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Michelin Alpin A4 - Test Results

Test Statistics

41

Tests Completed

4th

Average Position

1st

Best Result

10th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Michelin Alpin A4 - Official Image

Across 40 winter tests, the Michelin Alpin A4 delivers consistently strong, well-balanced performance with an average overall position of 3.9 and multiple test wins and podiums. It repeatedly excels in wet grip and overall balance, often pairing competitive snow ability with standout wet braking/handling and class-leading wear in several high-profile tests. Awards and top-3 finishes across 2010-2015 (including major ADAC, Auto Bild, Auto Express, EVO, and European comparative tests) confirm its all-round competence.

Key weaknesses emerge on ice and in rolling resistance in certain evaluations, and occasional mid-pack results appear in later tests as newer rivals arrived. Still, the pattern shows reliable top-tier wet and balanced winter behavior with notable longevity, tempered by sporadic ice performance and efficiency drawbacks.

Performance Strengths
  • Wet Weather Performance Strong
    • 1st place wet braking in 2017 AC test (29.9 m; 1/8)
    • 2nd place wet handling in 2017 AC test (+1.4% from best)
    • Test win driven by wet segment in 2010 European Winter Tyre Test (1/10; topped wet handling segment)
    • Article mention: "Michelin wins the wet weather tests" in 2011 Sport Auto (finished 3rd overall)
  • Overall Balance and Consistency Strong
    • Overall wins: 2013 Auto Bild Top 15 (1/15) and 2010 European Winter Tyre Test (1/10)
    • Multiple podiums: 2012 European Tyre Test 205/55 R16 (2/16), 2012 EVO (2/9), 2013 ADAC 225/45 R17 (3/15), 2016 ADAC 185/65 R15 (2/15), 2015 ADAC 165/70 R14 (2/16)
    • Strong large-field qualifiers: 2014 Auto Bild 50-tyre braking overview (6/48), 2012 Auto Bild 42-tyre braking (7/43)
  • Snow Performance Moderate
    • Article: 2015 Auto Bild notes Michelin scoring consistently well in snow alongside top brands
    • 2013 Auto Bild Top 15 win attributed to balanced performance across snow, wet, dry
    • 2017 AC test snow braking 3/8 (+2.3% from best)
  • Wear/Longevity Strong
    • Best wear score in 2013 Auto Bild Top 15 (1/15; article: "best wear score in the test")
    • 2010 European Test article: topped wear test
  • Dry/Wet Braking Efficiency Moderate
    • 2017 AC test dry braking 2/8 (+2% from best)
    • 2014 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test overall 2/16 across 15 disciplines (includes strong braking metrics)
Performance Weaknesses
  • Ice Performance Strong
    • 2017 AC test ice braking 7/8 (+17.1% from best)
    • 2017 AC test ice traction 6/8 (+12.8% from best) and ice handling 6/8 (+16.3%)
  • Rolling Resistance / Efficiency Moderate
    • 2017 AC test rolling resistance 8/8 (+13.5% from best)
    • Article notes price/noise trade-offs in 2013 Auto Bild despite overall win
  • Noise/Comfort Minor
    • 2013 Auto Bild Top 15 article: "slightly noisy compared to the rest"
    • Mixed mid-pack placements in comfort-focused magazines (e.g., 2014 Auto Express 5/10; 2011 Auto Express 4/9)
  • Performance Aging vs. Newer Rivals Moderate
    • 2019 ADAC 185/65 R15: 6/16
    • 2014-2015 mixed mid-pack results (e.g., 2014 AZ 4/11; 2014 Auto Express 5/10; 2010 Auto Bild 6/12) amid newer competitor generations
Performance Over Time

Test History

6
of 16
2019 ADAC 185/65 R15 Winter Tyre Test

2019
Winner: Dunlop Winter Response 2

Good
View Test
3
of 8
2017 AC Winter Tyre Test - 185/65 R15

2017
Winner: Nokian WR D4

Strong:
Dry Braking, Straight Aqua, Wet Braking, Wet Handling
Weak:
Ice Braking, Rolling Resistance
View Test
2
of 15
2016 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 185/65 R15

2016
Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip 9

View Test
5
of 18
2015 Auto Bild Top 18 Winter Tyre Test

2015
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 850

View Test
2
of 16
2015 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 165/70 R14

2015
Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip 9

View Test
4
of 51
2015 Winter Tyre Market Overview

2015
Winner: Dunlop Winter Response 2

View Test
5
of 10
2014 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test

2014
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 850

Its days on sale are number (the Michelin Alpin 5 has replaced it), but this winter tyre is still well worth considering
View Test
4
of 11
2014 AZ Winter Tyre Test

2014
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 850

A good showing from the Michelin with excellent wet and snow qualities
View Test
3
of 14
2014 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 175/65 R14

2014
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 850

View Test
2
of 16
2014 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test

2014
Winner: Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D

View Test
6
of 48
2014 50 Winter Tyre Braking Overview

2014
Winner: Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

View Test
3
of 8
2013 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test

2013
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 850

Michelin Alpin A4 works perfectly with the VW Golf and affords no real weakness: third place overall
View Test
2
of 10
2013 Auto Bild SUV / 4x4 Winter Tyre Test

2013
Winner: Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D

View Test
2
of 9
2013 Winter Tyre Buying Guide

2013
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 850

View Test
1
of 15
2013 Auto Bild Top 15 Winter Tyre Shootout

2013

Exemplary
View Test
4
of 9
2013 Auto Bild Sports Winter Tyre Test

2013
Winner: Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3

View Test
10
of 50
2013 Winter Tyre Overview - Braking

2013
Winner: Pirelli Winter Snow Control Series 3

View Test
6
of 8
2013 AMS Sports Winter Tyre Test

2013
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 850

Recommended
View Test
4
of 17
2013 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 185/60 R15

2013
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 850

Good
View Test
3
of 15
2013 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 225/45 R17

2013
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 850

Good
View Test
3
of 9
2013 ACE Winter Tyre Test

2013
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 850

Recommended
View Test
1
of 13
2012 European Tyre Test - 165/70 R14

2012

View Test
2
of 9
2012 EVO Winter Tyre Test

2012
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 850

View Test
3
of 15
2012 Auto Bild Top 15 Winter Tyre Test

2012
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 850

Exemplary
View Test
4
of 8
2012 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test

2012
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 850

View Test
2
of 16
2012 European Tyre Test - 205/55 R16

2012
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 850

View Test
4
of 9
2012 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test

2012
Winner: Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D

View Test
5
of 8
2012 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test

2012
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 850

The Michelin Alpin A4 is a good all rounder with predictable handling
View Test
7
of 43
2012 Auto Bild 42 Winter Tyre Braking Test

2012
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 850

View Test
3
of 5
2011 Sport Auto Performance Winter Tyre Test

2011
Winner: Nokian WR D3

Perhaps the sportiest tyre on test, the Michelin Alpin A4 wins the wet tests and only trails the leading dry tyre by 1 point. Unfortunately it seems the sporty characteristics in the dry and wet le...
View Test
5
of 14
2011 European Winter Tyre Test - 195/65 R15

2011
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS830

Very balanced tyre, good on snow, good in the wet, good on dry roads, top marks for wear
View Test
2
of 10
2011 EVO Winter Tyre Test

2011
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 830 P

Best on-road feel and consistently good in the tests gives the Michelin Alpin A4 a strong second.
View Test
4
of 9
2011 Auto Express Winter Tyre Test

2011
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 830 P

Good in the snow and the wet, the dry performance lacks a little
View Test
1
of 12
2011 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test

2011

View Test
7
of 8
2011 ACE Winter Tyre Test

2011
Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip 8

While the Michelin Alpin A4 finished 7th, there was no single area the tyre was weak in. The position was more a reflection of how far the competition had come with their new patterns.
View Test
5
of 5
2011 Winter Tyre Buying Guide

2011
Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip 8

While not the sportiest winter tyre on the market, the Alpin A4 is a solid all round performer and perfectly suited to family cars. Its dry bias ensure it works well in the UK climate.
View Test
7
of 14
2011 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test

2011
Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip 8

The Michelin Alpine A4 shows a good all round performance.
View Test
2
of 10
2010 AMS Winter Tyre Test

2010
Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip 7 Plus

View Test
6
of 12
2010 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test

2010
Winner: Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D

Good.
View Test
1
of 10
2010 European Winter Tyre Test

2010

View Test
7
of 13
2010 Auto Zeitung Winter Tyre Test

2010
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS830

The new Michelin Aplin A4 offers a more dry bias setup, not excelling in the snow or wet test tests but scoring well in the dry. One of the lowest rolling resistances tyres on test
View Test