The Italians tested seven summer tire models and were generally satisfied with all of them.
List of models tested:
- Bridgestone Turanza T005
- Continental PremiumContact 6
- Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
- Michelin Primacy 4
- Nankang AS-2+
- Nokian Powerproof
- Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2)
The Italian magazine Quattroruote performed its next tire test, this time comparing seven models in size 225/50 R17. All of the test members demonstrated similar performance, although in some of the disciplines the results, of course, did vary.
On dry pavement, braking performance and lateral stability were evaluated; all of the tires demonstrated good straight and lateral grip, the only exception being the budget Nankang model, which was expectedly weaker than the competition, even though it did not arouse any serious complaints either.
On wet pavement, the differences in the tires’ performance became more prominent, yet at the same time all of the test members could ensure the required level of driving safety. Essentially, each tire is a compromise between different performance areas, and this time around it was yet again proved by the Continental model, which was the quickest to stop the car, yet turned out to be the worst tire on test in terms of hydroplaning resistance while cornering. At the same time, the Nankang tire showed a diametrically opposite picture — it had the best lateral hydroplaning resistance but the longest braking distance on test.
The experts also evaluated noise emission from the tires and their shock absorbing capabilities, and, while in the former discipline the differences were minimal, the shock absorbing performance varied from tire to tire, and the Nokian model was rated as the best one. The Nankang tire again demonstrated its controversial nature — it turned out to be the quietest tire on test, yet it was rated as the worst for ride smoothness (vertical acceleration when hitting an obstacle was measured).
QR does not publish the final rankings of the tires because priorities may also differ from one motorist to another, while the test showed that all of the tires in question can ensure a high level of driving safety and will be a good choice. Even the budget Nankang model, from which you could expect average results, demonstrated a decent overall performance, pleasantly surprising the test pilot during the wet handling test, and surpassing Michelin and Pirelli. At the same time, the Nankang tire had the roughest ride of all among the tested models.
The other tires did not bring any surprises, even though they did have their weak sides. For example, the Bridgestone model demonstrated a well-balanced performance but it was a little bit noisy, while the Continental tire, as was already said, had excellent results in almost all of the disciplines — including the shortest dry braking distance — and, surprisingly, the worst hydroplaning resistance. The Goodyear tire, on the other hand, had a relatively long braking distance on dry pavement and increased noise emission, but excellent wet handling response, while the Michelin model had issues with lateral grip on wet pavement, offset by a short braking distance in any weather conditions. The Nokian tire distinguished itself this time with excellent lateral stability on dry pavement and a smooth ride, although it had a relatively long wet braking distance. And, finally, the Pirelli model demonstrated excellent hydroplaning resistance and a short stopping distance on dry pavement, yet it scored the last-but-one place in the ride comfort test, surpassing only the Nankang tire in this respect.
Test results
1st place: Bridgestone / Turanza T005Bridgestone Turanza T005
- 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
- Year Released: 2018
- Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, China, South Korea, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Africa, Oceania
- Well-balanced performance
- Good grip on dry and wet pavement
- Increased noise
2nd place: Continental / PremiumContact 6
Continental PremiumContact 6
- 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]
- Year Released: 2016
- Regions for sale: North America, Europe, Russia+, Japan, Middle East, Oceania
- Short braking distance on wet and dry pavement
- Good riding comfort
- Low lateral hydroplaning resistance
3rd place: Goodyear / Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5
- This tire has been replaced by Goodyear / Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
- This tire replaced Goodyear / Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3
- Available Sizes in Line: 154
-
Original Equipment (OE) tires
for:
- • Audi e-tron GT [2020 .. 2023]
- • Tesla Model Y [2020 .. 2023]
- • Rolls-Royce Ghost II [2020 .. 2023]
- • DS DS 4 F [2021 .. 2023]
- • Mercedes-Benz EQS X296 [2022 .. 2024]
- Year Released: 2018
- Regions for sale: Europe, Russia+, Japan, China, Southeast Asia, Middle East, South Africa, Oceania
- Good handling response and a short stopping distance on wet pavement
- Good lateral stability on dry pavement
- Relatively long braking distance on dry pavement
- Increased noise
4th place: Michelin / Primacy 4
Michelin Primacy 4
- This tire has been replaced by Michelin / e.Primacy , Michelin / Primacy 4+ , Michelin / Primacy 4 ST
- Available Sizes in Line: 143
- Year Released: 2017
- Regions for sale: Mexico, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East, Oceania
- Short braking distance on wet and dry pavement
- Low noise emission
- Relatively low lateral hydroplaning resistance
5th place: Nankang / AS-2+
Nankang AS-2+
- This tire has run-flat model:
- Available Sizes in Line: 94
- Year Released: 2017
- Regions for sale: Europe, Russia+, East Asia, Oceania
- Very high lateral hydroplaning resistance
- Low noise emission
- Great handling response in the wet
- Relatively long braking distance on dry and wet pavement
- Poor lateral stability on dry pavement
- Low riding comfort
6th place: Nokian / Powerproof
Nokian Powerproof
- This tire will be replaced by Nokian / Powerproof 1
- Available Sizes in Line: 80
- Year Released: 2019
- Regions for sale: Europe
- Great handling response in the wet
- Excellent grip on dry pavement
- Good riding comfort
- Low noise emission
- Relatively long braking distance on wet pavement
7th place: Pirelli / Cinturato P7 (P7C2)
Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2)
- This tire has been replaced by Pirelli / Scorpion
- This tire replaced Pirelli / Cinturato P7
- Available Sizes in Line: 28
-
Original Equipment (OE) tires
for:
- • BMW 8 Series G14/G15/G16 [2018 .. 2023]
- Year Released: 2020
- Regions for sale: North America, Central & South America, Europe, Russia+, Japan, China, Middle East, Oceania
- Short braking distance on dry pavement
- Strong lateral hydroplaning resistance
- The tire ensures crisp steering response on wet pavement (even though it did show the longest lap time)
- Relatively weak lateral stability on dry pavement
- Relatively rough ride