Auto Motor und Sport magazine traditionally heralds the onset of Europe’s winter tire test season. This year, they’ve opted for the 255/45 R20 size, a standard for numerous large crossovers, including electric models. Vehicles such as the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi Q4 e-tron, Q5, SQ5, Genesis GV60 and GV70, Mercedes EQC, EQS, GLC, Mitsubishi Outlander, Skoda Enyaq iV, and Tesla Model X, among others, are fitted with this size.
Three new models graced the 2023 market in this size. Alongside established names like Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, Continental WinterContact TS 870 P, Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, and Vredestein Wintrac Pro, newcomers Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro, Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, and Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2 (with the Elect marking for electric vehicle compatibility) joined the fray.
Given the surge in electric vehicle popularity in Europe, AMS tested the tires on both the Kia Sorento and its electric counterpart, the Kia EV6. Interestingly, the results were strikingly similar. The lighter Sorento, despite being less powerful, outperformed on snowy tracks, attributed to its multi-plate clutch offering consistent tire performance on both axles. The EV6, with its dual motors, presented a more individualistic tire behavior. However, its increased weight compromised tire grip, particularly during cornering and braking.
The rigorous tests, conducted in Finnish Lapland amidst temperatures ranging from -3 to -10°C, crowned Michelin as the snow champion, closely followed by Goodyear and Pirelli. Continental, Vredestein, and Bridgestone also received commendations for their commendable performance, with only Falken struggling in these conditions.
European tire tests prioritize wet grip, which holds a significant 35% weightage in the scoring. Bridgestone emerged as the undisputed leader in this category, showcasing impressive performance on dry asphalt and fuel efficiency. This balance of attributes earned them the top spot with an «Exemplary» rating. Goodyear clinched the second spot, excelling in snow but faltering slightly in wet braking and energy efficiency. Michelin secured the third position, boasting commendable snow performance and an overall balanced profile.
Snow
The snow discipline is a critical measure of a winter tire’s performance. Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, while showcasing a commendable performance in braking, slightly lagged in traction, indicating that while it can halt effectively, it might struggle slightly during acceleration on snowy terrains. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, with its superior braking and handling capabilities, seems to be the tire of choice for those who prioritize snow performance.
Snow Braking
- Michelin
- Goodyear
- Bridgestone
- Pirelli
- Continental
- Vredestein
- Falken
Info! Distance from 50 km/h, m.
Lateral Stability
- Falken
- Vredestein
- Bridgestone
- Goodyear
- Michelin
- Continental
- Pirelli
Info! Average Lateral Acceleration, m/s^2.
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV, with its near-perfect scores, suggests that it offers a well-rounded performance on snowy surfaces, ensuring both safety and control. Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2, while performing decently, hint at a need for a more balanced snow performance. Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro’s struggle in this discipline is evident, suggesting that it might not be the best choice for regions with heavy snowfall.
Traction on Snow
- Michelin
- Vredestein
- Pirelli
- Goodyear
- Continental
- Bridgestone
- Falken
Info! Traction on snow measured by acceleration, m/s2.
Snow Handling on snow
- Michelin
- Bridgestone
- Goodyear
- Vredestein
- Pirelli
- Continental
- Falken
Info! Average Speed on Snow, km/h.
Wet
Wet conditions can be treacherous, and a tire’s performance in such conditions is paramount. Bridgestone Blizzak LM005’s standout performance in braking and handling indicates its superior grip on wet surfaces, ensuring safety during sudden halts in rainy conditions. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 and Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV, while performing well, showed that there’s room for improvement, especially in handling.
Wet Braking
- Bridgestone
- Vredestein
- Pirelli
- Falken
- Goodyear
- Michelin
- Continental
Info! Wet Braking Distance, m.
Lateral Stability on Wet Pavement
- Bridgestone
- Goodyear
- Falken
- Pirelli
- Continental
- Vredestein
- Michelin
Info! Maximum Lateral Acceleration on Wet Pavement, m/s2.
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2, with their good grip, need to focus on enhancing their aquaplaning resistance to ensure safety during heavy downpours. Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro’s decent performance suggests it can handle wet conditions, but with caution.
Straight Aquaplaning
- Bridgestone
- Michelin
- Continental
- Goodyear
- Vredestein
- Pirelli
- Falken
Info! Grip Loss Rate on Wet Pavement, km/h.
Lateral Aquaplaning
- Bridgestone
- Continental
- Michelin
- Goodyear
- Vredestein
- Pirelli
- Falken
Info! Lateral Acceleration on Wet Pavement, m/s 2.
Dry
Dry conditions, while not the primary focus for winter tires, are still essential. Bridgestone Blizzak LM005’s excellent braking and handling on dry pavements suggest it’s a versatile tire, not just limited to winter conditions. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 and Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV’s performance indicates stability and control, making them suitable for dry winter days.
Dry Braking
- Pirelli
- Bridgestone
- Goodyear
- Michelin
- Vredestein
- Continental
- Falken
Info! Braking Distance from 100 km/h, m.
Dry Handling
- Continental
- Bridgestone
- Goodyear
- Falken
- Vredestein
- Michelin
- Pirelli
Info! Average Speed, km/h.
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2, while stable, hint at a need for more precise steering response. Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro, with its average scores, suggests it’s more suited for wet conditions than dry.
Eco-friendliness/Economy
With the increasing emphasis on sustainability, the eco-friendliness of tires is becoming crucial. Bridgestone Blizzak LM005’s top performance in rolling resistance indicates its potential for fuel savings, making it an economical choice in the long run. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 and Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV’s good scores in this discipline suggest they are eco-friendly without compromising on performance.
Rolling Resistance
- Bridgestone
- Continental
- Goodyear
- Michelin
- Pirelli
- Vredestein
- Falken
Info! Rolling Resistance, kg/t.
Noise
- Michelin
- Continental
- Goodyear
- Bridgestone
- Pirelli
- Falken
- Vredestein
Info! Noise Level, dBA.
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2’s balanced scores indicate they offer a good mix of performance and economy.
In Conclusion
While each tire has its strengths and weaknesses, the overall performance across disciplines provides a clearer picture. Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 emerges as a versatile choice, Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 and Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV as reliable performers, and Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro as a specialized option. Making an informed choice based on specific needs and conditions is crucial for safety and performance.
Quick Take
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
- This tire replaced Bridgestone / Blizzak LM001 Evo
- Available Sizes in Line: 224
-
Original Equipment (OE) tires
for:
- • Audi e-tron [2019 .. 2023]
- • Volkswagen T-Cross I (C11) [2018 .. 2023]
- • Audi A3 8Y [2020 .. 2023]
- • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br205 [2015 .. 2021]
- • Volkswagen Caddy V [2020 .. 2023]
- • Lamborghini Reventon [2007 .. 2009]
- • Audi Q4 e-tron FZ [2022 .. 2024]
- • BMW X7 G07 [2018 .. 2022]
- • Lamborghini Revuelto [2023 .. 2024]
- Year Released: 2019
- Regions for sale: Canada, Europe, Russia+
The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 dazzles with its impeccable wet handling, ensuring a confident grip even in the most unpredictable downpours. Its prowess on dry pavements is equally commendable, offering swift stops and controlled maneuvers. While it excels in most terrains, there’s a slight room for improvement in its snow traction. Fuel-conscious drivers will appreciate its economic benefits, making every drive both smooth and efficient.
Key Strengths: Wet performance, dry pavement prowess, resistance to aquaplaning, economy.
2 place: Goodyear / UltraGrip Performance 3
Quick Take
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is a winter warrior, showcasing formidable snow handling and braking capabilities. Its performance on wet pavements is marked by stability, ensuring safety during those rainy winter days. While it’s a reliable companion for most winter challenges, there’s a slight room for improvement in aquaplaning resistance. Its cornering noise, however, might require a bit of getting used to.
Key Strengths: Snow braking, snow handling, wet pavement lateral stability, and wet handling.
3 place: Michelin / Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
Quick Take
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV is a symphony of balance and control on snowy terrains, ensuring both safety and precision. Its resistance to aquaplaning stands out, making rainy drives less daunting. On dry pavements, it promises stability and swift responses. The tire’s hushed tones make every journey a serene experience, while its overall performance ensures you’re in good hands, regardless of the weather.
Key Strengths: Snow performance, resistance to aquaplaning, noise levels.
4 place: Continental / WinterContact TS 870 P
Quick Take
Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
The Continental tires offer robust acceleration and cornering capabilities on snowy terrains, though they exhibit a longer-than-desired braking distance under such conditions. Their resistance to aquaplaning is commendable. On dry pavement, while there's a minor instability observed during abrupt realignments, the overall handling remains satisfactory. Additionally, these tires benefit from a low rolling resistance, enhancing their efficiency.
5 place: Pirelli / Scorpion Winter 2
Quick Take
Pirelli Scorpion Winter 2
The Pirelli tires exhibit a consistent and dependable performance on snowy terrains, despite having a relatively extended braking distance. On wet asphalt, they demonstrate efficient braking capabilities. However, it's worth noting that the Scorpion variant may not be the most resilient when it comes to aquaplaning resistance, evident both in straight-line scenarios and during cornering. On dry surfaces, these tires are responsive to steering inputs, ensuring swift braking and commendable handling, albeit with a minor inclination towards understeer.
6 place: Vredestein / Wintrac Pro
Quick Take
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
The Vredestein tires present a dichotomy in their performance on snowy terrains. While they excel in traction, they fall short in terms of lateral stability. On both wet and dry asphalt, the tires offer satisfactory grip. However, their susceptibility to aquaplaning is a concern. Additionally, the pronounced noise during cornering compromises the overall comfort.
7 place: Falken / Eurowinter HS02 Pro
Quick Take
Falken Eurowinter HS02 Pro
Upon evaluation, the Falken tire demonstrates commendable grip and handling on both wet and dry terrains. Additionally, its ability to absorb impacts on irregular surfaces is noteworthy. However, when subjected to snowy conditions, the tire's performance is suboptimal for a winter tire. This deficiency led to a deduction of one point due to its inadequate handling in snowy conditions. The tires exhibit a delayed response to driver inputs, increasing the likelihood of skidding.
