Sportauto: Winter Tire Test R19 2025

Sportauto has published a focused winter tire comparison in size 275/35 R19, using a BMW M4 as the test platform — a rear-wheel-drive performance coupe that exposes traction limits immediately under braking and load transfer. Six dedicated winter tires competed directly, with one all-season model included as a reference benchmark.

The evaluation covered dry, wet, and snow disciplines, measuring braking distances, handling speeds, aquaplaning behavior (straight and curved), traction force, noise levels, and rolling resistance. All results were recorded in repeatable instrumented tests, highlighting measurable safety margins rather than subjective impressions.

The goal of this test was clear: to determine how large real-world performance differences are within the ultra-high-performance winter segment in 275/35 R19 — a size typically fitted to powerful sports sedans and coupes. The findings confirm that braking distances and handling limits vary significantly, even among premium models positioned in the same category, directly influencing safety reserves at highway speeds and under winter load conditions.

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 - Winner Recommended

93 44

· Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 wins the test with best-in-class dry braking (41.1 m, 1st) and snow braking (26.2 m, 1st), while also recording the lowest noise level (71.8 dB, 1st equal). It remains strong in wet braking (32.2 m, 2nd) and snow handling (75.5 km/h, 3rd). The only weakness is snow traction (6.61 N, 6th), but its braking authority and stability secure the overall victory.

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+ · Japan

Test Score:

98.7
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 Recommended

89 53

· Winter · 2023 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 delivers the fastest dry handling speed (121.6 km/h, 1st) and leads wet circle grip (8.37 m/s, 1st). Noise matches the best result (71.8 dB, 1st equal). Dry braking (41.8 m, 2nd) and wet handling (75.6 km/h, 2nd) remain strong, though snow braking (26.8 m, 6th) trails the leaders. It prioritizes asphalt performance without losing winter capability.

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

98.4
Continental WinterContact 8 S Recommended

N/A 34

· Winter · 2024 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The Continental WinterContact 8 S records the best rolling resistance (7.8 kg/t, 1st) and strongest snow traction (7.37 N, 1st). Snow braking is competitive (26.5 m, 3rd), but wet handling (73.0 km/h, 6th) and aquaplaning stability fall behind. It focuses on efficiency and traction rather than peak wet grip.

Europe

Test Score:

97.6
Bridgestone Blizzak 6

89 48

· Winter · 2024 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 achieves the shortest wet braking distance (31.7 m, 1st) and the highest snow handling speed (76.0 km/h, 1st). Snow traction (7.0 N, 4th) and braking remain solid. Dry braking (43.5 m, 5th) and aquaplaning performance reduce its final ranking, but wet control is class-leading.

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

97.6
Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330

90 44

· Winter · 2020 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 leads wet handling (75.9 km/h, 1st) and delivers strong snow braking (26.4 m, 2nd) with balanced snow handling (75.7 km/h, 2nd). However, it records the highest noise level (77.4 dB, 6th) and longer dry braking (43.4 m, 4th). It is tuned for snow dynamics over refinement.

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+ · South Korea

Test Score:

97.4
Vredestein Wintrac Pro+

N/A 30

· Winter · 2024 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ shows strong aquaplaning resistance (93.9 km/h straight, 1st; 1.83 m/s curved, 1st) and acceptable snow braking (26.6 m, 4th). However, it records the longest wet braking (33.6 m, 6th), longest dry braking (43.6 m, 6th), and highest rolling resistance (9.8 kg/t, 6th). Safety margins are lower than the premium group.

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

95.7
Vredestein Quatrac Pro+

N/A 30

· All Season · 2023 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance All-Season

Verdict:
The Quatrac Pro+ leads wet handling (76.0 km/h, 1st) and snow traction (7.94 N, 1st) with strong dry braking (41.6 m, 2nd). Snow braking (28.5 m, 7th) and snow handling (68.5 km/h, 7th) fall well behind winter tires. It performs well on asphalt but cannot match dedicated winter grip.

Europe