Auto Zeitung: Summer Tire Test R18 2026

Auto Zeitung: Summer Tire Test R18

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.

  1. Continental PremiumContact 7 - Winner Recommended
    Continental PremiumContact 7
    95 53
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Continental PremiumContact 7 claims a decisive victory by delivering overwhelmingly superior wet-road performance. It sets the benchmark with the shortest wet braking distance and fastest handling times, backed by exemplary safety reserves that leave the competition trailing. This well-rounded performer carries its dominance onto dry tarmac with equally impressive braking, making it a tire without weaknesses.

    Wet Braking   Wet Circle   Wet Handling   Straight Aquaplaning   Dry Braking   Rolling Resistance  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    282
  2. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
    Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
    93 60
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 secures second place by demonstrating its characteristic versatility, blending sporty driving dynamics with durability. It claims the top spot in dry handling and subjective safety, while delivering exceptional tread life and the lowest exterior noise in the test. Its sole compromise is a slight step back in ultimate wet-weather braking and grip compared to the class leader.

    Treadwear   Noise   Dry Handling   Driving Safety   Wet Handling   Wet Braking  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Middle East Middle East · South Africa South Africa
    Test Score:
    263
  3. Pirelli Cinturato C3
    Pirelli Cinturato C3
    N/A 37
    · Summer · 2025 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Cinturato C3 secures a strong third-place finish with a masterclass in balance, delivering consistently high performance across both wet and dry tarmac. It sits just one point behind the runner-up, thanks to excellent dry agility, precise handling, and confident safety reserves. Its well-rounded nature makes it a compelling choice for drivers seeking no-compromise year-round capability.

    Dry Handling   Wet Handling   Dry Braking   Subj. Comfort   Subj. Dry Handling   Treadwear   Dry Slalom   Lateral Aquaplaning   Straight Aquaplaning   Wet Braking   Noise  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    262
  4. Firestone Roadhawk 2 Enliten
    Firestone Roadhawk 2 Enliten
    N/A 32
    · Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Firestone Roadhawk 2 Enliten earns the test's value recommendation by delivering a surprisingly strong performance that rivals premium competitors at a significantly lower price point. It excels in aquaplaning resistance, particularly in corners, and offers competitive wet handling. The compromises for this value are a noticeable step back in braking distance on wet roads and reduced dry ride comfort.

    Wet Handling   Lateral Aquaplaning   Rolling Resistance   Price   Straight Aquaplaning   Dry Braking   Subj. Comfort   Treadwear   Wet Braking  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    243
  5. BFGoodrich Advantage 2
    BFGoodrich Advantage 2
    N/A 29
    · Summer · 2025 · Passenger - High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The BF Goodrich Advantage 2 secures fifth place by delivering a well-balanced and solid performance, anchored by dependable wet grip and commendably low rolling resistance. It offers a coherent package that prioritizes energy efficiency and predictable handling without major drama. The trade-offs for this balanced approach are a step back in dry agility and a firmer ride quality.

    Wet Handling   Wet Braking   Rolling Resistance   Driving Safety   Subj. Comfort   Dry Handling   Wet Circle  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    240
  6. Michelin Primacy 5
    Michelin Primacy 5
    N/A 41
    · Summer · 2025 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Primacy 5 earns the test's environmental recommendation by setting the benchmark for sustainability. It delivers the highest projected tread life, lowest rolling resistance, minimal abrasion, and quietest operation, making it the undisputed choice for the eco-conscious driver. This focus on efficiency and longevity comes at a clear cost: compromised wet braking performance and reduced grip in demanding wet conditions.

    Rolling Resistance   Noise   Straight Aquaplaning   Subj. Comfort   Treadwear   Lateral Aquaplaning   Subj. Wet Handling   Wet Braking  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    235
  7. Maxxis Premitra 6 HP6
    Maxxis Premitra 6 HP6
    N/A 25
    · Summer · 2025 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Maxxis Premitra 6 HP6 finishes seventh, revealing a tire that offers respectable dry handling and strong aquaplaning resistance at a competitive price point. However, it is significantly held back by extended wet braking distances, which compromise safety in rainy conditions. This weakness, combined with higher treadwear and reduced ride comfort, prevents it from earning a recommendation.

    Lateral Aquaplaning   Price   Straight Aquaplaning   Dry Handling   Wet Braking   Wet Circle   Subj. Comfort   Subj. Wet Handling   Treadwear  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    199
  8. Westlake ZuperAce Z-007
    Westlake ZuperAce Z-007
    N/A 25
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The West Lake Z-007 Zuper Ace places eighth as a budget-focused tire that delivers acceptable dry handling and strong aquaplaning resistance for its price class. Its core compromises lie in critically long wet braking distances, which place it well behind safe stopping standards, and elevated treadwear that reduces its expected service life. While its dry braking is merely adequate, the significant wet-weather safety deficit makes it a choice requiring careful consideration.

    Lateral Aquaplaning   Straight Aquaplaning   Dry Handling   Noise   Wet Braking   Wet Circle   Dry Braking   Subj. Dry Handling   Subj. Wet Handling   Treadwear  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    188
  9. Laufenn S FIT EQ+
    Laufenn S FIT EQ+
    62 43
    · Summer · 2020 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Laufenn S Fit EQ+ finishes ninth, revealing itself as a budget-oriented tire with a fundamental and critical weakness in wet traction. Its excessively long wet braking distances place it at a significant safety disadvantage in rainy conditions. While it manages respectable dry handling and low exterior noise, these positives cannot offset the compromised wet-weather performance.

    Dry Braking   Price   Dry Handling   Noise   Wet Braking   Wet Circle   Wet Handling   Subj. Wet Handling   Treadwear  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Middle East Middle East · North Africa North Africa
    Test Score:
    183
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

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