Performance motoring publication Auto Bild Sportscars argues there is no alternative to “genuine summer tyres” for those wanting “to get the best possible performance out of a sports car on the asphalt,” at least in the warmer months of the year. But UK summers are a fleeting phenomenon, and tyres that deliver top performance in warm weather can struggle on winter roads. All-season tyres are a practical alternative.
Auto Bild Sportscars has tested ten all-season models in 225/45 R18, an increasingly popular size for sports saloons. Using a BMW 3-Series as reference vehicle, the publication’s expert testers evaluated these tyres at proving grounds in Germany and New Zealand, subjecting them to braking and handling tests on dry, wet and snow-covered surfaces while keeping an eye on rolling resistance and noise levels.
As a rule of thumb, the Auto Bild Sportscars test team believe all-season “can be the better winter tyre” for motorists who rarely encounter snow and ice. Compared with a winter tyre, all-season models provide “noticeably crisper handling and shorter braking distances in wet and dry conditions.” The testers add that the ten tyres in the 2025 all-season test have more in common with winter tyres than summer models, and for this reason they represent a “winter alternative” in regions where snowfalls are light and infrequent.
Rated exemplary
Test winner – Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3
+ Strikes the perfect balance and masters all disciplines with ease. Best in wet conditions. Second fastest in handling, both on dry & wet roads.
Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6
+ Good all-rounder with low rolling resistance and therefore high fuel-saving potential
– Slight compromises in regard to rolling comfort & passing noise
Hankook Kinergy 4S2
+ Another strong all-rounder with a feel for snow. Very good value for money
– Slightly lower traction on snow
Rated good
Michelin CrossClimate 2
+ Snow king with outstanding performance at a winter tyre level
– Comparatively weak in wet handling, highest purchase price
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
+ Performs well in snow & wet conditions, good straight-line aquaplaning reserves
– Slightly longer braking distance on dry roads, only approved up to 168 mph / 270 km/h
Kleber Quadraxer 3
+ Snow expert from Michelin with a lower price than its premium sibling
– Comparatively lower lateral grip on wet roads
Vredestein Quatrac Pro+
+ Wet weather specialist with good traction and short braking distances on snow
– Limited handling qualities on snow-covered & dry roads
Rated satisfactory
Linglong Sport Master 4S
+ Bargain price with respectable performance on wet and dry roads. Fastest in dry handling
– Comparatively weak on snow, only approved up to 168 mph / 270 km/h
Viking Four Tech Plus
+ Affordable second brand from Continental with good performance on snow-covered roads
– Longer braking distance in wet conditions, poorest dry road performance of the 10 tested tyres
Not recommendable
Delmax X-Weather 4S
+ Lowest purchase price of all candidates, yet still respectable performance on snow, lowest rolling resistance
– Inadequate performance on wet roads
