The AB experts tested tires from four brands in different sizes.
List of models tested:
For the summer season 2022, the motoring magazine Auto Bild Sportscars tested tires in size 225/45 R18, but then the experts decided to go one step further and tested tires in a staggered setup of 225/45 R18 front and 255/4 R18 rear sizes.
The test involved four tire sets — Falken Azenis FK510, Michelin Pilot Sport 4, Nexen N’Fera Sport, and Vredestein Ultrac Vorti+. The best tire was pronounced to be the Michelin model, which, as the AB experts noted, ensured excellent handling performance and short braking distances on dry pavement, its only downside being the expensive price.
Second-placed was the Vredestein model, which also demonstrated a great handling performance but increased the vehicle’s fuel consumption due to high rolling resistance, and bronze was scored by the Falken tire that showed insufficient lateral stability of the rear wheels on dry pavement. The list is completed by the Nexen model, which has a high hydroplaning resistance and ensures short braking distances in any conditions, but at the same time falls short of the leaders in terms of handling performance, including due to delayed steering response.
One must add that this season two out of the four tested models will be replaced by newer ones — the Falken Azenis FK520 and the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 have already been presented.
1st place: Michelin / Pilot Sport 4
Quick Take
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
- Great handling on dry pavement
- Precise steering response
- High level of safety and good handling response on wet pavement
- Short braking distance on wet and dry pavement
- Low rolling resistance
- High price
- Exemplary
2nd place: Vredestein / Ultrac Vorti+
Quick Take
Vredestein Ultrac Vorti+
- Good handling response in the dry
- Very high hydroplaning resistance
- Precise steering response
- Short braking distance on wet and dry pavement
- High rolling resistance
- Good
3rd place: Falken / Azenis FK510
Quick Take
Falken Azenis FK510
- Very high hydroplaning resistance
- Short braking distance on wet and dry pavement
- Good riding comfort
- Extremely prone to oversteer on wet pavement
- Reduced lateral stability on the rear axle on dry pavement
- Satisfactory
4th place: Nexen / N Fera Sport
Quick Take
Nexen N Fera Sport
- Good hydroplaning resistance
- Short braking distance on wet and dry pavement
- Attractive price
- Great handling response on wet and dry pavement
- Poor lateral stability; prone to oversteer
- Delayed steering response
- Increased rolling resistance
- Satisfactory
