After sending 30 tyres packing following the preliminary round of its 2026 summer test, Auto Bild got down to the business of comprehensively evaluating the 20 finalists. The test team again fitted the 245/45 R19 tyres to a BMW 5 Series and put each of the 20 models through its paces in wet and dry conditions, additionally examining all protagonists’ mileage, rolling resistance and overall value for money. No less than five of the finalists gained Auto Bild’s top ‘exemplary’ rating.
Wet testing including stopping distance from 100km/h as well as performance on a circular track, handling and aquaplaning(straight line and cornering). Dry testing also involves stopping distance from 100km/h, with handling, drive-by noise, mileage and price/mileage contributing to the final score. Auto Bild also awarded one of the finalists its ‘Green Tyre’ or ‘Eco Champion’ recognition, which it awarded for strong performance in three tests – tyre wear after 4,000km, tyre weight, and rolling resistance.
Before looking at individual results, its worth mentioning comments made by the Auto Bild testers. Although perfectly legal to keep tyres fitted until they have just 1.6mm of tread remaining, Auto Bild “strongly recommends a minimum of three millimetres.” Furthermore, the motoring publication stresses that “age counts” when it comes to tyres. “If the tyre was manufactured more than eight years ago, the rubber compound hardens noticeably. The tyre loses grip and should be disposed of.”
Test winner – Hankook Ventus evo
+ Dynamic to drive with excellent handling on both dry & wet roads, the shortest braking distances on dry surfaces, very good value for money
Eco champion – Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
+ Eco champion with highest predicted mileage, balanced driving characteristics, high overall performance level
– Slightly higher purchase price
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
+ Long-lasting tyre with high mileage, dynamic handling on dry roads and in wet conditions
– Slightly increased rolling noise, high price
Giti GitiSport S2+
+ Strong price-performance ratio, high safety reserves
– Slightly increased rolling resistance
Pirelli Cinturato C3
+Wet specialist with top grip, short braking distances
– Increased drive-by noise
Rated good
Continental PremiumContact 7
+ All-rounder with high wet grip and safe handling, short braking distances
– Higher purchase price
Kumho Ecsta Sport PS72
+ Rain expert, safe handling on dry roads, good aquaplaning resistance
– Slightly increased rolling noise
GT Radial SportActive 2 evo
+ Price breaker with good mileage, strong in dry conditions, good wet performance
– Slightly higher rolling resistance
Nexen N’Fera Sport
+ Bargain tyre with short braking distances and good safety reserves in dry conditions
– Slightly delayed steering response
Vredestein Ultrac Pro
+ Strong dry performance, short braking distances in dry, low rolling resistance
– Lower mileage potential
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
+ All-rounder with short braking distances, strong aquaplaning resistance, safe in wet
– Higher price, slightly increased rolling resistance
Nokian Powerproof 2
+ Strong braking on wet and dry, dynamic dry handling, low rolling resistance
– Overall weaker in wet
Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2
+ Routine performer with good water displacement and comfort, short braking distances in dry
– Falls behind in the cost-related disciplines
Falken Azenis FK520
+ Confident wet braking, safe reserves in dry and rain, good value
– Spongy steering turn-in
Yokohama Advan Sport V107
+ Strong dry dynamics with good handling, high aquaplaning resistance
– Highest rolling resistance and thus elevated fuel consumption
Rated satisfactory
Linglong Sport Master
+ Wet braking king, also strong on dry with short braking distances, high safety reserves
– Last placed in mileage test
Toyo Proxes Sport 2
+ Strong dry performance, top straight line aquaplaning reserves
– Noticeably limited mileage
Maxxis Victra Sport 6
+ Cornering specialist in dry conditions with short braking distances, low purchase price
– Spongy handling feel in wet, higher wear
Kleber Dynaxer HP5
+ Fuel-saving with lowest rolling resistance of the 20 finalists, strong mileage potential
– Limited levels of grip in the wet
Sava Intensa UHP 2
+ Bargain-priced tyre with low rolling resistance, decent dry braking
– Imprecise handling, longer wet braking distances
