2024 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test

The 2024 Auto Bild AllRad SUV winter tire test tested twelve of the popular SUV winter tires in 245/45 R18.

Test Publication:

245/45 R18 12 tires 5 categories

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Images courtesy of Auto Bild Allrad

Test Publication:

https://www.autobild.de/ratgeber/reifen/

Images courtesy of Auto Bild Allrad

Test Size: 245/45 R18

Tires Tested: 12 tires

Test Categories:
5 categories (12 tests)

Similar Tests

Dry

In dry braking, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 performed best among the winter tires, stopping in 40.7 meters. The worst performer was the Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6, taking 43.3 meters to stop - a difference of 2.6 meters. Notably, the reference summer tire outperformed all winter tires, stopping in just 35.5 meters, demonstrating the superior dry performance of summer compounds.

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 again led the winter tires in dry handling with an average speed of 106.4 km/h, while the Giti GitiWinterW2 was slowest at 104 km/h - a 2.4 km/h difference. The reference summer tire was fastest at 107 km/h, showing its advantage in dry conditions. The Michelin's strong performance in both dry tests highlights its well-rounded capabilities.

Wet

In wet braking, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P stopped in 31 meters, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 took 42.9 meters - a substantial 11.9 meter difference. The reference summer tire outperformed all winter tires, stopping in just 27.4 meters, emphasizing summer tires' advantage in wet conditions above freezing temperatures.

The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 led in wet handling with an average speed of 85.7 km/h, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 was slowest at 76.7 km/h - a 9 km/h difference. The reference summer tire was fastest at 89 km/h. The Imperial's poor performance in both wet tests indicates a significant weakness in wet conditions.

The Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 achieved the highest float speed of 81.2 km/h, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 was lowest at 68.9 km/h - a 12.3 km/h difference. Interestingly, the reference summer tire (82 km/h) only slightly outperformed the best winter tire in this test.

Snow

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stopped in 20.5 meters on snow, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 took 26.7 meters - a 6.2 meter difference. As expected, the reference summer tire performed poorly, taking 54.4 meters to stop, highlighting the crucial need for winter tires in snowy conditions.

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 generated 2880 N of traction force, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 managed only 2136 N - a significant 744 N difference. The reference summer tire produced just 365 N, demonstrating its ineffectiveness in snow.

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 achieved an average speed of 65 km/h, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 managed only 58 km/h - a 7 km/h difference. The reference summer tire was drastically slower at 32 km/h, further emphasizing winter tires' superiority in snowy conditions.

Comfort

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was quietest at 72.8 dB, while the Hankook Winter i cept evo3 was loudest at 74.6 dB - a 1.8 dB difference. The reference summer tire produced 73.7 dB, falling in the middle of the winter tire range.

Value

The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 had the lowest rolling resistance at 7.21 kg/t, while the Imperial ICE PlusS210 had the highest at 8.54 kg/t - a 1.33 kg/t difference. The reference summer tire's resistance was 7.52 kg/t, showing that some winter tires can match or even exceed summer tires in this aspect.

Results

1^st

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

245/45 R18 100V

• EU Label: C/B/72
• 3PMSF: yes
• Price: 880.00

Exemplary premium tire with top performance on snow and wet surfaces, sporty and responsive handling, short braking distances in all weather conditions, low rolling resistance.

Higher price point.

Excellent.

Dry

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	1st	40.7 M			100%
Dry Handling	1st	106.4 Km/H			100%

Wet

95.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	5th	32.5 M	31 M	+1.5 M	95.38%
Wet Handling	3rd	84 Km/H	85.7 Km/H	-1.7 Km/H	98.02%
Wet Circle	9th	16.27 s	15.8 s	+0.47 s	97.11%
Straight Aqua	4th	78.3 Km/H	81.2 Km/H	-2.9 Km/H	96.43%
Curved Aquaplaning	5th	2.84 m/sec2	3.1 m/sec2	-0.26 m/sec2	91.61%

Snow

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	1st	20.5 M			100%
Snow Traction	1st	2880 N			100%
Snow Handling	1st	65 Km/H			100%

Comfort

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	1st	72.8 dB			100%

Value

94.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	4th	7.66 kg / t	7.21 kg / t	+0.45 kg / t	94.13%

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2^nd

Continental WinterContact TS 870 P

245/45 R18 100V

• EU Label: C/B/71
• 3PMSF: yes
• Price: 800.00

Top-tier tire with excellent driving characteristics on snowy and wet roads, good safety reserves for aquaplaning, short braking distances, low rolling resistance.

Higher price point.

Excellent.

Dry

98.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	3rd	41.2 M	40.7 M	+0.5 M	98.79%
Dry Handling	4th	105.4 Km/H	106.4 Km/H	-1 Km/H	99.06%

Wet

98.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	1st	31 M			100%
Wet Handling	4th	83.9 Km/H	85.7 Km/H	-1.8 Km/H	97.9%
Wet Circle	2nd	15.82 s	15.8 s	+0.02 s	99.87%
Straight Aqua	3rd	78.5 Km/H	81.2 Km/H	-2.7 Km/H	96.67%
Curved Aquaplaning	3rd	2.98 m/sec2	3.1 m/sec2	-0.12 m/sec2	96.13%

Snow

95.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	8th	22 M	20.5 M	+1.5 M	93.18%
Snow Traction	5th	2723 N	2880 N	-157 N	94.55%
Snow Handling	3rd	64 Km/H	65 Km/H	-1 Km/H	98.46%

Comfort

98.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	10th	74.1 dB	72.8 dB	+1.3 dB	98.25%

Value

99.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	2nd	7.27 kg / t	7.21 kg / t	+0.06 kg / t	99.17%

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2^nd

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

245/45 R18 100V

• EU Label: C/C/71
• 3PMSF: yes
• Price: 760.00

Outstanding qualities in snow and ice, dynamic performance with safe driving characteristics in wet and dry conditions, short braking distances, good rolling comfort, low rolling resistance.

Slightly higher price point.

Excellent.

Dry

99.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	2nd	40.8 M	40.7 M	+0.1 M	99.75%
Dry Handling	2nd	106.3 Km/H	106.4 Km/H	-0.1 Km/H	99.91%

Wet

96.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	2nd	32 M	31 M	+1 M	96.88%
Wet Handling	1st	85.7 Km/H			100%
Wet Circle	3rd	15.84 s	15.8 s	+0.04 s	99.75%
Straight Aqua	6th	76.9 Km/H	81.2 Km/H	-4.3 Km/H	94.7%
Curved Aquaplaning	4th	2.88 m/sec2	3.1 m/sec2	-0.22 m/sec2	92.9%

Snow

97.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	3rd	21.4 M	20.5 M	+0.9 M	95.79%
Snow Traction	2nd	2855 N	2880 N	-25 N	99.13%
Snow Handling	4th	63.7 Km/H	65 Km/H	-1.3 Km/H	98%

Comfort

98.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	7th	73.8 dB	72.8 dB	+1 dB	98.64%

Value

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	1st	7.21 kg / t			100%

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4^th

Bridgestone Blizzak 6

245/45 R18 100V

• EU Label: C/B/70
• 3PMSF: yes
• Price: 760.00

Good and safe driving characteristics in snow and ice, sporty handling with convincing grip and short braking distances on wet surfaces, low rolling resistance, good rolling comfort.

Slightly higher price point.

Excellent.

Dry

97.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	8th	42.5 M	40.7 M	+1.8 M	95.76%
Dry Handling	7th	105 Km/H	106.4 Km/H	-1.4 Km/H	98.68%

Wet

95.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	4th	32.4 M	31 M	+1.4 M	95.68%
Wet Handling	2nd	84.7 Km/H	85.7 Km/H	-1 Km/H	98.83%
Wet Circle	1st	15.8 s			100%
Straight Aqua	8th	75.2 Km/H	81.2 Km/H	-6 Km/H	92.61%
Curved Aquaplaning	6th	2.74 m/sec2	3.1 m/sec2	-0.36 m/sec2	88.39%

Snow

97.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	2nd	21.3 M	20.5 M	+0.8 M	96.24%
Snow Traction	3rd	2819 N	2880 N	-61 N	97.88%
Snow Handling	5th	63.5 Km/H	65 Km/H	-1.5 Km/H	97.69%

Comfort

98%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	11th	74.3 dB	72.8 dB	+1.5 dB	97.98%

Value

96.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	3rd	7.49 kg / t	7.21 kg / t	+0.28 kg / t	96.26%

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5^th

Hankook Winter i cept evo3

245/45 R18 100V

• EU Label: D/B/72
• 3PMSF: yes
• Price: 640.00

Convincingly good driving characteristics on snowy roads, very good safety reserves for aquaplaning, short braking distances in all weather conditions, low rolling resistance, pleasantly fair price.

Increased road noise.

Excellent.

Dry

98.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	5th	41.6 M	40.7 M	+0.9 M	97.84%
Dry Handling	6th	105.1 Km/H	106.4 Km/H	-1.3 Km/H	98.78%

Wet

97.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	3rd	32.3 M	31 M	+1.3 M	95.98%
Wet Handling	6th	83.1 Km/H	85.7 Km/H	-2.6 Km/H	96.97%
Wet Circle	4th	16.02 s	15.8 s	+0.22 s	98.63%
Straight Aqua	5th	77.9 Km/H	81.2 Km/H	-3.3 Km/H	95.94%
Curved Aquaplaning	1st	3.1 m/sec2			100%

Snow

96%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	4th	21.5 M	20.5 M	+1 M	95.35%
Snow Traction	4th	2745 N	2880 N	-135 N	95.31%
Snow Handling	6th	63.2 Km/H	65 Km/H	-1.8 Km/H	97.23%

Comfort

97.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	12th	74.6 dB	72.8 dB	+1.8 dB	97.59%

Value

93.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	5th	7.68 kg / t	7.21 kg / t	+0.47 kg / t	93.88%

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6^th

Vredestein Wintrac Pro

245/45 R18 100V

• EU Label: D/B/72
• 3PMSF: yes
• Price: 680.00

Sporty dynamic driving characteristics and short braking distances on snow and ice, balanced handling on wet and dry roads.

Moderate resistance to aquaplaning, slightly longer wet braking distance.

Good.

Dry

97%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	10th	42.7 M	40.7 M	+2 M	95.32%
Dry Handling	9th	104.9 Km/H	106.4 Km/H	-1.5 Km/H	98.59%

Wet

91.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	10th	34.8 M	31 M	+3.8 M	89.08%
Wet Handling	9th	82.5 Km/H	85.7 Km/H	-3.2 Km/H	96.27%
Wet Circle	6th	16.2 s	15.8 s	+0.4 s	97.53%
Straight Aqua	9th	73.4 Km/H	81.2 Km/H	-7.8 Km/H	90.39%
Curved Aquaplaning	10th	2.56 m/sec2	3.1 m/sec2	-0.54 m/sec2	82.58%

Snow

96.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	5th	21.6 M	20.5 M	+1.1 M	94.91%
Snow Traction	6th	2715 N	2880 N	-165 N	94.27%
Snow Handling	2nd	64.7 Km/H	65 Km/H	-0.3 Km/H	99.54%

Comfort

99.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	4th	73.2 dB	72.8 dB	+0.4 dB	99.45%

Value

92%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	6th	7.84 kg / t	7.21 kg / t	+0.63 kg / t	91.96%

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7^th

Kumho Winter Craft WP52

245/45 R18 100V

• EU Label: C/B/72
• 3PMSF: yes
• Price: 520.00

Convincingly good driving characteristics on snowy roads, safe handling with short braking distances on wet and dry surfaces, low road noise.

Average aquaplaning resistance.

Good.

Dry

98%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	7th	41.9 M	40.7 M	+1.2 M	97.14%
Dry Handling	5th	105.2 Km/H	106.4 Km/H	-1.2 Km/H	98.87%

Wet

91.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	6th	32.6 M	31 M	+1.6 M	95.09%
Wet Handling	8th	82.7 Km/H	85.7 Km/H	-3 Km/H	96.5%
Wet Circle	11th	16.54 s	15.8 s	+0.74 s	95.53%
Straight Aqua	7th	75.3 Km/H	81.2 Km/H	-5.9 Km/H	92.73%
Curved Aquaplaning	12th	2.35 m/sec2	3.1 m/sec2	-0.75 m/sec2	75.81%

Snow

94.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	9th	22.4 M	20.5 M	+1.9 M	91.52%
Snow Traction	7th	2701 N	2880 N	-179 N	93.78%
Snow Handling	6th	63.2 Km/H	65 Km/H	-1.8 Km/H	97.23%

Comfort

99.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	2nd	72.9 dB	72.8 dB	+0.1 dB	99.86%

Value

90.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	7th	7.95 kg / t	7.21 kg / t	+0.74 kg / t	90.69%

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8^th

Giti GitiWinterW2

245/45 R18 100V

• EU Label: D/B/70
• 3PMSF: yes
• Price: 650.00

Good traction and lateral guidance on snowy roads, very good safety reserves for aquaplaning, pleasantly low road noise.

Slightly delayed steering response, increased rolling resistance.

Good.

Dry

96.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	9th	42.6 M	40.7 M	+1.9 M	95.54%
Dry Handling	12th	104 Km/H	106.4 Km/H	-2.4 Km/H	97.74%

Wet

94.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	7th	33.5 M	31 M	+2.5 M	92.54%
Wet Handling	10th	82 Km/H	85.7 Km/H	-3.7 Km/H	95.68%
Wet Circle	8th	16.26 s	15.8 s	+0.46 s	97.17%
Straight Aqua	2nd	81 Km/H	81.2 Km/H	-0.2 Km/H	99.75%
Curved Aquaplaning	7th	2.71 m/sec2	3.1 m/sec2	-0.39 m/sec2	87.42%

Snow

94.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	5th	21.6 M	20.5 M	+1.1 M	94.91%
Snow Traction	8th	2693 N	2880 N	-187 N	93.51%
Snow Handling	9th	62.5 Km/H	65 Km/H	-2.5 Km/H	96.15%

Comfort

99.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	3rd	73 dB	72.8 dB	+0.2 dB	99.73%

Value

84.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	11th	8.49 kg / t	7.21 kg / t	+1.28 kg / t	84.92%

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9^th

Pirelli P Zero Winter

245/45 R18 100V

• EU Label: C/B/72
• 3PMSF: yes
• Price: 840.00

Well-balanced good winter performance, good grip and sporty handling in wet conditions, low road noise, good rolling comfort.

Limited safety reserves for aquaplaning, slightly longer braking distances.

Satisfactory.

Dry

96.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	11th	43 M	40.7 M	+2.3 M	94.65%
Dry Handling	10th	104.8 Km/H	106.4 Km/H	-1.6 Km/H	98.5%

Wet

91.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	8th	34.1 M	31 M	+3.1 M	90.91%
Wet Handling	4th	83.9 Km/H	85.7 Km/H	-1.8 Km/H	97.9%
Wet Circle	5th	16.16 s	15.8 s	+0.36 s	97.77%
Straight Aqua	10th	71.7 Km/H	81.2 Km/H	-9.5 Km/H	88.3%
Curved Aquaplaning	8th	2.63 m/sec2	3.1 m/sec2	-0.47 m/sec2	84.84%

Snow

91.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	11th	23.3 M	20.5 M	+2.8 M	87.98%
Snow Traction	11th	2619 N	2880 N	-261 N	90.94%
Snow Handling	8th	62.8 Km/H	65 Km/H	-2.2 Km/H	96.62%

Comfort

98.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	6th	73.6 dB	72.8 dB	+0.8 dB	98.91%

Value

90.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	8th	7.97 kg / t	7.21 kg / t	+0.76 kg / t	90.46%

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10^th

Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro

245/45 R18 100V

• EU Label: D/B/70
• 3PMSF: yes
• Price: 600.00

Dynamic handling on wet and dry roads, short dry braking distances, low road noise, good rolling comfort.

Average winter performance, limited safety reserves for aquaplaning.

Satisfactory.

Dry

98.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	6th	41.8 M	40.7 M	+1.1 M	97.37%
Dry Handling	3rd	105.6 Km/H	106.4 Km/H	-0.8 Km/H	99.25%

Wet

90.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	9th	34.4 M	31 M	+3.4 M	90.12%
Wet Handling	7th	83 Km/H	85.7 Km/H	-2.7 Km/H	96.85%
Wet Circle	7th	16.25 s	15.8 s	+0.45 s	97.23%
Straight Aqua	11th	69.8 Km/H	81.2 Km/H	-11.4 Km/H	85.96%
Curved Aquaplaning	9th	2.6 m/sec2	3.1 m/sec2	-0.5 m/sec2	83.87%

Snow

92.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	10th	23.1 M	20.5 M	+2.6 M	88.74%
Snow Traction	9th	2674 N	2880 N	-206 N	92.85%
Snow Handling	10th	62 Km/H	65 Km/H	-3 Km/H	95.38%

Comfort

98.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	9th	73.9 dB	72.8 dB	+1.1 dB	98.51%

Value

85.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	10th	8.47 kg / t	7.21 kg / t	+1.26 kg / t	85.12%

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11^th

Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6

245/45 R18 100V

• EU Label: D/B/69
• 3PMSF: yes
• Price: 520.00

Good traction and short braking distances on snowy roads, low road noise, very good safety reserves for aquaplaning.

Significantly delayed steering response, limited lateral guidance, longer braking distances in wet conditions.

Satisfactory.

Dry

96.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	12th	43.3 M	40.7 M	+2.6 M	94%
Dry Handling	11th	104.7 Km/H	106.4 Km/H	-1.7 Km/H	98.4%

Wet

95.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	11th	35.6 M	31 M	+4.6 M	87.08%
Wet Handling	11th	81.3 Km/H	85.7 Km/H	-4.4 Km/H	94.87%
Wet Circle	10th	16.42 s	15.8 s	+0.62 s	96.22%
Straight Aqua	1st	81.2 Km/H			100%
Curved Aquaplaning	2nd	3.08 m/sec2	3.1 m/sec2	-0.02 m/sec2	99.35%

Snow

93.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	7th	21.8 M	20.5 M	+1.3 M	94.04%
Snow Traction	10th	2657 N	2880 N	-223 N	92.26%
Snow Handling	11th	61.9 Km/H	65 Km/H	-3.1 Km/H	95.23%

Comfort

98.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	7th	73.8 dB	72.8 dB	+1 dB	98.64%

Value

87.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	9th	8.25 kg / t	7.21 kg / t	+1.04 kg / t	87.39%

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12^th

Imperial ICE+S210

245/45 R18 100V

• EU Label: C/C/72
• 3PMSF: yes
• Price: 400.00

Safe driving behavior on dry roads, good comfort, quiet rolling noise.

Severely limited winter performance, poor grip and unsafe handling on wet surfaces, low safety reserves for aquaplaning.

Not recommended.

Dry

98.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	4th	41.3 M	40.7 M	+0.6 M	98.55%
Dry Handling	7th	105 Km/H	106.4 Km/H	-1.4 Km/H	98.68%

Wet

83.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	12th	42.9 M	31 M	+11.9 M	72.26%
Wet Handling	12th	76.7 Km/H	85.7 Km/H	-9 Km/H	89.5%
Wet Circle	12th	17.02 s	15.8 s	+1.22 s	92.83%
Straight Aqua	12th	68.9 Km/H	81.2 Km/H	-12.3 Km/H	84.85%
Curved Aquaplaning	11th	2.47 m/sec2	3.1 m/sec2	-0.63 m/sec2	79.68%

Snow

80.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Snow Braking	12th	26.7 M	20.5 M	+6.2 M	76.78%
Snow Traction	12th	2136 N	2880 N	-744 N	74.17%
Snow Handling	12th	58 Km/H	65 Km/H	-7 Km/H	89.23%

Comfort

99.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Noise	4th	73.2 dB	72.8 dB	+0.4 dB	99.45%

Value

84.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Rolling Resistance	12th	8.54 kg / t	7.21 kg / t	+1.33 kg / t	84.43%

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