The Michelin X-Ice Snow stands out as the only tire in the test with a speed rating above 200 km/h. Whether that's related or not, its braking performance is solid on both winter and dry roads. However, its slightly reduced grip in corners pushed it just off the podium. While the grip isn’t bad, it tends to slip earlier than some of its competitors. A minor drawback is the slightly increased road noise. Manufactured in China during the 24th week of 2023, this tire offers an 8.0 mm tread depth, a Shore hardness of 60 units, and weighs 10 kg. Priced at 2573 NOK, with a load and speed index of 94H, the Michelin X-Ice Snow still delivers dependable winter performance.

Claiming fourth place, the Michelin X-Ice Snow offers excellent longitudinal grip on ice, though it could benefit from better lateral stability. On snow, these tires perform predictably and reliably, giving drivers confidence in tricky conditions. While the braking efficiency on asphalt isn’t the best, the high lateral grip keeps the tire steady during sudden maneuvers. With low rolling resistance for better fuel economy, the X-Ice Snow balances performance with efficiency, though the tires do produce noticeable road noise.

Surprisingly, the Michelin X-Ice Snow landed at the bottom of the ranking among tires in new condition—a shocking outcome for a model from the esteemed French brand. Despite being on the market for several years, such a low performance is difficult to justify. Testers found that its ice grip was far below expectations, failing to meet the standards Michelin is known for. Additionally, its wet braking distance was the longest of all the tires tested, making it a less-than-ideal choice for drivers in variable winter conditions. For those prioritizing reliable traction and stopping power, this result is a disappointment.

The Michelin X-Ice Snow secures third place in the 205/55 R16 winter tire test of 2024, offering strong and reliable performance on winter roads. On ice, it ranks 2nd in both braking and acceleration, demonstrating its capability in challenging conditions. Its subjective handling on ice also received high praise, coming in 3rd place, making it a trusted option for icy surfaces.

On snow, the tire ranks 5th in braking but stands out in handling, where it takes 1st place for time around the track. Despite slightly lower performance on wet and dry asphalt, particularly ranking 6th in both braking and handling on wet roads and 8th in braking on dry roads, the X-Ice Snow remains a solid winter tire choice with excellent winter grip and commendable comfort levels.

In the 3rd place, the Michelin X-Ice Snow excels in ice handling, snow handling, and braking on snow, and performs well in handling on dry pavement. It stands out for its stability and reliability in snowy conditions and its adeptness on dry surfaces. However, it has room for improvement in ice traction and shows a tendency to understeer on wet pavement, along with suboptimal braking performance in wet and dry conditions.

The Michelin X-Ice Snow, positioned at 4th place, showcases outstanding traction and braking on ice, along with exceptional handling and braking in snow conditions. Its performance in braking on wet pavement and resistance to straight hydroplaning further enhances its safety profile. However, its economy aspect, particularly in terms of fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness, is a noted drawback.

Michelin stands out on snowy roads, providing a drive so smooth you'd almost forget about the weather. Its performance dips on dry roads, though.

• Pros: Superior grip and maneuvering in snowy conditions; energy-efficient.
• Cons: Falls short on dry terrains.

The Michelin X-Ice Snow demonstrates excellent performance in snow braking, earning a perfect score and indicating superior control and safety in snowy conditions. It also performs well in ice braking and snow handling. However, the tire significantly underperforms on wet pavement, both in terms of braking and handling. Additionally, it shows weaker performance in dry braking and resistance to straight aquaplaning. The tire's comfort and course stability are moderate. Notably, there is a difference in weight between the tires made in Canada and those made in China, which may affect performance.

This Michelin tire is effective on ice, and, although its response to the driver’s inputs can be somewhat fuzzy in an emergency situation, the grip on the rear wheels still holds. The snow performance is also good; the tire demonstrates a logical and confident behavior in every situation. On wet pavement, the Michelin tire is a little bit slow to respond to the driver’s inputs, and on dry pavement it is also prone to understeer, but on the whole it will not bring you any unpleasant surprises. The rolling resistance is low, and this Michelin model can be considered to be one of the quietest.

This Michelin model has a very strong hydroplaning resistance and ensures excellent handling response on wet pavement. In addition, this tire quickly stops the car on ice, demonstrates a good snow performance, is pretty quiet, delivers a smooth ride, and has a very low rolling resistance. The only issue with it is average dry braking performance.

High grip on snow. Good traction in deep snow. Average handling on ice. Relatively low grip on asphalt.

Very short braking distance and good overall ice traction.

If snow traction and ice grip is the top priority, this tire is your choice. It ranked highest in snow traction and ability to stop on ice among a very capable field of winter / snow tires.

Short braking distance on snow and ice. Good stability on dry pavement. Relatively weak lateral stability on ice and snow. Long braking distance on wet pavement.

Very good riding comfort. Decent handling response on ice and snow. Low rolling resistance. Poor braking performance on wet pavement. Worst longitudinal traction on ice.

Positive: Good longitudinal grip on ice. Good handling on ice and snow.
Negative: Poor dry performance. Long braking distances on wet roads.

The new X–Ice Snow model is not very much different from its predecessor, the X–Ice 3. Essentially, it is a hard winter tire, designed to tackle speeds over 200 km/h, with a good road holding ability on clear pavement. It has the lowest rolling resistance on test, but a long stopping distance on wet pavement. On snow and ice, the Michelin model ensures good longitudinal traction during acceleration and braking, but its lateral grip is much worse than that of the leaders. In addition, when driving on these Michelin tires, one will have a harder time feeling the brink of the grip, which disappears more abruptly than on other, softer winter models. Such a behavior repeats when cornering on wet pavement. In spite of its good road holding ability on clear pavement, low fuel consumption, and short braking distances on winter surfaces, the Michelin X–Ice Snow cornering performance did not allow it to rise higher than the sixth place.

Positive: Short braking distance on ice (for non-studded tires). Good handling response and high safety level on snow. The tires keep up reliable grip on asphalt during an emergency maneuver (even though the steering response is somewhat inaccurate).
Negative: The steering response on ice is somewhat delayed — but the tires ensure stable performance in any situation. Relatively long braking distance on asphalt.

The new X-Ice Snow is, just like the outgoing X-Ice 3, a rigid tire classified for speeds above 200 km / h - with good stability and a firm driving feeling on bare ground.
Positive: Stability and steering feel on asphalt. Braking distance on snow and ice.
Negative: Slightly poorer side grip on all surfaces. Braking on wet asphalt.