,000km / 25,000 mile tread life.

Auto Bild test external drive by noise, not internal cabin noise. In this test, the three Michelin brands proved to be the quietest tyres.

Noise

External noise in dB

Lower is better ↓
Position / TyreResultGap to best
1BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
 69.7 dB Best
1Kleber Krisalp HP3
 69.7 dB Best
3Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
 70.1 dB +0.40 dB
RefReference Summer
 70.4 dB +0.70 dB
4Laufenn I Fit+
 70.6 dB +0.90 dB
5General Altimax Winter 3
 70.7 dB +1.00 dB
6Nokian WR A4
 71.1 dB +1.40 dB
6Barum Polaris 5
 71.1 dB +1.40 dB
8Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
 71.2 dB +1.50 dB
9Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 71.3 dB +1.60 dB
10Uniroyal MS Plus 77
 71.4 dB +1.70 dB
11Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
 71.7 dB +2.00 dB
12Giti GitiWinterW1
 72.1 dB +2.40 dB
13Vredestein Wintrac Pro
 72.7 dB +3.00 dB
13Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
 72.7 dB +3.00 dB
15Semperit Speed Grip 3
 72.8 dB +3.10 dB
15Cooper Weather Master SA2+
 72.8 dB +3.10 dB
17Fulda Kristall Control HP2
 74.2 dB +4.50 dB
17Hankook Winter i cept evo3
 74.2 dB +4.50 dB
19Apollo Aspire XP Winter
 74.7 dB +5.00 dB
20Dunlop Winter Sport 5
 74.8 dB +5.10 dB

The difference between best and worst was 7.3% (5.1 dB).

Results

1st

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

245/45 R18
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
Dry100%
Wet97%
Snow98.2%
Comfort99.4%
Value86.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better1st / 2041.9 mBest in this discipline
Dry HandlingHigher is better2nd / 20110.5 km/h-0.10 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better4th / 2049.9 m+2.60 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better1st / 2074.4 km/hBest in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better14th / 2086.1 km/h-5.20 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better1st / 2024.3 mBest in this discipline
Snow TractionHigher is better5th / 203005 N-93.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better9th / 2060.2 km/h-1.30 km/h
NoiseLower is better3rd / 2070.1 dB+0.40 dB
WearHigher is better1st / 2047970 KMBest in this discipline
ValueLower is better19th / 2015.22 Price/1000+4.81 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better8th / 207.97 kg/t+1.02 kg/t
2nd

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

245/45 R18
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
Dry97%
Wet99.3%
Snow98.8%
Comfort97.8%
Value84.2%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better10th / 2044.4 m+2.50 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better5th / 20110.1 km/h-0.50 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better1st / 2047.3 mBest in this discipline
Wet HandlingHigher is better4th / 2073.9 km/h-0.50 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better11th / 2087.6 km/h-3.70 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better2nd / 2024.5 m+0.20 m
Snow TractionHigher is better2nd / 203029 N-69.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better3rd / 2061.2 km/h-0.30 km/h
NoiseLower is better9th / 2071.3 dB+1.60 dB
WearHigher is better11th / 2040180 KM-7,790.00 KM
ValueLower is better15th / 2014.68 Price/1000+4.27 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better2nd / 207.35 kg/t+0.40 kg/t
3rd

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+

245/45 R18
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
Dry96.8%
Wet93%
Snow99.3%
Comfort95.9%
Value84%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better12th / 2044.7 m+2.80 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better3rd / 20110.4 km/h-0.20 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better9th / 2053.7 m+6.40 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better10th / 2072 km/h-2.40 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better4th / 2089.6 km/h-1.70 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better7th / 2024.8 m+0.50 m
Snow TractionHigher is better1st / 203098 NBest in this discipline
Snow HandlingHigher is better2nd / 2061.3 km/h-0.20 km/h
NoiseLower is better13th / 2072.7 dB+3.00 dB
WearHigher is better10th / 2040590 KM-7,380.00 KM
ValueLower is better12th / 2013.55 Price/1000+3.14 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better6th / 207.83 kg/t+0.88 kg/t
Joint 4th

BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2

245/45 R18
BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
Dry96.3%
Wet93.5%
Snow98.2%
Comfort100%
Value85.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better8th / 2044.2 m+2.30 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better15th / 20108.2 km/h-2.40 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better7th / 2053.3 m+6.00 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better8th / 2072.6 km/h-1.80 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better6th / 2088.5 km/h-2.80 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better4th / 2024.6 m+0.30 m
Snow TractionHigher is better3rd / 203012 N-86.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better6th / 2060.7 km/h-0.80 km/h
NoiseLower is better1st / 2069.7 dBBest in this discipline
WearHigher is better3rd / 2044280 KM-3,690.00 KM
ValueLower is better10th / 2012.99 Price/1000+2.58 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better13th / 208.44 kg/t+1.49 kg/t
Joint 4th

Kleber Krisalp HP3

245/45 R18
Kleber Krisalp HP3
Dry96.5%
Wet92.8%
Snow90%
Comfort100%
Value85.3%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better7th / 2044.1 m+2.20 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better14th / 20108.4 km/h-2.20 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better9th / 2053.7 m+6.40 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better10th / 2072 km/h-2.40 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better8th / 2088.1 km/h-3.20 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better4th / 2024.6 m+0.30 m
Snow TractionHigher is better20th / 202294 N-804.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better8th / 2060.6 km/h-0.90 km/h
NoiseLower is better1st / 2069.7 dBBest in this discipline
WearHigher is better5th / 2043050 KM-4,920.00 KM
ValueLower is better7th / 2012.08 Price/1000+1.67 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better18th / 208.67 kg/t+1.72 kg/t
6th

Hankook Winter i cept evo3

245/45 R18
Hankook Winter i cept evo3
Dry97.5%
Wet96.1%
Snow96.1%
Comfort93.9%
Value80.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better4th / 2043.9 m+2.00 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better6th / 20110 km/h-0.60 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better5th / 2050.5 m+3.20 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better6th / 2073.2 km/h-1.20 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better5th / 2088.6 km/h-2.70 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better11th / 2025 m+0.70 m
Snow TractionHigher is better10th / 202890 N-208.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better9th / 2060.2 km/h-1.30 km/h
NoiseLower is better17th / 2074.2 dB+4.50 dB
WearHigher is better13th / 2039770 KM-8,200.00 KM
ValueLower is better11th / 2013.33 Price/1000+2.92 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better17th / 208.59 kg/t+1.64 kg/t
7th

Continental WinterContact TS 850 P

245/45 R18
Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
Dry95.4%
Wet97.4%
Snow96.6%
Comfort97.9%
Value82.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better19th / 2046.1 m+4.20 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better3rd / 20110.4 km/h-0.20 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better3rd / 2049.7 m+2.40 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better1st / 2074.4 km/hBest in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better12th / 2087.5 km/h-3.80 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better14th / 2025.2 m+0.90 m
Snow TractionHigher is better8th / 202926 N-172.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better4th / 2060.8 km/h-0.70 km/h
NoiseLower is better8th / 2071.2 dB+1.50 dB
WearHigher is better4th / 2043460 KM-4,510.00 KM
ValueLower is better17th / 2014.73 Price/1000+4.32 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better11th / 208.26 kg/t+1.31 kg/t
8th

Dunlop Winter Sport 5

245/45 R18
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
Dry95.5%
Wet91.9%
Snow97%
Comfort93.2%
Value84.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better16th / 2045.6 m+3.70 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better10th / 20109.5 km/h-1.10 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better14th / 2055 m+7.70 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better12th / 2071.7 km/h-2.70 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better3rd / 2089.7 km/h-1.60 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better11th / 2025 m+0.70 m
Snow TractionHigher is better9th / 202909 N-189.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better1st / 2061.5 km/hBest in this discipline
NoiseLower is better20th / 2074.8 dB+5.10 dB
WearHigher is better7th / 2042640 KM-5,330.00 KM
ValueLower is better18th / 2014.77 Price/1000+4.36 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better4th / 207.59 kg/t+0.64 kg/t
Joint 9th

Apollo Aspire XP Winter

245/45 R18
Apollo Aspire XP Winter
Dry97.7%
Wet92.5%
Snow95.4%
Comfort93.3%
Value83.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better4th / 2043.9 m+2.00 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better1st / 20110.6 km/hBest in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better13th / 2054.9 m+7.60 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better7th / 2072.8 km/h-1.60 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better6th / 2088.5 km/h-2.80 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better15th / 2025.3 m+1.00 m
Snow TractionHigher is better12th / 202876 N-222.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better12th / 2059.9 km/h-1.60 km/h
NoiseLower is better19th / 2074.7 dB+5.00 dB
WearHigher is better15th / 2039360 KM-8,610.00 KM
ValueLower is better9th / 2012.83 Price/1000+2.42 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better7th / 207.95 kg/t+1.00 kg/t
Joint 9th

Semperit Speed Grip 3

245/45 R18
Semperit Speed Grip 3
Dry96.8%
Wet98.2%
Snow94.2%
Comfort95.7%
Value87.1%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better9th / 2044.3 m+2.40 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better9th / 20109.6 km/h-1.00 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better2nd / 2048.1 m+0.80 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better3rd / 2074.3 km/h-0.10 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better19th / 2083 km/h-8.30 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better19th / 2026 m+1.70 m
Snow TractionHigher is better15th / 202854 N-244.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better17th / 2059.6 km/h-1.90 km/h
NoiseLower is better15th / 2072.8 dB+3.10 dB
WearHigher is better5th / 2043050 KM-4,920.00 KM
ValueLower is better7th / 2012.08 Price/1000+1.67 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better9th / 208.18 kg/t+1.23 kg/t
11th

Fulda Kristall Control HP2

245/45 R18
Fulda Kristall Control HP2
Dry93.2%
Wet89.7%
Snow97.6%
Comfort93.9%
Value89.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better20th / 2046.5 m+4.60 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better19th / 20106.5 km/h-4.10 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better20th / 2056.7 m+9.40 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better20th / 2069.6 km/h-4.80 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better1st / 2091.3 km/hBest in this discipline
Snow BrakingLower is better2nd / 2024.5 m+0.20 m
Snow TractionHigher is better7th / 202942 N-156.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better4th / 2060.8 km/h-0.70 km/h
NoiseLower is better17th / 2074.2 dB+4.50 dB
WearHigher is better8th / 2042230 KM-5,740.00 KM
ValueLower is better4th / 2011.6 Price/1000+1.19 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better5th / 207.67 kg/t+0.72 kg/t
12th

Vredestein Wintrac Pro

245/45 R18
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
Dry97.6%
Wet95.2%
Snow95.7%
Comfort95.9%
Value78.6%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better2nd / 2043.7 m+1.80 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better7th / 20109.9 km/h-0.70 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better6th / 2051.9 m+4.60 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better5th / 2073.7 km/h-0.70 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better9th / 2087.7 km/h-3.60 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better9th / 2024.9 m+0.60 m
Snow TractionHigher is better14th / 202869 N-229.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better14th / 2059.8 km/h-1.70 km/h
NoiseLower is better13th / 2072.7 dB+3.00 dB
WearHigher is better11th / 2040180 KM-7,790.00 KM
ValueLower is better14th / 2014.56 Price/1000+4.15 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better20th / 208.85 kg/t+1.90 kg/t
13th

Giti GitiWinterW1

245/45 R18
Giti GitiWinterW1
Dry95.1%
Wet91.8%
Snow95%
Comfort96.7%
Value87.5%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better15th / 2045.3 m+3.40 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better16th / 20108 km/h-2.60 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better14th / 2055 m+7.70 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better8th / 2072.6 km/h-1.80 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better17th / 2084 km/h-7.30 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better16th / 2025.4 m+1.10 m
Snow TractionHigher is better13th / 202874 N-224.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better18th / 2059.5 km/h-2.00 km/h
NoiseLower is better12th / 2072.1 dB+2.40 dB
WearHigher is better9th / 2041820 KM-6,150.00 KM
ValueLower is better2nd / 2011.12 Price/1000+0.71 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better12th / 208.34 kg/t+1.39 kg/t
14th

Uniroyal MS+ 77

245/45 R18
Uniroyal MS Plus 77
Dry95.5%
Wet92.8%
Snow97.5%
Comfort97.6%
Value75.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better13th / 2045.2 m+3.30 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better13th / 20108.7 km/h-1.90 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better8th / 2053.4 m+6.10 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better12th / 2071.7 km/h-2.70 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better9th / 2087.7 km/h-3.60 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better11th / 2025 m+0.70 m
Snow TractionHigher is better6th / 202990 N-108.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better6th / 2060.7 km/h-0.80 km/h
NoiseLower is better10th / 2071.4 dB+1.70 dB
WearHigher is better19th / 2033620 KM-14,350.00 KM
ValueLower is better16th / 2014.72 Price/1000+4.31 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better10th / 208.23 kg/t+1.28 kg/t
15th

Barum Polaris 5

245/45 R18
Barum Polaris 5
Dry95.8%
Wet91.4%
Snow95.4%
Comfort98%
Value80.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better13th / 2045.2 m+3.30 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better12th / 20109.3 km/h-1.30 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better14th / 2055 m+7.70 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better15th / 2071.3 km/h-3.10 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better13th / 2087.2 km/h-4.10 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better9th / 2024.9 m+0.60 m
Snow TractionHigher is better16th / 202834 N-264.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better11th / 2060 km/h-1.50 km/h
NoiseLower is better6th / 2071.1 dB+1.40 dB
WearHigher is better18th / 2035260 KM-12,710.00 KM
ValueLower is better6th / 2011.77 Price/1000+1.36 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better16th / 208.53 kg/t+1.58 kg/t
Joint 16th

Laufenn I Fit+

245/45 R18
Laufenn I Fit+
Dry96%
Wet89.3%
Snow95.4%
Comfort98.7%
Value90.8%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better4th / 2043.9 m+2.00 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better18th / 20106.8 km/h-3.80 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better19th / 2056.6 m+9.30 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better19th / 2070 km/h-4.40 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better16th / 2085.1 km/h-6.20 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better7th / 2024.8 m+0.50 m
Snow TractionHigher is better17th / 202827 N-271.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better14th / 2059.8 km/h-1.70 km/h
NoiseLower is better4th / 2070.6 dB+0.90 dB
WearHigher is better2nd / 2044690 KM-3,280.00 KM
ValueLower is better1st / 2010.41 Price/1000Best in this discipline
Rolling ResistanceLower is better15th / 208.52 kg/t+1.57 kg/t
Joint 16th

Nokian WR A4

245/45 R18
Nokian WR A4
Dry96.8%
Wet91.7%
Snow94.9%
Comfort98%
Value82.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better10th / 2044.4 m+2.50 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better8th / 20109.7 km/h-0.90 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better11th / 2054 m+6.70 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better14th / 2071.4 km/h-3.00 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better18th / 2083.8 km/h-7.50 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better17th / 2025.5 m+1.20 m
Snow TractionHigher is better11th / 202883 N-215.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better19th / 2059.3 km/h-2.20 km/h
NoiseLower is better6th / 2071.1 dB+1.40 dB
WearHigher is better17th / 2037310 KM-10,660.00 KM
ValueLower is better13th / 2013.8 Price/1000+3.39 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better3rd / 207.42 kg/t+0.47 kg/t
18th

General Altimax Winter 3

245/45 R18
General Altimax Winter 3
Dry94.2%
Wet89.2%
Snow97.4%
Comfort98.6%
Value84.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better17th / 2045.7 m+3.80 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better17th / 20107 km/h-3.60 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better18th / 2056.2 m+8.90 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better18th / 2070.1 km/h-4.30 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better20th / 2081.9 km/h-9.40 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better6th / 2024.7 m+0.40 m
Snow TractionHigher is better4th / 203006 N-92.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better16th / 2059.7 km/h-1.80 km/h
NoiseLower is better5th / 2070.7 dB+1.00 dB
WearHigher is better15th / 2039360 KM-8,610.00 KM
ValueLower is better3rd / 2011.18 Price/1000+0.77 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better14th / 208.5 kg/t+1.55 kg/t
19th

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

245/45 R18
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
Dry97.4%
Wet90.8%
Snow94.3%
Comfort97.2%
Value84%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better2nd / 2043.7 m+1.80 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better10th / 20109.5 km/h-1.10 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better14th / 2055 m+7.70 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better17th / 2070.5 km/h-3.90 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better15th / 2086 km/h-5.30 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better18th / 2025.8 m+1.50 m
Snow TractionHigher is better18th / 202825 N-273.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better12th / 2059.9 km/h-1.60 km/h
NoiseLower is better11th / 2071.7 dB+2.00 dB
WearHigher is better13th / 2039770 KM-8,200.00 KM
ValueLower is better20th / 2016.22 Price/1000+5.81 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better1st / 206.95 kg/tBest in this discipline
20th

Cooper Weather Master SA2+

245/45 R18
Cooper Weather Master SA2+
Dry93.7%
Wet92.4%
Snow92%
Comfort95.7%
Value75.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (12)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tyres in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better18th / 2045.9 m+4.00 m
Dry HandlingHigher is better20th / 20106.3 km/h-4.30 km/h
Wet BrakingLower is better11th / 2054 m+6.70 m
Wet HandlingHigher is better15th / 2071.3 km/h-3.10 km/h
Straight AquaHigher is better2nd / 2089.8 km/h-1.50 km/h
Snow BrakingLower is better20th / 2026.1 m+1.80 m
Snow TractionHigher is better19th / 202777 N-321.00 N
Snow HandlingHigher is better20th / 2057.4 km/h-4.10 km/h
NoiseLower is better15th / 2072.8 dB+3.10 dB
WearHigher is better20th / 2029930 KM-18,040.00 KM
ValueLower is better5th / 2011.69 Price/1000+1.28 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better19th / 208.69 kg/t+1.74 kg/t

More tyre tests

Cross-check this test

All tyre tests

Where these tyres were tested again, and how the verdict held up.

More tyre tests2026 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test2026 Tire Rack New Winter Tyre Test2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tyre Test2026 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 50 SetsAll tests: Winter Tyres
Best tyresBest Winter TyresBest UHP Winter TyresBest Studless Winter Tyres

Discussion

18 comments
  1. qwaz archived

    Need to admit I cannot understand results of this test. I need new tyres by next winter, wanted to buy the same model as 5 years ago - Sottozero 3. Five years ago it was in top three of all tests I read, now its second to last? Beaten by Laufen? Giti? Or other ping-pong? Or by the tires it beat easily in 2015 tests? Like Uniroyal or Nokian? I'm pretty happy with the performance of Pirellis over those five years of use, only this year, as they are a bit older and obviously pretty worn they don't inspire as much confidence in wet as a year ago. My driving style is rather spirited, thats why I tend to buy XL tires with highest available speed ratings. Reading results of this test only made me more confused, but I'm certainly not buying chinese tires for a higher performance car, no matter what Auto Bild wrote.

    #6433
    1. TyreReviews qwaz archived

      5 years ago is a long time in tyres, technology moves on. Sometimes tyre manufacturers roll updates into existing lines instead of creating new lines, so it might just be that Pirelli has been left behind. I do know they have a new winter tyre due for winter 2021

      #6434
  2. Lukica Stipetić archived

    In this test of autobild it is interesting, how is it that vredestein wintac pro fell to 12th place and two winters ago he was the winner of the test:

    https://www.tyrereviews.co....
    or
    https://www.autobild.de/art...

    Although its competition was almost identical, and also the test vehicle was a bmw 5 series.
    The dimensions of the tested tires are also the same size.

    #6190
    1. TyreReviews Lukica Stipetić archived

      If I could answer that I could also answer why the Quatrac Pro did better in AB last year than mine this year!

      Looks like in this test wet and definitely snow is worse overall, so it might be a test temperature thing, or it might have been a compound update to improve elsewhere, maybe wear

      #6191
      1. Lukica Stipetić TyreReviews archived

        It seems that it was not only vredestein who failed in the snow

        Snow Handling 2018 2020

        Kleber Krisalp HP3 69.360.6

        Dunlop Winter Sport 5 6961.5

        Vredestein Wintrac Pro 6959.8

        P.S.
        This year, AB added the category "snow traction" to the test, which was not the case in 2018, and it is a very useful parameter, especially for RWD vehicles.

        #6216
  3. Vasilis Machairas archived

    I ordered last week the BFGoodrich winter 2 in 205/60/16 for my C4 Spacetourer. I was between them and Kleber HP3. But the Klebers had stocking problem. Very happy with the result and let's hope the different size of the tyre doesn't affect the performance

    #6189
      1. Vasilis Machairas TyreReviews archived

        They will stock them in the beginning of November but as soon as i try them i will post. I have small experience of winter tyres since my previous was Nokian WR D3 which kept them 4 years.

        #6202
    2. Jan Landa Vasilis Machairas archived

      Kleber HP3 and BFGoodrich g-force winter 2 are the same tyres, made in the same factory in Poland just with different names. That's why I'm puzzeld about Kleber's poor snow traction performance.

      #6245
      1. Vasilis Machairas Jan Landa archived

        The snow traction performance is really a riddle for a similar tyre. But on the other hand the difference in traction is 80kg. Not big deal, at least for me.

        #6248
        1. TyreReviews Vasilis Machairas archived

          I prefer to look more at the braking testing over traction as it's a little more repeatable.

          #6249
          1. Vasilis Machairas TyreReviews archived

            I agree. Can't wait to fit them ant test!
            Let it snow, let it snow... 🙂

            #6250
        2. Kolemjdouci Vasilis Machairas archived

          If the tests differences of 2 very close/same tyres are rather small then a reasonable explanation can also be simply the DOT age difference, I think.

          #6281
  4. Andy Holmes archived

    Have to say, despite its ranking (mostly due to how the test is weighted) I'm impressed how well the Nokian WRA4 is still doing, its a very old tyre now but still right in the thick of it by-and-large!

    #6177
    1. TyreReviews Andy Holmes archived

      It's also strange as I remember the a4 being the best in the dry and poor in the snow back in 2017 and now it's seemingly reversed

      #6178
      1. Andy Holmes TyreReviews archived

        Bit of a midlife update, competition is different, and importantly, different facility? Plus, different sizes of same pattern give different results. It still performed pretty well in the dry.
        I drove them in 215/50 17 on a vectra in the dry, and they weren't bad at all, but could tell even with the vectra's inert steering that they were a winter tyre.

        #6179
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