Auto Zeitung: Summer Tire Test R18 2026
Auto Zeitung has published its annual summer tire test for the 2026 season, evaluating ten all-rounder profiles in size 235/45 R18. The test field includes premium offerings from Continental, Goodyear, Michelin, and Pirelli alongside mid-priced options from BF Goodrich, Firestone, and Maxxis, plus three budget entries from Laufenn, Tercelo, and West Lake.
Testing was conducted at the Goodyear proving ground near Mireval in southern France, supplemented by laboratory analysis to measure tread wear, projected tread life, rolling resistance, and external noise. A current Audi A5 served as the test vehicle.
The results reveal a familiar pattern: dry performance remains tightly clustered across the field, with even the lowest-ranked tires proving manageable. However, wet track performance tells a different story. The gap between the best and worst in wet braking is substantial, with the longest-stopping tires requiring significantly more distance to halt from 100 km/h.
Environmental metrics show notable variation. One premium model stands out for exceptional tread life, low rolling resistance, and minimal wear, potentially offsetting its higher purchase price over the life of the tire. At the opposite end, the cheapest entry struggles with accelerated wear that undermines its value proposition.
- Year
- 2026
- Tire Test Original Link
- Visit Website
- Max Score, points
- 300
- Tire Size
- 235/45R18
- Season
- Summer
- Auto Type
- Passenger
- List Type
- Professional Tire Test
- Region
- Europe
- Date added
- Mar 06, 2026
- Date updated
- Mar 19, 2026