Autobild: Summer Tire Test R18 2025

AUTO BILD’s 2025 summer tire test zeroed in on the 225/40 R18 size, a favorite for sporty compacts like the BMW 1 Series, Audi A3, and VW Golf. Starting with a brutal qualifying round, 20 tires emerged victorious from an initial field of 52. The cutthroat selection process included dry braking tests (100 km/h to standstill) and wet braking trials (80 km/h), eliminating models that failed to meet baseline safety standards.
The finalists faced a gauntlet of challenges: precision dry handling circuits, monsoon-like wet tracks, aquaplaning simulations, noise assessments, and cost-efficiency analyses. Premium heavyweights like Michelin Pilot Sport 5, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, and Bridgestone Turanza T005 competed alongside rising Asian contenders such as Sailun Atrezzo ZSR2 and Linglong Sport Master. Even the Autogreen Smart Chaser, a deliberately included budget tire, was tested as a stark reminder of the risks posed by ultra-cheap options.
This year’s test answers critical questions: Can affordable tires close the gap with premium brands in safety and performance? How do tread patterns and compounds influence real-world grip and longevity? And what innovations justify a higher price tag? For drivers prioritizing safety, efficiency, or value, the results reveal which tires deserve a spot on your car—and which belong in the scrap heap.
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Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 - Winner Recommended
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Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Recommended
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Bridgestone Potenza Sport Recommended
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Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 K137 Recommended
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Kumho Ecsta PS71 Recommended
- Year
- 2025
- Tire Test Original Link
- Visit Website
- Max Score, points
- 1
- Tire Size
- 225/40R18
- Season
- Summer
- Auto Type
- Passenger
- List Type
- Professional Tire Test
- Region
- Europe
- Date added
- Mar 12, 2025
- Date updated
- Mar 17, 2025
- Infographic