The new Goodyear wins overall thanks to excelling in nearly every test, other than aquaplaning (though strangely Auto Bild still said the tyre has good aquaplaning reserves, we're not sure why.)
The SportContact 7 was the fastest tyre in the dry and had the best dry braking, however it couldn't match the stellar wet performance we found in the Tyre Reviews 2022 UUHP Tyre Test.
There's no official statement, but looking at the lower than usual wet performance of the Bridgestone, and the photos from the test looking quite overcast and cool, we would guess that like the Bridgestone the new Continental SportContact 7 needs a little temperature to work at its very best in the wet. Something to keep in mind.
Other notes from the test was the Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 continuing its ridiculous wet braking performance, and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 still holding its own, even though it has now been replaced by the Pilot Sport 5.
As mentioned, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport could only place sixth due to an average wet performance, not something we're used to from the Potenza Sport, finishing behind a Maxxis tyre. This, like the Continentals result, is possibly due to the cool test conditions, and something to keep in mind for tyre purchase decisions as wet driving is usually at cooler temperatures.
Dry
On a dry road, the differences in emergency braking from 100 km/h are within 3meters. Only the Star Performer UHP-3 goes one step further, but remains within the acceptable range.
Dry Braking
Spread: 5.10 M (15.2%)|Avg: 35.45 M
Dry braking in meters (100 - 0 km/h) (Lower is better)
Dry Braking: Safety Impact: Best vs Worst Tyre
AutoBild reported that the new SportContact 7 from Continental is in its element on dry roads, with precise steering and outstanding grip, it clearly sets itself apart from its pursuers Bridgestone and Goodyear.
Dry Handling
Spread: 4.20 Km/H (3.5%)|Avg: 117.06 Km/H
Dry Handling Average Speed (Higher is better)
Continental SportContact 7
119.40 Km/H
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
118.20 Km/H
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
117.80 Km/H
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
117.60 Km/H
Vredestein Ultrac Vorti Plus
117.50 Km/H
Maxxis Victra Sport 5
116.60 Km/H
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3
116.50 Km/H
Falken Azenis FK510
116.20 Km/H
Star Performer UHP 3
115.60 Km/H
Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
115.20 Km/H
Wet
Hankook lead again in wet braking, with outstanding stopping performance 1.6 meters better than second placed Goodyear. The Star Performer needed an extra 21 meters to stop the car.
Wet Braking
Spread: 21.10 M (42.7%)|Avg: 55.59 M
Wet braking in meters (100 - 0 km/h) (Lower is better)
Wet Braking: Safety Impact: Best vs Worst Tyre
In the wet Vredestein, Hankook and Goodyear are fighting for the top spot, all having the highest levels of grip. Bridgestone and Continental are missing a little something, and the BMW 5 Series is a drift machine on the budget tyres.
Wet Handling
Spread: 10.50 Km/H (14%)|Avg: 72.38 Km/H
Wet Handling Average Speed (Higher is better)
Vredestein Ultrac Vorti Plus
75.10 Km/H
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
75.10 Km/H
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3
74.90 Km/H
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
73.30 Km/H
Continental SportContact 7
72.90 Km/H
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
72.60 Km/H
Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
72.30 Km/H
Maxxis Victra Sport 5
72.20 Km/H
Falken Azenis FK510
70.80 Km/H
Star Performer UHP 3
64.60 Km/H
As always, Michelin performed extremely well in the aquaplaning tests
Straight Aqua
Spread: 3.40 Km/H (3.6%)|Avg: 92.69 Km/H
Float Speed in Km/H (Higher is better)
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
94.70 Km/H
Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
93.80 Km/H
Falken Azenis FK510
93.20 Km/H
Continental SportContact 7
93.00 Km/H
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
92.60 Km/H
Vredestein Ultrac Vorti Plus
92.40 Km/H
Maxxis Victra Sport 5
92.30 Km/H
Star Performer UHP 3
92.20 Km/H
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3
91.40 Km/H
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
91.30 Km/H
Curved Aquaplaning
Spread: 0.46 m/sec2 (15.5%)|Avg: 2.73 m/sec2
Remaining lateral acceleration (Higher is better)
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
2.96 m/sec2
Falken Azenis FK510
2.95 m/sec2
Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
2.77 m/sec2
Star Performer UHP 3
2.75 m/sec2
Continental SportContact 7
2.74 m/sec2
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
2.73 m/sec2
Maxxis Victra Sport 5
2.68 m/sec2
Vredestein Ultrac Vorti Plus
2.63 m/sec2
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
2.59 m/sec2
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3
2.50 m/sec2
Environment
The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 was the quietest tyre on test.
Noise
Spread: 3.00 dB (4.2%)|Avg: 71.84 dB
External noise in dB (Lower is better)
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
70.60 dB
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3
70.70 dB
Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
70.80 dB
Continental SportContact 7
71.60 dB
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
71.70 dB
Maxxis Victra Sport 5
71.70 dB
Vredestein Ultrac Vorti Plus
72.00 dB
Star Performer UHP 3
72.80 dB
Falken Azenis FK510
72.90 dB
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
73.60 dB
The new Asymmetric 6 also had the lowest rolling resistance on test.
Rolling Resistance
Spread: 1.65 kg / t (21%)|Avg: 8.74 kg / t
Rolling resistance in kg t (Lower is better)
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
7.86 kg / t
Michelin Pilot Sport 4
8.29 kg / t
Continental SportContact 7
8.48 kg / t
Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3
8.59 kg / t
Maxxis Victra Sport 5
8.64 kg / t
Star Performer UHP 3
8.69 kg / t
Nexen N Fera Sport SU2
9.01 kg / t
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
9.04 kg / t
Falken Azenis FK510
9.28 kg / t
Vredestein Ultrac Vorti Plus
9.51 kg / t
19,000 km
£1.45/L
8.0 L/100km
--
Annual Difference
--
Lifetime Savings
--
Extra Fuel/Energy
--
Extra CO2
Estimates based on typical driving conditions. Rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20% of IC vehicle fuel consumption and 25% of EV energy consumption. Actual savings vary based on driving style, vehicle weight, road conditions, and tyre age. For comparative purposes only. Lifetime savings based on a 40,000km / 25,000 mile tread life.
The most expensive tyres in the test were also the best.
Excellent tyres with balance performance at the highest level, short braking distances, precise handling behavior, low rolling resistance, good aquaplaning reserves.
I'm curious if you have any insight on when some of these tires may be available in the US. I'm specifically interested in the F1 Asymmetric 6 and the Sport Contact 7. From what I can see the Goodyear isn't available in the US at all currently, and the Conti seems to only be available in really limited sizes in 21".
I have no insight sadly. I do know as they are both EU primary lines, and the US has their own versions (Supercar 3 and ExtremeContactSport) which are more suited to the US market demands, I would be surprised if either appeared in lots of sizes.
Any thoughts in terms of comparisons between the EU and US counterparts (Supercar 3 v. Asymm 6 or Extreme Contact v. Contact 7)? Is the Supercar 3 a direct competitor to the Asymm 6? Isn't it rated closer to 200 for treadwear? Have you tested any of the US market specific tires in the UHP/UUHP category as well?
They're quite different tyres, US market wants treadlife so they tend to last much longer and feel more sporty, but EU tyres have lower rolling resistance and better wet grip.
Hi i'm looking for new tyres for a 520D Xdrive touring, its got 18"rims, with 240/45 and 275/40 rear runflats. I believe because it's xdrive need the same make tyres on all 4 wheels. I was wondering what recommendations you have my main priority is reduced cabin noise, then fuel economy. Currently it has Pirelli cinturato's on, and on rough roads they are very noisy. cheers.
I've not actually tested runflats before so I can't be specific, but my theory is any tyre in non-runflat that does well in a test that comes in runflat would be a good start.
Ok. At the moment the only tyres available are the Michelin Sport 4, Pirelli Cinturata, possibly Pzero, and Hankook S1 Evo 3. I have seen sometimes that the hankook's do well, then others really badly. Sadly I cannot get the Bridgestone Turanza on all 4 wheels (it would be the ER300 on one axel).
Hey! I'M looking for a new tyre for my 2016 CLS220d It has 255/40 R18 front, and 285/35 r18 back. In some of the tests the S1EVO3 is a quite nice tyre, like in this, but in other tests its a much much more heavier and noisier tyre....but here it's one of the lightest/quietest. this 245 size is the closest to my wanted one. What would you do? Go for it? The weight and noise is mostly the most important values for me... since 285 is a huge tyre. If it's noisy, then its really noisy, and superheavy....stressing out the engine and my ears too much. Here in Hungary, the S1EVO3 is super-duper cheap, comparing to the rest.
Now I've a 3 years old P zero. Noise is ok, but a bit heavy, and life-dangeorusly horrible in wet. I've almost crashed the car in low speed 3 times (where the rest of the cars are going with the same speed flawless...and mine was drifitng into the walls---almost)
If you say the Hankook is very cheap I would be very tempted! Alternatively if you can get the Falken FK510/520 that might also suit your needs, though I've found that tyre can change quite a lot depending on size.
Within few weeks our new car should be delivered, a Skoda Superb liftback. The OE tires on the car will be Continental EcoContact 6 235/45 R18 94W, I know that for 99,9 %, and I want to change them to something better, because I'm not fan of these eco tires.
My first question is: what to choose? I will not use the car on track days (I know, that's a big surprise :D), but usually I'm driving faster than I should and not just on the highways, so short braking distances and good handling in corners are important for me. Another things are the noise and comfort. It has lower importance, but it's not irrelevant, because I don't want tires which are extremely noisy or uncomfortable to drive. At this moment I'm considering buying: Continental SportContact 7, Continental PremiumContact 6 (I have them on my current small car, and they are great), Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3, Michelin Pilot Sport 5 or Michelin CrossClimate 2. Yes, I know the last one is all season tire, but I'm not planning to buy winter tires, so who knows, maybe once in 3 years I will using them in icy or snowy conditions, and maybe they are still better than the OE EcoContact 6 tires. We need a test for that! :-)
My second question: I know, technically and legally I can use 98W or 98Y instead of 94W tires, but is it a good idea? I’m asking because I’m afraid that the tires with 98 load index number will be uncomfortable, and maybe the higher speed index also have some disadvatages. Most of the tires I’m considering are available only as 98W or 98Y, not as 94W. Thanks.
Hi! General heads up about allseason: With an all season tyre, your are choosing a constant compromise for 1-2months of "maybe ice". The all seasons are offsetted to the witner tyres with a lot of thread, etc. So they are a bit heavy and noisy, and longer brake distnaces. Maybe in par with the worse summer tyres in extreme wet. I would go with a good summer one, after checking the prices. The Hankook is by far the cheapest, however nothing real disadavantages. (it is noisy and heavy in other tests...so im a bit suspicious....) In this size, i would go for an Assy5 or EVO3 as the best balance between price/features.
Yes, I'm avare of the disadvantages of all season tyres, but they are always reviewed against some "refference summer tyre" and I don't know what kind of summer tyre it is. It is the winner of the latest UHP summer tyre test, or it is some avarage (not the best, but not a Chinese) summer tyre from the local grocery store? But ok, why Assy5, why not Assy 6? The S1 EVO seems to be a really good tyre, I'm thinking about it. It is litle bit cheaper, but the price is not that importatn for me, because, if I sell the OE EC6 tyres as new, I can get ca. 400 € back, and the extra 160 € for the most expensive tyres against the S1 EVO3 is not a dealbreaker for me. BTW, do you know why are the Hankooks cheaper for you? Because you are from Hungary, and they are made in Hungary. Thats also one of the reaseon why am I considering them. ;-)
The comfort differences between 94 and 98 shouldn't be too high.
My suggestion is this. Get the car, see how it feels on the EcoContact 6 then let me know what's missing. You MIGHT find that if it's an OE fitment, the EcoContact 6 isn't as bad as you expect :) (or it might be worse!)
I was thinking about this, but after reading about the 6,5 mm tread depth on EC6, I decided that it will be much better to sell completly the tires with the color line marking on them, like new. If the tires loose the color line, noone will belive me that they are new.
I'm curious if you have any insight on when some of these tires may be available in the US. I'm specifically interested in the F1 Asymmetric 6 and the Sport Contact 7. From what I can see the Goodyear isn't available in the US at all currently, and the Conti seems to only be available in really limited sizes in 21".
I have no insight sadly. I do know as they are both EU primary lines, and the US has their own versions (Supercar 3 and ExtremeContactSport) which are more suited to the US market demands, I would be surprised if either appeared in lots of sizes.
Any thoughts in terms of comparisons between the EU and US counterparts (Supercar 3 v. Asymm 6 or Extreme Contact v. Contact 7)? Is the Supercar 3 a direct competitor to the Asymm 6? Isn't it rated closer to 200 for treadwear? Have you tested any of the US market specific tires in the UHP/UUHP category as well?
They're quite different tyres, US market wants treadlife so they tend to last much longer and feel more sporty, but EU tyres have lower rolling resistance and better wet grip.
I've not compared them back to back though sadly.
Thanks for the feedback. It's much appreciated. Looks like I'll probably end up in the Pilot 4S camp, which isn't a let down by any means.
What a world we live in when the 4S is a backup tire! It's such a great product!
Hi i'm looking for new tyres for a 520D Xdrive touring, its got 18"rims, with 240/45 and 275/40 rear runflats. I believe because it's xdrive need the same make tyres on all 4 wheels. I was wondering what recommendations you have my main priority is reduced cabin noise, then fuel economy. Currently it has Pirelli cinturato's on, and on rough roads they are very noisy. cheers.
Are you willing to ditch runflats?
Sadly not able to, as its a lease car.
I've not actually tested runflats before so I can't be specific, but my theory is any tyre in non-runflat that does well in a test that comes in runflat would be a good start.
Ok. At the moment the only tyres available are the Michelin Sport 4, Pirelli Cinturata, possibly Pzero, and Hankook S1 Evo 3. I have seen sometimes that the hankook's do well, then others really badly. Sadly I cannot get the Bridgestone Turanza on all 4 wheels (it would be the ER300 on one axel).
I have leased BMW and I take the RF off right away.
Hey! I'M looking for a new tyre for my 2016 CLS220d It has 255/40 R18 front, and 285/35 r18 back.
In some of the tests the S1EVO3 is a quite nice tyre, like in this, but in other tests its a much much more heavier and noisier tyre....but here it's one of the lightest/quietest. this 245 size is the closest to my wanted one. What would you do? Go for it? The weight and noise is mostly the most important values for me... since 285 is a huge tyre. If it's noisy, then its really noisy, and superheavy....stressing out the engine and my ears too much.
Here in Hungary, the S1EVO3 is super-duper cheap, comparing to the rest.
Now I've a 3 years old P zero. Noise is ok, but a bit heavy, and life-dangeorusly horrible in wet. I've almost crashed the car in low speed 3 times (where the rest of the cars are going with the same speed flawless...and mine was drifitng into the walls---almost)
If you say the Hankook is very cheap I would be very tempted! Alternatively if you can get the Falken FK510/520 that might also suit your needs, though I've found that tyre can change quite a lot depending on size.
Thank you!
Yes, here the Hankook is about 60% in price if any top tyre (assy5/6, PS4/5) is 100%
Within few weeks our new car should be delivered, a Skoda Superb liftback. The OE tires on the car will be Continental EcoContact 6 235/45 R18 94W, I know that for 99,9 %, and I want to change them to something better, because I'm not fan of these eco tires.
My first question is: what to choose? I will not use the car on track days (I know, that's a big surprise :D), but usually I'm driving faster than I should and not just on the highways, so short braking distances and good handling in corners are important for me. Another things are the noise and comfort. It has lower importance, but it's not irrelevant, because I don't want tires which are extremely noisy or uncomfortable to drive. At this moment I'm considering buying: Continental SportContact 7, Continental PremiumContact 6 (I have them on my current small car, and they are great), Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, Hankook Ventus S1 evo 3, Michelin Pilot Sport 5 or Michelin CrossClimate 2. Yes, I know the last one is all season tire, but I'm not planning to buy winter tires, so who knows, maybe once in 3 years I will using them in icy or snowy conditions, and maybe they are still better than the OE EcoContact 6 tires. We need a test for that! :-)
My second question: I know, technically and legally I can use 98W or 98Y instead of 94W tires, but is it a good idea? I’m asking because I’m afraid that the tires with 98 load index number will be uncomfortable, and maybe the higher speed index also have some disadvatages. Most of the tires I’m considering are available only as 98W or 98Y, not as 94W. Thanks.
Hi! General heads up about allseason: With an all season tyre, your are choosing a constant compromise for 1-2months of "maybe ice". The all seasons are offsetted to the witner tyres with a lot of thread, etc. So they are a bit heavy and noisy, and longer brake distnaces. Maybe in par with the worse summer tyres in extreme wet.
I would go with a good summer one, after checking the prices. The Hankook is by far the cheapest, however nothing real disadavantages. (it is noisy and heavy in other tests...so im a bit suspicious....) In this size, i would go for an Assy5 or EVO3 as the best balance between price/features.
Yes, I'm avare of the disadvantages of all season tyres, but they are always reviewed against some "refference summer tyre" and I don't know what kind of summer tyre it is. It is the winner of the latest UHP summer tyre test, or it is some avarage (not the best, but not a Chinese) summer tyre from the local grocery store?
But ok, why Assy5, why not Assy 6?
The S1 EVO seems to be a really good tyre, I'm thinking about it. It is litle bit cheaper, but the price is not that importatn for me, because, if I sell the OE EC6 tyres as new, I can get ca. 400 € back, and the extra 160 € for the most expensive tyres against the S1 EVO3 is not a dealbreaker for me.
BTW, do you know why are the Hankooks cheaper for you? Because you are from Hungary, and they are made in Hungary. Thats also one of the reaseon why am I considering them. ;-)
Assy5 is much more cheaper, and still awesome, thats why. :)
Yep, that could be a reason. :) (importing the others resulting much higher prices... )
Usually in my tests the reference tyres are test winning tyres, and apart from last years all season tyre, they're always publically named.
The comfort differences between 94 and 98 shouldn't be too high.
My suggestion is this. Get the car, see how it feels on the EcoContact 6 then let me know what's missing. You MIGHT find that if it's an OE fitment, the EcoContact 6 isn't as bad as you expect :) (or it might be worse!)
I was thinking about this, but after reading about the 6,5 mm tread depth on EC6, I decided that it will be much better to sell completly the tires with the color line marking on them, like new. If the tires loose the color line, noone will belive me that they are new.