Autobild: Summer Tire Test R19 2026

Autobild: Summer Tire Test R19

Auto Bild has conducted one of its most comprehensive summer tire evaluations of the year, testing 20 models in the 245/45 R19 size commonly fitted to upper mid-range vehicles such as the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6. From an initial field of 50 candidates, only the top performers based on combined dry and wet braking advanced to the full test protocol.

The evaluation spanned multiple venues, including braking assessments at ATP Papenburg and handling circuits in Catalonia. Laboratory testing measured projected tread life, rolling resistance, and wear characteristics to establish true cost-of-ownership figures.

A rigorous qualifying round eliminated 30 products based solely on braking performance, underscoring the safety gap between competent tires and those best avoided. The finalists represent a broad price spectrum, with the most affordable entry costing less than half the premium segment leader.

The results delivered multiple surprises. A Korean manufacturer claimed the top position with exceptional balance across all disciplines and the lowest cost per kilometer. An established premium brand secured the "Green Tire" sustainability award through outstanding projected tread life and environmental metrics. Most notably, a manufacturer not typically ranked among the traditional premium elite broke into the top tier with an "exemplary" rating, demonstrating that the competitive landscape continues to evolve.

  1. Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 K137 - Winner Recommended
    Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 K137
    N/A 24
    · Summer · 2025 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Hankook Ventus Evo claims a decisive victory by delivering benchmark dry performance and class-leading wet handling dynamics. It sets the standard with the shortest dry braking distance, fastest dry handling lap, and top subjective scores, complemented by the quickest wet handling time and wet circle result. Rolling comfort is above average, and its cost-per-kilometer ratio is excellent. The only notable compromise is a weakness in aquaplaning resistance, where it trails the class leaders, and slightly elevated rolling resistance.

    Dry Handling   Wet Circle   Wet Handling   Price   Dry Braking   Subj. Comfort   Subj. Dry Handling   Subj. Wet Handling   Lateral Aquaplaning   Rolling Resistance   Wet Braking   Straight Aquaplaning  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    1.1
  2. Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 Recommended
    Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
    93 60
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 claims second place and the "Green Tire" award by delivering exceptional longevity and a consistently high level of performance across all conditions. It boasts the highest projected mileage in the test by a significant margin, complemented by class-leading lateral aquaplaning resistance, excellent comfort, and very low exterior noise. While its dry and wet grip are strong across the board, it does not lead in outright braking or handling, and its premium pricing and elevated rolling resistance are notable trade-offs.

    Noise   Wet Circle   Straight Aquaplaning   Lateral Aquaplaning   Subj. Comfort   Treadwear   Rolling Resistance   Wet Braking   Dry Handling   Wet Handling   Price   Dry Braking   Subj. Dry Handling  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Middle East Middle East · South Africa South Africa
    Test Score:
    1.2
  3. Michelin Pilot Sport 5 Recommended
    Michelin Pilot Sport 5
    92 56
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Extreme Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 secures third place by delivering exceptional dry handling prowess and outstanding longevity. It matches the test winner in subjective dry feedback and posts the second-highest projected mileage, helping to offset its premium purchase price over the tire's life. Wet performance is solid across handling and aquaplaning, though braking lags the leaders. The main compromises are elevated pass-by noise and a wet braking deficit.

    Dry Handling   Wet Handling   Lateral Aquaplaning   Subj. Dry Handling   Treadwear   Rolling Resistance   Wet Braking   Noise   Straight Aquaplaning   Price   Dry Braking  
    Canada Canada · Mexico Mexico · Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · China China · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    1.3
  4. Pirelli Cinturato C3
    Pirelli Cinturato C3
    N/A 37
    · Summer · 2025 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli Cinturato C3 shares fourth place by establishing itself as a wet-weather specialist, delivering class-leading wet handling and lateral grip. Its dry braking is competitive, and low rolling resistance benefits running costs. The tire's primary and significant compromise is the highest pass-by noise recorded in the test, which detracts from an otherwise competent package.

    Rolling Resistance   Wet Circle   Wet Handling   Dry Braking   Subj. Wet Handling   Dry Handling   Noise   Straight Aquaplaning   Price   Lateral Aquaplaning   Subj. Dry Handling  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    1.4
  5. Giti GitiSport S2+ Recommended
    Giti GitiSport S2+
    N/A 27
    · Summer · 2026 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Giti GitiSport S2+ finishes fourth as one of the test's most compelling value propositions, delivering competent and balanced performance across wet and dry conditions without a single weak area. It posts strong results in aquaplaning resistance, wet handling, and dry braking, all while carrying a purchase price in the lower half of the field. The main compromises for this value are elevated rolling resistance, which impacts fuel consumption, and subjective comfort scores that trail the class leaders.

    Wet Braking   Wet Handling   Straight Aquaplaning   Price   Dry Braking   Subj. Comfort   Treadwear   Subj. Dry Handling   Rolling Resistance  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    1.4
  6. Continental PremiumContact 7
    Continental PremiumContact 7
    95 53
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Continental PremiumContact 7 finishes sixth, presenting a balanced all-round profile with strong wet handling and braking, competitive dry braking, and excellent tread wear that contributes to longevity. Its performance is solid across the board without a single standout dynamic peak. The tire's primary and significant drawback is the highest purchase price in the entire test, which undermines its value proposition despite low wear.

    Dry Braking   Wet Handling   Wet Braking   Treadwear   Dry Handling   Straight Aquaplaning   Price   Lateral Aquaplaning   Subj. Dry Handling  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    1.6
  7. Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
    Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
    90 32
    · Summer · 2025 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72 shares sixth place by delivering particularly strong wet-weather dynamics at a compelling price point. It offers excellent wet handling, braking, and circle grip, backed by top subjective wet scores, while dry performance remains competitive across the board. The tire's main limitations are elevated rolling noise and weak aquaplaning resistance, where it trails the class leaders.

    Wet Handling   Subj. Wet Handling   Wet Circle   Price   Wet Braking   Lateral Aquaplaning   Straight Aquaplaning   Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Noise  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    1.6
  8. GT Radial SportActive 2 EV
    GT Radial SportActive 2 EV
    N/A 22
    · Summer · 2023 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The GT Radial SportActive 2 EV finishes eighth as a cost-focused summer tire that delivers the second-best value for money in the test. It offers competitive and consistent performance on both wet and dry roads, with a particular strength in lateral aquaplaning resistance. The main trade-offs for this low running cost are elevated rolling resistance, below-average ride comfort, and a wet braking deficit.

    Wet Handling   Lateral Aquaplaning   Subj. Dry Handling   Price   Dry Handling   Subj. Wet Handling   Subj. Comfort   Wet Braking   Rolling Resistance  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    1.8
  9. Nexen N Fera Sport
    Nexen N Fera Sport
    74 39
    · Summer · 2018 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Nexen N'Fera Sport SU2 finishes ninth as a solid mid-range choice, delivering notably short braking distances on both wet and dry roads. It stands out as the quietest tire in the test, offering a refined acoustic experience. The primary compromise is a slightly delayed turn-in response that affects steering precision and overall handling feel, while lateral aquaplaning resistance is a notable weakness.

    Price   Dry Braking   Noise   Wet Braking   Subj. Wet Handling   Wet Handling   Steering Response   Lateral Aquaplaning   Subj. Dry Handling   Treadwear   Dry Handling  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    1.9
  10. Vredestein Ultrac Pro
    Vredestein Ultrac Pro
    N/A 29
    · Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Vredestein Ultrac Pro shares ninth place by delivering its strongest performance in dry handling, where it matches the test's top scorers with commendable precision. Dry braking is short, and rolling resistance is among the lowest in the test, supporting efficiency. However, this dry-focused capability comes with significant compromises: wet braking distances are extended, aquaplaning resistance is weak, and projected mileage is one of the lowest in the group, undermining its long-term cost efficiency.

    Rolling Resistance   Subj. Dry Handling   Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Noise   Straight Aquaplaning   Treadwear   Wet Braking   Lateral Aquaplaning  
    USA+ USA+ · Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    1.9
  11. Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo
    Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo
    N/A 38
    · Summer · 2026 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo finishes eleventh as a competent but unremarkable performer that delivers solid, balanced results across wet and dry conditions without excelling in any single discipline. Its strongest attribute is above-average rolling comfort, providing a refined ride. However, the tire is held back by a high purchase price and elevated rolling resistance, both of which undermine its overall cost efficiency and value proposition.

    Dry Braking   Subj. Wet Handling   Subj. Comfort   Wet Handling   Rolling Resistance   Subj. Dry Handling   Price   Wet Braking   Straight Aquaplaning   Dry Handling   Noise  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    2.1
  12. Nokian Powerproof 2
    Nokian Powerproof 2
    N/A 29
    · Summer · 2026 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Nokian Powerproof 2 finishes eleventh, delivering strong braking performance on both wet and dry surfaces backed by competitive rolling resistance. Dry handling is good, and mileage is reasonable, offering an acceptable cost-per-kilometer ratio. However, the overall wet performance package trails the front-runners, with weak aquaplaning resistance and handling precision holding it back in the standings.

    Rolling Resistance   Treadwear   Subj. Dry Handling   Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Wet Handling   Subj. Wet Handling   Lateral Aquaplaning   Price   Wet Braking   Straight Aquaplaning  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    2.1
  13. Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2
    Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2
    76 53
    · Summer · 2016 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Dunlop SportMaxx RT2 finishes thirteenth, with its strongest attributes being water dispersal and straight aquaplaning resistance, where it holds a mid-field position. Dry braking is competitive, and rolling comfort is rated positively. However, the tire is significantly held back by higher tread wear and an above-average price-per-kilometer ratio, which undermines its cost efficiency. These value-related weaknesses drag down an otherwise competent performance package.

    Wet Handling   Subj. Comfort   Straight Aquaplaning   Rolling Resistance   Treadwear   Subj. Dry Handling   Wet Braking   Price   Dry Braking  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · South Africa South Africa · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    2.4
  14. Falken Azenis FK520
    Falken Azenis FK520
    76 44
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Falken Azenis FK520 finishes thirteenth as a capable but dynamically unremarkable mid-range option. It offers competent wet braking and good dry safety reserves, with reasonable mileage per cost and low-to-average rolling resistance. The tire's primary weakness is a vague, imprecise turn-in response that undermines driver confidence in cornering, while dry handling and aquaplaning resistance trail the class leaders.

    Wet Braking   Treadwear   Price   Rolling Resistance   Wet Handling   Steering Response   Lateral Aquaplaning   Subj. Dry Handling   Straight Aquaplaning   Dry Handling   Dry Braking  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.4
  15. Yokohama ADVAN Sport V107
    Yokohama ADVAN Sport V107
    69 27
    · Summer · 2018 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Yokohama Advan Sport V107 finishes thirteenth, distinguished by strong dry handling qualities and the highest straight aquaplaning resistance in the test. It offers precise dry feedback and competitive dry braking. However, this performance comes with the highest rolling resistance of all finalists, directly increasing fuel consumption, while wet braking is critically weak and wet handling trails the leaders. These dynamic and efficiency compromises, combined with higher running costs, pull down its overall value.

    Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Straight Aquaplaning   Subj. Dry Handling   Wet Handling   Subj. Wet Handling   Rolling Resistance   Lateral Aquaplaning   Treadwear   Wet Braking  
    USA+ USA+ · Canada Canada · Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Japan Japan · China China · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · Africa Africa · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    2.4
  16. Linglong Sport Master 4S
    Linglong Sport Master 4S
    68 33
    · All Season · 2025 · Passenger - Premium Touring All-Season
    Verdict:

    The Linglong Sport Master finishes sixteenth as the lowest-priced tire in the test, yet delivers a standout achievement: the shortest wet braking distance of any competitor, the only tire to stop from 100 km/h in under 40 meters. Dry braking is also competitive, and wet handling remains respectable. However, this wet-braking brilliance is offset by the lowest projected mileage of all finalists, meaning the attractive purchase price is partially negated by more frequent replacement. Elevated rolling resistance, while dry handling precision trails the field.

    Dry Braking   Wet Braking   Price   Rolling Resistance   Lateral Aquaplaning   Treadwear   Subj. Dry Handling   Straight Aquaplaning   Dry Handling  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    2.6
  17. Toyo Proxes Sport 2
    Toyo Proxes Sport 2
    68 30
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Toyo Proxes Sport 2 finishes seventeenth, distinguished by strong dry handling dynamics and the highest resistance to straight aquaplaning in the test. Dry braking is competitive, and subjective dry feedback is positive. However, this dry-focused capability is undermined by the lowest projected mileage among the finalists, which dramatically increases its cost-per-kilometer and erodes the value of its reasonable purchase price. Wet performance is a clear weakness, with extended braking distances and handling that trails the field.

    Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Straight Aquaplaning   Subj. Dry Handling   Subj. Wet Handling   Wet Handling   Wet Circle   Rolling Resistance   Treadwear   Price   Wet Braking  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    2.8
  18. Maxxis Victra Sport 6 VS6
    Maxxis Victra Sport 6 VS6
    N/A 27
    · Summer · 2025 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Maxxis Victra Sport 6 finishes eighteenth, offering competitive dry handling and a low purchase price that initially appeals to budget-conscious buyers. Dry braking is adequate and subjective dry feedback is positive. However, these strengths are heavily outweighed by imprecise and vague wet handling that severely reduces confidence in cornering, coupled with one of the highest tread wear rates in the test. This rapid wear significantly elevates the cost-per-kilometer, undermining the value proposition of the low upfront price and making it a compromised choice.

    Dry Handling   Subj. Dry Handling   Price   Subj. Wet Handling   Wet Handling   Wet Circle   Lateral Aquaplaning   Rolling Resistance   Treadwear   Wet Braking   Straight Aquaplaning  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    3
  19. Kleber Dynaxer HP5
    Kleber Dynaxer HP5
    N/A 35
    · Summer · 2026 · Passenger - Premuim Touring Summer
    Verdict:

    The Kleber Dynaxer HP5 finishes nineteenth as the undisputed efficiency champion of the test, recording the lowest rolling resistance and lowest tread wear among all finalists. This translates to measurable fuel savings and exceptional longevity, with projected mileage that is reasonable. However, this environmental focus comes at a significant cost to dynamic performance: wet grip is a critical weakness, with braking distances and lateral grip well below the mid-field, demanding extra caution in rainy conditions. Dry handling also trails the pack.

    Treadwear   Price   Rolling Resistance   Subj. Wet Handling   Wet Handling   Lateral Aquaplaning   Subj. Dry Handling   Wet Braking   Straight Aquaplaning   Dry Handling  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    3.2
  20. Sava Intensa UHP 2
    Sava Intensa UHP 2
    74 38
    · Summer · 2017 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Sava Intensa UHP 2 shares nineteenth place, establishing itself as an efficiency-focused tire with the lowest rolling resistance and lightest weight in the test, which translates to measurable fuel savings and excellent cost-per-kilometer value. It also delivers a strong result in lateral aquaplaning resistance. However, this eco-oriented design comes at a significant cost to wet safety: braking distances are among the longest in the group, and handling is imprecise, demanding extra caution in rainy conditions. Dry dynamics also trail the field.

    Lateral Aquaplaning   Price   Rolling Resistance   Subj. Wet Handling   Wet Handling   Subj. Dry Handling   Driving Safety   Wet Braking   Straight Aquaplaning   Dry Handling  
    Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+
    Test Score:
    3.2
Year
2026
Tire Test Original Link
Visit Website
Tire Size
245/45R19
Season
Summer
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Mar 06, 2026
Date updated
Apr 01, 2026
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