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135-255/35-80 R13-19 94 sizes 2018 Winter rated

Barum Polaris 5

Previous Barum Tyres Touring Winter

The Barum Polaris 5 is a Touring Winter tyre designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

8.0
Tyre Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews
High Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
71%
Wet Grip
69%
Road Feedback
67%
Handling
67%
Wear
71%
Comfort
72%
Buy again
47%
Snow Grip
73%
Ice Grip
60%
15 Reviews
66% Average
86,800 miles driven
14 Tests (avg: 14th)
Barum Polaris 5

Barum Polaris 5

Winter Mid-Range
BETA
8 / 10
Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews · High Confidence · Updated 23 Feb 2026

The Tyre Reviews Score is the most comprehensive tyre scoring system available. It aggregates professional test data from multiple independent publications, user reviews, and consistency analysis using Bayesian statistical methods, weighted normalisation, and recency-adjusted scoring to produce a single, reliable performance rating.

Learn more about our methodology
Category Scores
Value
83.5
0.42x / 17 tests
Snow
81.9
1.5x / 25 tests
Wet
68.9
1.93x / 31 tests
Comfort
68.6
0.32x / 6 tests
Ice
66
1.2x / 3 tests
Dry
61.7
1.13x / 11 tests
Cross-Category Performance

Cross-category scores are derived metrics that combine data from multiple test disciplines to evaluate real-world performance characteristics.

Traction
75.8
7 tests
Handling
73.5
15 tests
Braking
72.9
33 tests
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 14
Publications: 3
Period: 2019 - 2024
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 15
Avg Rating: 66.4%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.31
History Points: 10
Methodology & Configuration
Scoring Process
  1. Collect Test Data: Gather results from professional tyre tests across multiple publications. Minimum 1 test(s) required.
  2. Normalize Positions: Convert test positions to percentile scores using exponential weighting (factor: 1.2).
  3. Apply Recency Weighting: More recent tests are weighted higher with a decay rate of 0.95.
  4. Incorporate User Reviews: Factor in user review data (minimum 5 reviews). Weight: 15%.
  5. Bayesian Smoothing: Apply Bayesian prior (score: 7, weight: 1.5) to prevent extreme scores with limited data.
  6. Calculate Final Score: Combine all components using normalization factor of 1.1. Max score with limited data: 9.5.
Component Weights
Test Data
80%
User Reviews
15%
Consistency
5%
All Configuration Parameters
ParameterValueDescription
safety_weight 0.7 Weight multiplier for safety-related metrics
performance_weight 0.55 Weight multiplier for performance metrics
comfort_weight 0.4 Weight multiplier for comfort metrics
value_weight 0.45 Weight multiplier for value-for-money metrics
user_reviews_weight 0.15 How much user reviews contribute to the final score
test_data_weight 0.8 How much professional test data contributes to the final score
consistency_weight 0.05 How much score consistency contributes to the final score
recency_decay_rate 0.95 Rate at which older test results lose influence (higher = slower decay)
min_test_count 1 Minimum number of professional tests required
min_review_count 5 Minimum number of user reviews required
score_version 1.9 Current version of the scoring algorithm
score_normalization_factor 1.1 Factor used to normalize raw scores to the 0-10 scale
confidence_factor_weight 0.2 How much data confidence affects the final score
position_penalty_weight 0.2 Penalty applied for poor test positions
gap_penalty_threshold 12 Score gap (%) that triggers additional penalties
min_metrics_count 2 Minimum number of test metrics needed per test
limited_data_threshold 2 Number of tests below which data is considered limited
single_test_penalty 0.75 Score multiplier when only one test is available
critical_metric_penalty 0.7 Penalty for poor performance on critical safety metrics
critical_metric_threshold 70 Score below which a critical metric penalty applies
position_exponential_factor 1.2 Exponent used to amplify position-based scoring
position_exponential_threshold 0.9 Position percentile below which exponential scoring applies
gap_multiplier_critical 3 Multiplier for critical gap penalties
max_category_weight 2 Maximum weight any single category can have
max_score_limited_data 9.5 Score cap when data is limited
bayesian_prior_weight 1.5 Weight of the Bayesian prior in smoothing
bayesian_prior_score 7 Prior score used for Bayesian smoothing
evidence_test_multiplier 1.9 Multiplier for test evidence in confidence calculation
evidence_metric_divisor 3 Divisor for metric count in evidence calculation
evidence_review_divisor 10 Divisor for review count in evidence calculation
combined_penalty_floor 0.2
Data Sources
TestPublicationDateSizePositionMetrics
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild 2024 205/55 R16 16/23 15 metrics
2024 Winter 55 Tyre Braking Test Auto Bild 2024 205/55 R16 18/55 2 metrics
2023 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild 2023 225/45 R18 9/22 15 metrics
2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test ADAC 2023 205/60 R16 12/16 12 metrics
2023 Winter Tyre Test 54 Set Braking Test Auto Bild 2023 225/45 R18 14/54 2 metrics
2022 Winter Tyre Market Overview Auto Bild 2022 215/55 R17 26/57 2 metrics
2022 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 185/65 R15 ADAC 2022 185/65 R15 14/15 0 metrics
2021 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild 2021 205/55 R16 15/22 15 metrics
2021 ADAC 15 Inch Winter Tyre Test ADAC 2021 195/65 R15 12/16 0 metrics
2021 Winter Tyre Market Overview Auto Bild 2021 205/55 R16 15/49 2 metrics
2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild 2020 245/45 R18 15/21 12 metrics
2020 Winter Tyre Market Overview - 52 Tyre Braking Test Auto Bild 2020 245/45 R18 11/49 2 metrics
2019 Auto Center Winter Tyre Test AutoCentrum 2019 205/55 R16 4/10 12 metrics
2019 Winter Tyre Test Market Overview Auto Bild 2019 225/45 R17 21/47 2 metrics
All Tests
View Test Results
14
Tests
14th
Average
4th
Best
26th
Worst
Latest Tyre Test Results
2024 Winter 55 Tyre Braking Test
205/55 R16 • 2024
18th/55
2024 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test
205/55 R16 • 2024
16th/23
Convincing winter suitability, safe driving behavior on dry roads, low rolling resistance.
Little grip in wet conditions, low reserves in danger of aquaplaning.
The Barum Polaris 5 performs well in winter conditions and on dry roads, offering safe driving behavior. Its low rolling resistance is a plus for fuel efficiency. However, its poor performance in wet conditions and low resistance to aquaplaning are significant concerns. This tyre might be suitable for areas with predominantly dry, cold winters but is less ideal for regions with wet winter conditions.
2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tyre Test
205/60 R16 • 2023
12th/16
The Barum POLARIS 5 provides inadequate steering feedback and precision on dry roads, requiring frequent corrections. The vehicle tends to oversteer during dynamic evasive maneuvers, earning the tyre a barely satisfactory rating in limit behavior. Its braking distance is average and rated as good. On wet roads, the tyre achieves a satisfactory overall rating, excelling only in longitudinal aquaplaning. It falls short in braking, lateral aquaplaning, and handling due to early understeer or oversteer. On winter roads, it also receives a satisfactory rating, narrowly missing good scores in traction and handling. Its ice braking performance is average. Environmentally, the tyre performs well, with good projected lifespan and wear. It also scores well in weight and achieves the best fuel efficiency in the test.
View Test Results
Size Fuel Wet Noise
13 inch
155/80 R 13 79 T E C 71
14 inch
165/70 R 14 81 T E C 71
185/70 R 14 88 T D C 71
175/65 R 14 82 T D C 71
175/65 R 14 86 T XL D C 71
185/60 R 14 82 T E C 71
15 inch
185/65 R 15 88 T D C 71
185/65 R 15 92 T XL D C 71
195/65 R 15 91 T C C 72
195/65 R 15 95 T XL C C 72
195/65 R 15 91 H C C 72
195/55 R 15 85 H D C 72
16 inch
215/70 R 16 100 H D C 72
205/60 R 16 92 H D C 72
205/60 R 16 96 H XL D C 72
215/60 R 16 99 H XL D C 72
205/55 R 16 91 T C C 72
205/55 R 16 91 H C C 72
205/55 R 16 94 H XL C C 72
205/55 R 16 94 V XL C C 72
17 inch
235/65 R 17 108 V XL D C 72
225/60 R 17 103 V XL C C 72
215/55 R 17 98 V XL D C 72
205/50 R 17 93 V XL D C 72
225/50 R 17 98 H XL D C 72
225/50 R 17 98 V XL D C 72
225/45 R 17 91 H D C 72
225/45 R 17 94 V XL D C 72
18 inch
235/60 R 18 107 V XL D C 72
245/45 R 18 100 V XL D C 72
225/40 R 18 92 V XL D C 72
245/40 R 18 97 V XL D C 72
225/40 R 18 92 V XL D C 72
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Barum Polaris 5 >>

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Review Summary

Based on 12 user reviews

Most drivers report that the Barum Polaris 5 delivers strong snow and ice traction with solid wet and acceptable dry grip for typical winter use, offering good comfort and low noise for many at a value price. High-scoring reviews highlight safety, predictability, and good wear in cold conditions. However, a minority cite poor wet traction, high noise at certain speeds, and faster wear or higher fuel consumption in some cases. Overall sentiment is mixed-to-positive, with winter performance as the standout strength.

Strengths
  • Snow and ice grip
  • Predictable/safe handling
  • Wet grip (moderate conditions)
  • Comfort/low noise
  • Value/price
  • Tread wear (in cold use)
Areas for Improvement
  • Wet traction concerns (heavy rain/cold wet)
  • Noise at certain speeds
  • Higher wear/fuel consumption for some

Top 3 Barum Polaris 5 Reviews

Given 52% while driving a Skoda Rapid TSI (195/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 15,000 spirited miles
I had the tyres fitted to my company car for 3 winters. They were mediocre and wore the exterior belts quite quick.
Helpful 772
March 3, 2025
Given 13% while driving a Citroën Xantia TD Estate (215/55 R16) on mostly country roads for 3,000 average miles
worst tyres ever i have. changed 7 year old michelin alpin to new barum polaris, and in all conditions it worse than old tyres was. this tyres are actually dangerous, should not allowed to sell. what they doing in wet roads is totally dangerous! in +2-5 celsius wet roads absolutely no traction.
Helpful 974
December 31, 2022
Given 25% while driving a Dacia Lodgy (185/65 R15) on mostly town for 300 easy going miles
I'm not going to buy them again cuz they're very loud inside the car, even at 10 kmh. They make a very low, base level thud and rumble as if the town fanfare beat 3 big drums... I've only driven them once, it was in the wet. They were brand new. I've driven them on my Dacia Lodgy (2013 model). I had just replaced my Semperit SpeedGrip2 with them. I had driven on Semperit SpeedGrip2 for 3 winters, those were very quiet.
Helpful 931
October 21, 2022

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Latest Barum Polaris 5 Reviews

Given 76% while driving a BMW 520d Tourer (245/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 5,000 average miles
Bought these tyres last year for my 2015 520d, id never buy them but my tyre shop was selling them for really cheap with little bit older dot (2023), seemed good for ice and snow, rain is ok but during heavy rain i didnt feel much what the tyres were doing, on autobahn when you first hit some snow on the road going over 80kmh the car would wiggle a bit but then it was stable, comfort and noise are ok but there is a really annoying noise from the tyres above 130-140kmh.
Overall i would not recommend them as they cost as much as hankook or falken, but the polaris 6 seems to have a lot better reviews than polaris 5 so it might be a much better tyre.
They are still above 8mm tread after around 5000-6000km so wear is good.
Helpful 176
November 27, 2025
Given 78% while driving a Skoda Kamiq (195/60 R16) on mostly motorways for 35,000 spirited miles
Ideal tires for my car. I have them for fourth winter now and i think they will last me for at least two more. I drive a lot on highways. I feel safe with them on snowy or icy roads.
Helpful 203
November 15, 2025
Given 60% while driving a BMW (205/60 R15) on a combination of roads for 2,000 spirited miles
Surprisingly quiet, good snow traction, but quite a lot of wear and higgh fuel consumption, thats dissapointing because these two parameters were important for me and i guess for everybody who buys budget tyres..
Helpful 900
March 7, 2021
Given 79% while driving a Volkswagen Golf R estate (225/40 R18 W) on a combination of roads for 6,000 spirited miles
As an update to my initial impressions review from just over 12 months ago I can only say am more impressed with these tyres as time goes on. When pushing on in dry and wet conditions at freezing to well above that they grip excellently and as a result my driving style hasn't needed to be adjusted (which is why I choose to use the right tyres in the right season). Snow performance is excellent, but I never push on in those conditions so have been nowhere near the limit.

In summary, they're safe, predictable and you've got to push very hard to get them to break away in UK winter conditions. Let's me just focus on enjoying the driving. Glad I broke clear of the more expensive brands given my experience with them, and these - every bit as good.
Helpful 1000
December 17, 2019
Given 90% while driving a Skoda Rapid TSI (185/60 R15 T) on a combination of roads for 5,000 easy going miles
Brilliant Winter tyre, truly suited to frequent snow and ice.
They have so much grip in fact the only limiting factor is the ground clearance of the vehicle.
Dry grip is good and wet grip is impressive. Braking on wet roads, snow and ice is incredible. Better than the previous Polaris 3 tyres. These tyres are certainly for below 7 degrees, when the temperature gets above this the turn in handling and braking reduces quite quickly. The tyres are reasonably quiet and offer decent fuel economy. Only 5-6 mpg less that the summer tyres @ 25c deg .
Value wise there excellent, i got a set of 5x from my tyres .com for £58 fitted and balanced each at a local tyre shop.
If you live in the countryside or have a family or commuter car then these would be ideal, there designed really for proper winter conditions. If you have a sportier car like a jaguar or Maserati then I would advise you look at something like Pirelli sottozero winter or Goodyear Ultragrip Performance as these will perform better at higher speeds. But for the money you will not be disappointed at the winter grip and safety.
Helpful 1020
February 4, 2019
Given 78% while driving a Honda Accord (195/60 R15 H) on a combination of roads for 6,000 spirited miles
In this size very good.
Solid dry and wet grip, at temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius better than summer tyres.
As the temperature goes down the tyres work better even on snow and ice.
Excellent snow and ice grip, except wet ice of course (there is no grip without spikes on wet ice).
This is not a tyre to drive at the limit, but is excellent for the price.
After 6000km (at temperatures under 10 degrees Celsius) on front wheel drive car, front tyres wear is under 1mm, rear tyres as new.
Very comfortable, and very silent but Accords have good noise insulation so can't say for other cars.
Helpful 967
February 3, 2019
Given 54% while driving a BMW E60 530d xDrive LCI (225/50 R17 W) on mostly town for 800 easy going miles
Fitted Barum Polaris 5 after owning Sava. The car even being an awd is almost unusable during the snow, even cars with rwd on michelin alpin are doing better. Certainly not reccomended as winter tyre.
Helpful 1008
January 25, 2019
Given 82% while driving a Kia Motors Sportage (225/60 R17 V) on a combination of roads for 2,000 spirited miles
I've had them on an AWD small SUV for almost 3000 km so far. They are very comfortable compared to the 19inch Continental Sport Contact 5 that I have for summer, but that might be due to the size difference as well. Traction in the snow is very good, as well as handling.

I even pushed them on a winding mountain road, in the wet, and the grip was very good, though I wouldn't say they were made for this type of driving.

Considering the very low price, they're a great buy is your a normal, everyday driver and won't push them to the limits all the time.
Helpful 899
January 15, 2019
Given 74% while driving a Volkswagen Golf R estate (225/40 R18 W) on a combination of roads for 1,000 spirited miles
Living in north of the UK. Oddly asymmetrical for a winter tyre, but not to detriment of performance. Dry grip at extreme lacking compared to summer tyres, as expected, but decent performance in wet and icy weather. This is from 'spirited' driving in all conditions. Unable to comment on wear at this stage. Having used Dunlop Wintersport, Michelin Crossclimate, Vredenstein Wintrac Xtreme and Hankook IceBear in the past these rate well with all, currently - but early days!

Will update more once we've had decent snow but happy so far @ £70 a corner.
Helpful 1047
October 29, 2018
Rate the Barum Polaris 5