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Continental WinterContact TS 850 P View Gallery (1)
155-315/30-75 R15-22 235 sizes 2014 Winter rated

Continental WinterContact TS 850 P

The Continental WinterContact TS 850 P is a Ultra High Performance Winter tyre designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

8.9
Tyre Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews
High Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
84%
Wet Grip
85%
Road Feedback
83%
Handling
84%
Wear
82%
Comfort
79%
Buy again
79%
Snow Grip
77%
Ice Grip
61%
20 Reviews
79% Average
181,810 miles driven
15 Tests (avg: 4th)
Continental WinterContact TS 850 P

Continental WinterContact TS 850 P

Winter Premium
BETA
8.9 / 10
Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews · High Confidence · Updated 30 Jan 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
Snow
90.1
1.5x / 23 tests
Wet
86.9
2x / 29 tests
Value
77.6
0.38x / 14 tests
Comfort
69.2
0.29x / 8 tests
Dry
64.3
1.2x / 17 tests

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

Traction
94.2
3 tests
Handling
86.7
27 tests
Braking
80.3
26 tests
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 15
Publications: 6
Period: 2014 - 2021
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 20
Avg Rating: 79.1%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.78
History Points: 6
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 1.8 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 8 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 0.1 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
Data Sources
TestPublicationDateSizePositionMetrics
2021 Auto Bild Sports Car Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild Sportscars 2021 245/40 R18 7/14 14 metrics
2021 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild Allrad 2021 235/55 R18 5/11 14 metrics
2020 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 235/55 R17 ADAC 2020 235/55 R17 12/13 0 metrics
2020 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild 2020 245/45 R18 7/21 12 metrics
2020 Winter Tyre Market Overview - 52 Tyre Braking Test Auto Bild 2020 245/45 R18 4/49 2 metrics
2019 AMS Winter SUV Tyre Test Auto Motor Und Sport 2019 215/55 R17 4/11 14 metrics
2018 Autobild UHP Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild 2018 245/45 R18 2/11 10 metrics
2017 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test Sport Auto 2017 225/40 R18 1/10 6 metrics
2017 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild Allrad 2017 225/55 R17 2/11 10 metrics
2017 AMS Performance 18 inch Winter Tyre Test Auto Motor Und Sport 2017 225/40 R18 1/10 9 metrics
2016 Sport Auto Winter Tyre Test Sport Auto 2016 235/40 R18 1/6 0 metrics
2016 AutoBild Winter UHP Tyre Test Auto Bild Sportscars 2016 245/40 R18 2/8 0 metrics
2015 Sport Auto 19 Inch Winter Tyre Test Sport Auto 2015 235/35 R19 1/7 0 metrics
2015 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild 2015 225/40 R18 2/8 0 metrics
2014 AutoBild 235/35 R19 Winter Tyre Test Auto Bild 2014 235/35 R19 3/6 0 metrics
15
Tests
4th
Average
1st
Best
12th
Worst
Latest Tyre Test Results
5th/11
All round talent with convincing winter qualities, stable wet and dry handling, fuel saving rolling resistance.
Slightly extended dry braking distances, high price.
Balanced winter tires with safe driving characteristics in all weather conditions, dynamic wet handling, short wet braking distances.
Long dry and snow braking.
Size Fuel Wet Noise
15 inch
235/75 R 15 109 T XL C C 72
16 inch
205/60 R 16 92 H C C 72
215/70 R 16 104 H XL C C 72
215/70 R 16 100 T D C 72
205/60 R 16 92 H C C 72
17 inch
225/50 R 17 98 H XL D C 72
205/50 R 17 93 V XL C C 72
205/50 R 17 93 H XL C C 72
215/55 R 17 98 V XL C C 72
215/55 R 17 98 H XL C C 72
225/50 R 17 94 H D C 72
215/45 R 17 91 H XL C C 72
215/45 R 17 91 V XL C C 72
235/65 R 17 108 V XL C B 72
225/60 R 17 99 H C C 72
235/65 R 17 104 H C C 72
235/65 R 17 108 H XL D C 72
265/65 R 17 112 T C C 73
225/50 R 17 98 H XL D C 72
225/50 R 17 98 H XL D C 72
215/55 R 17 94 H C C 72
215/55 R 17 94 H C C 72
225/60 R 17 103 V XL C B 72
265/65 R 17 116 H XL C C 73
265/65 R 17 112 H C C 73
225/50 R 17 94 H C C 72
215/55 R 17 98 H XL C B 72
18 inch
245/40 R 18 97 V XL C B 72
225/40 R 18 92 V XL C C 72
245/40 R 18 97 V XL C C 72
245/40 R 18 97 W XL C C 72
235/60 R 18 107 H XL C C 72
235/60 R 18 107 V XL C C 72
245/45 R 18 100 V XL C C 72
245/45 R 18 96 V D C 72
245/45 R 18 96 V D C 72
235/60 R 18 103 V C C 72
235/60 R 18 103 V C C 72
235/60 R 18 103 H B B 71
235/60 R 18 103 T C B 72
235/60 R 18 103 T C B 72
235/60 R 18 103 T C B 72
235/60 R 18 103 T C B 72
19 inch
235/35 R 19 91 W XL D C 72
20 inch
255/45 R 20 101 V D C 73
255/45 R 20 105 V XL C C 73
255/45 R 20 101 T C B 73
255/45 R 20 101 T C B 73
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Continental WinterContact TS 850 P >>

Questions and Answers for the Continental WinterContact TS 850 P

Ask a question
November 12, 2019

I recently had these tyres (225/40/18 92V) fitted to my M140i based on your reviews for winter. So far these are living up to the test results beyond expectation. One aspect that seriously impresses is the added ride comfort the Contis have over the Michelin Pilot Super Sport normally fitted for the summer. So now I want this ride comfort in a summer tyre too. So the question is what do I replace the MPSS with next spring to achieve this? Michelin Pilot Sport 4? Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5? Conti PremiumContact 6?

All three of those tyres should be more comfortable than the PSS, personally I would choose the Asymmetric 5.
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Review Summary

Based on 18 user reviews

Continental WinterContact TS 850 P is widely praised for strong dry and wet grip, confident handling, and good control in cold conditions, with several high-scoring reviews highlighting excellent snow and even ice performance. Comfort and relatively low noise are commonly noted, while some mention firmer ride. A minority report faster wear and higher price, and a few note limitations on ice or heavy snow. Overall sentiment is strongly positive given the high-scoring reviews and frequency of praise.

Strengths
  • Dry grip
  • Wet grip
  • Snow traction and control
  • Handling and feedback
  • Comfort/low noise
Areas for Improvement
  • Higher wear rate
  • Price
  • Less effective on ice/heavy snow than dedicated winter options

Top 3 Continental WinterContact TS 850 P Reviews

Given 54% while driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD (265/60 R18) on a combination of roads for 32,000 average miles
This tire performs well in dry conditions and also does well in the wet. Everything else is quite okay, too. However, I had issues with the lateral grip on snow — I was very disappointed in that regard. Because of this, I won’t be buying this tire again.
Ask a question | Helpful 853
May 26, 2025
Given 80% while driving a BMW M135i (225/40 R18) on a combination of roads for 2,000 spirited miles
Another winter season over on these tyres and I am again very impressed. Although we did not get snow this winter, we did get plenty of weather below 7C including ice and a lot of cold wet weather and I found these tyres both grippy and extremely progressive. Wear has once again been good. The tyres are noisier and grumblier than my summer tyres, and the steering is lighter so feedback is not as good as in summer. On days where temperatures were over 7C the tyre was still good, but you could feel on corning that it was not as firm as usual.
May 10, 2024
Given 79% while driving a Volkswagen (225/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 5,000 spirited miles
The car I used was a Golf GTI mk7.5 and it worked extremely well! Living on the west coast of Sweden the weather during winter time is mostly rain with some snow and temperatures ranging from around -5 to +5 degrees celsius. Extremely good grip with a lot of control and predictability. Could actually push the tires a lot going out of corners, with good grip in the corners and really good braking performance! Really good tire!
December 16, 2023
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Latest Continental WinterContact TS 850 P Reviews

Given 61% while driving a Mercedes Benz E350 (225/55 R16) on mostly town for 1,000 average miles
Very bad wet grip
December 28, 2022
Given 84% while driving a BMW 535xd (245/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 10,000 average miles
Ideal tyre for my BMW. Dry and wet handling is excellent also at warmer temperatures around 10/15 degrees. Low wear, low noise but quite stiff and rigid sidewall especially if compared to Goodyear tyres. I would highly recommend it
October 28, 2021
Check out how the BEST all seasons tyres perform against premium summer and winter tyres!
Given 90% while driving a Volvo XC70 D5 (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 25,000 average miles
I have used 215/65 R16 on XC70 for 10 years, winter only on separate alloys. Balanced feedback from the road, no understeer (as had with Pirellis). Very good on snow, wet and dry, okay on ice. Good contol at speed and stable on mixed surfaces. Comfortable ride, slight noise on some surfaces. Will be replacing them with the same again.
June 17, 2021
Given 80% while driving a BMW M135i (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 1,000 spirited miles
I was really impressed with these tyres, surpringly good even on warmer days in the dry, very secure in the wet and seemed very reliable on the few days of snow we had. If anything the car was less tail happy on these than on normal summer tyres in the summer
April 2, 2021
Given 92% while driving a Mercedes Benz E350 (265/35 R18 W) on mostly motorways for 16,000 easy going miles
Brilliant tyres , much quieter than my summer Pirelli P Zerros . Much better tyre overall full stop. I have them on a heavy Mercedes E350 estate and the ride and everything else is sublime . My tyre sizes are 265/35/18 rear and 245/40/18 front. Wear seems excellent too, I do 80% motorway driving so it is to be expected .
April 15, 2020
Given 71% while driving a SEAT Leon Cupra 290 (225/45 R17 V) on mostly country roads for 3,000 average miles
Tyres deliver good feedback and do well in the dry and wet. They seem a bit harsh. Braking distance in the dry is alright. Could do better.

Wear is my problem with this tyre. I do drive mostly average. Like 10% of my drives are spirited.
Front tyres are already down to 5-5.5mm.

Not quiet sure if i would buy them again. Since wear is quiet high
February 2, 2020
Given 71% while driving a Opel Astra H OPC (235/45 R18) on mostly motorways for 25,000 spirited miles
We bought these winter tyres for Astra OPC (VXR) petrol 2.0. It is not the sportiest car but still fast enough to require (even in winter) something tolerating the speed in excess of 200km/h (well, occasionally). Our car was originally equipped with Michelin Super Sports. Compared to them, the ContinentalWinter 850P is very comfortable. The first thing to notice was its noise level almost equal (or even lower) to the summer Super Sports. Well, winter Continentals are not very quick when pushed hard on the dry and not as precise when braking. Still, Conti does the job on the dry and sunny road. I like them on the wet and they are reasonably good on the snow. They cannot cope with too much snow, in which case I have snow chains (had to use them once in the Alps when going uphill to a remote skiing station).

Ice... In fact Conti 850 Ps are not for the ice at all. I was a keen user of studded Nokian Hakkapeliittas on my previous car. The Hakkapeliitaas used to give me real winter confidence. Now, the Conties give me speed on the dry winter road. And comfort. Lots of it.

When I changed back for my Michelin Super Sports this spring I really hated them first. Compared to Conti 850 Ps, super Sports were so rigid and unforgiving on the cobblestone surface so much loved in my city.

Well later, Super Sports proved themselves again on a highway. They are created for speed and stability.

Verdict? Well, Continental Winter Contact 850 P is not what I call a winter tyre. But if you drive a kind of sporty car, do not have much choice, then go for them. They are nice, comfortable winter tyres which allow you to drive closer to 200km/H at some reckless occasions.

Wear? Yes, they are Conties. They wear fast. After two winter seasons, I am not sure they are likely to last through another one.
May 3, 2019
Given 63% while driving a Subaru BRZ (215/45 R17 V) on mostly country roads for 2,000 spirited miles
Very good winter tyre for a sportscar in dry condition. Pretty pricy and it wears very fast. Snow grip is good but I had loads of problems on ice and very cold temperatures. I expected more from this tyre expecially considering the price.
January 4, 2019
Given 77% while driving a Volkswagen Mk7 Golf R (225/40 R18 W) on mostly country roads for 500 spirited miles
Brought a set of alloys wheels + TS850P (225/40 R18)s for winter use. Swapped out ContiSportContact 5Ps (230/35 R19)s which are great but stop working at temperatures lower than 10degC.

These are really confidence inspiring on the ungritted roads that I have to transit every morning and evening. Great grip, steering feel and comfort. Can't comment on snow traction yet.

On previous Jag XF I ran Nokian WR A4 which were good in snow but only okay in other conditions. Can't do a direct comparison as new car is AWD but TS850Ps feel far superior in the wet and cold that is more common in
UK than full on snow.

Would probably have gone for TS860Ss had they been available but these TS850Ps I'm sure are nearly as good. Only downside is that they are a bit pricey so shop around. If you can go for a wheel + tyre package for best value and minimizing chance of denting your posh summer wheels. I keep my cars typically for 7+years so I'll get the usage out of them in that time.

Bring on the snow !
December 5, 2018
Given 100% while driving a Renault grand espace 2.0 dci 175 (235/55 R17) on a combination of roads for 10 average miles
Bought these tyres with the alu-rims, used, from some guy for 100 euros a piece. What a great deal this was!!! Excellent tyres, drove them for about 10.000 miles now, and they still look and behave like new.
Especially pleased with low noise and easy rolling. Great tyres. Ok, new ones are probably very expensive.
November 24, 2018
Given 100% while driving a Nissan Qashqai (215/60 R17) on a combination of roads for 10,000 average miles
I have it for 3 winters on nissan qashqai. It is excellent winter tire!!!
July 20, 2018
Given 97% while driving a BMW 525xd (225/55 R17) on a combination of roads for 300 average miles
What can I say. This must be the perfect tyre for the xdrive system.
10/10 dry and wet grip. Breaking on mixed surface also good !
Cannot talk about wear for now. We'll see later.
January 10, 2017