245/45R19

Auto Motor und Sport 2022: Summer Tire Test R19

For the first time ever, the AMS test involved a new summer tire from Goodyear.

List of models tested:

The next Auto Motor und Sport test involved nine summer tires in size 245/45 R19, designed for the aftermarket, as well as the Continental PremiumContact 6 tire bearing an AO sign, which indicates that this model was developed in collaboration with Audi as the original equipment for the cars of this German brand (AO stands for Audi Original). The test car was an Audi A6, which could create additional advantages for the Continental tire. Another tire that aroused much interest was the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 — the newcomer of the season that debuted in independent tests. In Germany, the tires selected for the test are priced from 130 to 209 Euro per tire.

Braking is one of the key performance areas of the tires, and, while during the dry braking test, which was done from 100 km/h, the difference in stopping distance between the best and the worst tires (Goodyear and GT Radial respectively) was mere 3 meters, on wet pavement this figure increased to 5 meters (the best being Hankook, the worst again GT Radial), even though this time the braking was done from 80 km/h so as to avoid a possible hydroplaning effect.

Dry braking

Goodyear
34.6
Hankook
34.9
Nokian
35.3
Bridgestone
35.3
Nexen
35.4
Continental
35.4
Michelin
35.4
Maxxis
35.6
Falken
36.3
GT Radial
37.3

Info! Dry braking in meters. (100-0 km/h)


The handling tests at once demonstrated that the Continental model was indeed designed for Audi — so obvious was the synergy between the tires and all the other systems of the car. One way or another, technologies keep on developing, and the best wet and dry performance was demonstrated by the new Goodyear model that surpassed all of its rivals and eventually scored first place in the final standings. Following the stunning debut by Goodyear, the second line of the tournament bracket was occupied by the Bridgestone Turanza T005, which also demonstrated excellent wet performance. Third place was scored by the Hankook Ventus S1 evo3, which quickly stopped the car in any conditions but fell short of the leaders’ performance in terms of handling response and hydroplaning resistance.

A place surprisingly high in the tournament bracket was occupied by the Nexen N’Fera Sport tire, which not only surpassed Nokian Powerproof that demonstrated a couple of weaknesses, but also outperformed the significantly more expensive Michelin Pilot Sport 4 model, which this year will be replaced by the new Michelin Pilot Sport 5. As for the relatively less expensive Maxxis, Falken, and GT Radial tires, they all failed to ensure handling response on a level with that of the models that scored higher places. At the same time, the Falken model demonstrated adequate braking performance, while Maxxis and particularly GT Radial had obvious issues in this discipline both on wet and dry pavement.

Wet braking

Hankook
29.5
Bridgestone
30.0
Nexen
30.8
Goodyear
31.3
Nokian
31.4
Continental
31.8
Falken
32.3
Michelin
33.3
Maxxis
34.3
GT Radial
34.4

Info! Wet braking in meters. (80-0 km/h)


The test also involved subjective evaluations of ride comfort, both mechanical and acoustic — quite expectedly, the best results were demonstrated by the Continental model, which not only was developed in collaboration with Audi but also was manufactured with the use of the ContiSilent technology (the tire has an extra noise suppressing ply on the inside) and the ContiSeal technology (the tire is capable of independently repairing minor punctures). According to the experts, the tires felt very responsive, comfortable, and quiet, thanks to which they earned high subjective rankings.

Auto Motor und Sport: 245/45 R19 Summer Tire Test (2022)
Auto Motor und Sport: 245/45 R19 Summer Tire Test (2022)

Verdict:

When asked which tires would be the best choice for the upcoming summer, the AMS experts replied that the new Continental model ensures maximum ride comfort and has a rather impressive handling performance (but does not come cheap either), the Bridgestone model will probably be the safest option for rainy weather, and the best-balanced tire, which guarantees a consistent handling response, is the test’s debutant — the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6.

1st place: Goodyear / Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

Quick Take
94 59

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

Comfort Handling Price/Quality Dry Performance Wet Performance Treadwear Snow/Ice Performance
  • This tire replaced Goodyear / Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
  • Available Sizes in Line: 69
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • Volkswagen Passat NMS II Facelift [2021 .. 2025]
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2022
  • Regions for sale: USA+, Europe, Middle East, South Africa
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

  • Excellent traction, short braking distance, optimum lateral stability, and smooth handling response on dry pavement
  • Good handling response and high safety level on wet pavement
  • Relatively low hydroplaning resistance
  • Exemplary

2nd place: Bridgestone / Turanza T005

Quick Take
84 63

Bridgestone Turanza T005

Price/Quality Dry Performance Handling Comfort Treadwear Wet Performance Snow/Ice Performance
  • This tire has been replaced by Bridgestone / Turanza 6
  • This tire has run-flat model:
  • Available Sizes in Line: 239
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • Audi A7 4K8 [2018 .. 2023]
    • • Volkswagen Tiguan
    • • Volkswagen Caddy V [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Skoda Superb
    • • Volkswagen Transporter
    • • Jeep Renegade
    • • Renault Captur
    • • Nissan Juke
    • • Ford Kuga
    • • Nissan Micra
    • • Volkswagen T-Roc I (A11/AC7) [2017 .. 2023]
    • • BMW 1 Series
    • • BMW 3 Series
    • • BMW 8 Series
    • • MINI Clubman
    • • Audi A6
    • • Audi A3
    • • Audi SQ2 GA [2019 .. 2020]
    • • Audi A1
    • • Audi A4
    • • Audi A5
    • • Mercedes-Benz S-Class
    • • Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    • • Mercedes-Benz A-Class
    • • Mercedes-Benz B-Class
    • • Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class
    • • MINI Countryman
    • • BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer
    • • Lexus LC Z100 [2017 .. 2023]
    • • Lexus LS
    • • Lexus ES
    • • Mazda Mazda6
    • • Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class
    • • Toyota Camry
    • • Volkswagen Polo
    • • Volkswagen Golf
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2018
  • Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, Oceania
Bridgestone Turanza T005

  • Very short braking distance and all but outstanding results on wet pavement (minor gripes about hydroplaning resistance)
  • Well-balanced performance on dry pavement
  • Relatively weak straight hydroplaning resistance
  • Very good

3rd place: Hankook / Ventus S1 evo3 K127

Quick Take
81 56

Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 K127

Price/Quality Dry Performance Wet Performance Handling Comfort Treadwear
  • This tire has been replaced by Hankook / Ventus S1 evo3 EV K127E
  • This tire replaced Hankook / Ventus S1 evo2 K117
  • Available Sizes in Line: 213
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • Audi RS6 C8 [2019 .. 2023]
    • • Audi RS7 C8 [2019 .. 2023]
    • • BMW 3 Series VII (G20/G21) [2018 .. 2023]
    • • BMW Z4 III (G29) [2018 .. 2023]
    • • Audi S3 8V [2013 .. 2016]
    • • Audi S3 8V Facelift [2016 .. 2020]
    • • Audi S3 8Y [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Tesla Model 3 [2017 .. 2023]
    • • BMW 2 Series F44 [2019 .. 2023]
    • • Porsche Boxster III (981) [2012 .. 2017]
    • • Porsche Cayman II (981) [2013 .. 2016]
    • • MINI Cooper F55/F56 [2014 .. 2021]
    • • MINI Cooper F55/F56 Facelift II [2021 .. 2023]
    • • BMW 2 Series Active Tourer F45 Facelift [2018 .. 2021]
    • • BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer F46 Facelift [2018 .. 2023]
    • • BMW 5 Series VII (G30/G31) [2016 .. 2020]
    • • Audi A1 citycarver GB [2019 .. 2023]
    • • Volkswagen Golf Mk8 (CD1) [2019 .. 2023]
    • • Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223 [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8 (CD1) [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 (CD1) [2020 .. 2023]
    • • BMW i4 G26 [2021 .. 2023]
    • • BMW 4 Series G22/G23/G26 [2020 .. 2024]
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2019
  • Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Oceania
Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 K127

  • Short braking distance and good handling response on wet pavement
  • Poor hydroplaning resistance
  • Limited lateral stability and delayed steering response on dry pavement
  • Increased noise emission
  • Very good

4th place: Continental / PremiumContact 6

Quick Take
88 70

Continental PremiumContact 6

Price/Quality Dry Performance Wet Performance Handling Comfort Treadwear
  • This tire has been replaced by Continental / PremiumContact 7
  • This tire replaced Continental / ContiPremiumContact 5
  • Available Sizes in Line: 267
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • Toyota C-HR Facelift [2019 .. 2023]
    • • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br205 [2015 .. 2021]
    • • BMW 3 Series VII (G20/G21) [2018 .. 2023]
    • • BMW 5 Series VII (G30/G31) Facelift [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Mazda CX-5 KF [2016 .. 2023]
    • • Ford Kuga III (CX482) [2019 .. 2023]
    • • Renault Koleos II (HC) [2016 .. 2020]
    • • Subaru Forester SK [2018 .. 2023]
    • • Renault Megane IV (9A) [2016 .. 2022]
    • • Volvo XC40 I [2017 .. 2023]
    • • Skoda Superb III B8 (3V) Facelift [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Volvo V60 Cross Country II [2018 .. 2023]
    • • Mercedes-Benz X-Class D23 [2017 .. 2020]
    • • Audi A6 C8 [2018 .. 2023]
    • • Volvo S60 III [2019 .. 2023]
    • • Renault Alaskan D23 [2016 .. 2020]
    • • Volvo V60 II [2018 .. 2023]
    • • Jaguar I-Pace [2018 .. 2023]
    • • Ford Fiesta VII [2017 .. 2023]
    • • Ford Mustang Mach-E [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Porsche Taycan I [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Br206 [2021 .. 2023]
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2016
  • Regions for sale: North America, Europe, Russia+, Japan, Middle East, Oceania
Continental PremiumContact 6

  • Good handling response in the dry
  • Great riding comfort
  • Relatively weak results on wet pavement
  • Very good

5th place: Nexen / N Fera Sport

Quick Take
75 43
  • This tire replaced Nexen / N Fera SU1
  • Available Sizes in Line: 57
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • Audi A3 8Y [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Porsche Panamera II (971) Facelift [2020 .. 2023]
    • • Volkswagen Golf Mk8 (CD1) [2019 .. 2023]
    • • Seat Leon KL [2020 .. 2023]
    • • BMW 2 Series Active Tourer U06 [2022 .. 2023]
    • • BMW X1 II (F48) Facelift [2019 .. 2023]
    • • BMW iX [2021 .. 2023]
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2018
  • Regions for sale: Europe, Russia+
Nexen N Fera Sport

  • Short braking distance on wet pavement
  • Good hydroplaning resistance
  • Good handling response in the dry
  • Great riding comfort
  • Poor lateral stability on wet pavement
  • Good

6th place: Michelin / Pilot Sport 4

Quick Take
81 67

Michelin Pilot Sport 4

Dry Performance Handling Wet Performance Price/Quality Comfort Treadwear
  • Available Sizes in Line: 150
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • Alpine A110 [2017 .. 2023]
    • • Audi A4
    • • Audi A5
    • • Ford Fiesta
    • • Nissan Qashqai
    • • Opel Corsa
    • • Peugeot 308
    • • Porsche Panamera
    • • Renault Clio
    • • Volvo S90
    • • Toyota 86 ZN8/ZD8 [2021 .. 2023]
    • • Honda Civic
    • • Honda Civic XI [2021 .. 2023]
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2015
  • Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, Oceania
Michelin Pilot Sport 4

  • Good handling response in the dry
  • Poor riding comfort
  • Grip threshold on wet pavement achieved too soon
  • Good

6th place: Nokian / Powerproof

Quick Take
76 46
Price/Quality Wet Performance Dry Performance Handling Treadwear Comfort
  • Year Released: 2019
  • Regions for sale: Europe
Nokian Powerproof

  • Good handling response in the dry
  • Poor hydroplaning resistance
  • Increased noise emission
  • Good

8th place: Falken / Azenis FK510

Quick Take
80 63
Price/Quality Wet Performance Dry Performance Comfort Treadwear Handling Snow/Ice Performance
  • This tire has been replaced by Falken / Azenis FK520
  • This tire has run-flat model:
  • Available Sizes in Line: 205
  • Original Equipment (OE) tires for:
    • • Audi A1 GB [2018 .. 2023]
    • • Toyota Mirai II [2020 .. 2023]
  • Recommended Tire by Tests
  • Year Released: 2016
  • Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, Japan, South Korea, Middle East, Africa, Oceania
Falken Azenis FK510

  • Acceptable braking performance on wet pavement
  • Good wet and dry traction
  • Poor hydroplaning resistance
  • Long braking distance on dry pavement
  • Good

9th place: Maxxis / Victra Sport 5 VS5

Quick Take
74 49

Maxxis Victra Sport 5 VS5

Dry Performance Wet Performance Handling Comfort Treadwear
  • Year Released: 2018
  • Regions for sale: Canada, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, Japan, China, South Africa, Oceania
Maxxis Victra Sport 5 VS5

  • Great handling response in the wet
  • Long braking distance on wet pavement (devalued the overall score)
  • Inaccurate steering response on dry pavement
  • Low riding comfort
  • Satisfactory

10th place: GT Radial / SportActive 2

Quick Take
70 39
  • Year Released: 2021
  • Regions for sale: Central & South America, Europe, Japan, South Africa, Oceania
GT Radial SportActive 2

  • Good hydroplaning resistance
  • Good handling response in the dry
  • Very long braking distance on wet and dry pavement (devalued the overall score)
  • Poor lateral stability on wet pavement
  • Possibly, will perform better on lighter and less powerful cars
  • Average

Price