The 2025 evo tire test evaluated nine ultra-high performance tires in the 235/35 R19 size. The field comprised eight premium brand offerings alongside one budget and used an AWD BMW 135i X-Drive.
Test Size:
235/35 R19
Tires Tested:
9 tires
Test Categories:
3 categories (10 tests)
Similar Tests
3 categories (10 tests)
As always, it's an excellent tire test so I suggest using the link above to view the full test at the EVO website.
The Bridgestone Potenza Sport dominated proceedings with six category wins, marking a remarkable turnaround from its last-place wet braking finish in the previous test of this size.
The Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport and Continental SportContact 7 completed the podium; all three featured in the top three previously, though the Continental has dropped from first to third and Bridgestone has risen from joint third to winner.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, previously second, fell to fifth despite retaining the best road manners.
The mid-field was extraordinarily tight, with fourth through sixth separated by just half a percentage point; Yokohama's new Advan Sport V107 proved the strongest newcomer with excellent wet performance, while the Pirelli P Zero PZ5 showed good consistency without topping any test.
Both the Maxxis Victra Sport 6 and Falken Azenis RS820 delivered ok performances that nonetheless couldn't match the leading brands.
The budget Kormoran Ultra High Performance finished a distant last, requiring nearly 12 metres more to stop in wet braking than the Bridgestone and feeling, according to testers, like driving on ice – a stark reminder that a £30 per tire saving on safety-critical equipment brings severe consequences.
Dry
Continental took the win by half a metre, with the top five separated by less than a metre. Kormoran trailed significantly, needing over 3.5m more than the leader.
Bridgestone set the fastest lap, though just 0.03 seconds separated the top two. The top five were within 0.14 seconds of each other – an exceptionally close result.
Goodyear topped the subjective assessment despite narrowly missing the fastest lap time, with Bridgestone and Continental tied for second.
Michelin led comfortably on road refinement and steering feel, a standout result given its mid-table performance elsewhere.
Wet
Bridgestone stopped shortest, reversing its last-place finish in the previous test. Kormoran required nearly 12 metres more – a 43% deficit.
Bridgestone continued its wet dominance with the fastest lap, followed closely by Goodyear. Kormoran was over 8 seconds off the pace.
Consistent with the objective times, Bridgestone led subjectively with Continental and Goodyear close behind.
Goodyear led with Michelin close behind. Pirelli finished last among the premium tires, one of its weaker results.
Bridgestone won again, adding to its wet-weather dominance. Maxxis and Continental were weakest here despite solid performances elsewhere.
Value
Kormoran's only category win. The top performers Bridgestone and Goodyear placed near the bottom – the trade-off for their grip advantage.
Results
- EU Label: D/A/72
- 3PMSF: no
- Weight: 9.92 kgs
- Price: 130.00
The Bridgestone Potenza Sport delivered an emphatic victory in this year's test, with six table-topping performances. Within the first couple of hundred metres on the wet handling circuit, the grip was immediately apparent, encouraging early commitment and early throttle in corners. The BMW exited turns with the perfect attitude, just a hint of oversteer, following the ideal line precisely. The way it pivoted into the best balance quickly for each turn without overshooting gave the sensation of gaining lap time, and it remained very stable despite carrying more speed than most others. In the dry, it felt fast, confident and precise – a reassuringly capable and rewarding tire with excellent steering feel. It also proved pretty refined on the road. This represents a major turnaround since the last test of this size, which saw the Bridgestone finish last in wet braking.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 3rd | 32.2 M | 97.8% |
| Dry Handling | 1st | 66.85 s | 100% |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 2nd | 64 Points | 96.97% |
| Subj. Road Score | 2nd | 21.6 Points | 95.15% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 1st | 27.56 M | 100% |
| Wet Handling | 1st | 77.39 s | 100% |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 1st | 63 Points | 100% |
| Straight Aqua | 3rd | 74.95 Km/H | 99.05% |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 1st | 16.87 m/sec2 | 100% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Resistance | 7th | 9.5 kg / t | 83.16% |
- EU Label: D/A/72
- 3PMSF: no
- Weight: 9.96 kgs
- Price: 147.00
The Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport earned a strong second place through superb performances across both objective and subjective tests. On the wet handling circuit it was deeply impressive, turning keenly into tighter turns to allow really early throttle application, sitting the BMW into corners and firing it out with all the torque in harness. It demonstrated a lovely dynamic balance, delivering precise amounts of lift-off oversteer on demand to arrive at the exact clipping point. It felt like the Goodyear was getting the very best out of the M135i. In the dry, it carried speed everywhere, homing in on late clipping points with unerring precision to deliver an inspiring performance. The steering felt connected, linear and reasonably tactile, while road noise over coarse surfaces was low. Perhaps its only weakness was rolling resistance, but this fails to take the shine off an accomplished tire that's wonderful to drive.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 6th | 32.8 M | 96.01% |
| Dry Handling | 2nd | 66.88 s | 99.96% |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 1st | 66 Points | 100% |
| Subj. Road Score | 3rd | 21 Points | 92.51% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 2nd | 27.79 M | 99.17% |
| Wet Handling | 2nd | 77.73 s | 99.56% |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 3rd | 60 Points | 95.24% |
| Straight Aqua | 1st | 75.67 Km/H | 100% |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 2nd | 16.6 m/sec2 | 98.4% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Resistance | 8th | 9.7 kg / t | 81.44% |
- EU Label: D/A/72
- 3PMSF: no
- Weight: 10.12 kgs
- Price: 152.00
The Continental SportContact 7, a previous champion in this size, again delivered a strong performance to claim a solid podium place. It ranked second subjectively on both the wet and dry handling circuits. A strong front end got it into tight turns quickly and provided some useful, exploitable lift-off rotation, particularly into the tight right-hander. It felt great on the brakes and remained pinned and poised through the sweeps – the only surprise was that the lap time wasn't even better. On the hot, dry asphalt it felt superb: positive and abundantly grippy, a ruthless apex hunter that was particularly impressive in the first late-apex right. It genuinely felt like the fastest tire and very nearly was. On the road route it was good but not outstanding, being loud over coarse sections but decent over transverse challenges, while its steering delivered good feel.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 1st | 31.49 M | 100% |
| Dry Handling | 3rd | 66.96 s | 99.84% |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 2nd | 64 Points | 96.97% |
| Subj. Road Score | 6th | 20.5 Points | 90.31% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 4th | 29.06 M | 94.84% |
| Wet Handling | 5th | 78.67 s | 98.37% |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 2nd | 61 Points | 96.83% |
| Straight Aqua | 5th | 74.68 Km/H | 98.69% |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 7th | 14.68 m/sec2 | 87.02% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Resistance | 4th | 8.6 kg / t | 91.86% |
- EU Label: D/A/71
- 3PMSF: no
- Weight: 10.18 kgs
- Price: 159.00
The Yokohama Advan Sport V107 is a strong new contender that claimed numerous podium spots across the tests, proving particularly impressive in the wet. Around the wet lap it was very handy, with crisp turn-in allowing early throttle application. It showed impressive stability into sweeps and then, off the throttle for the downhill tight right, it rotated progressively and proportionately, allowing the perfect line to be found. It was great on the brakes too; all that was missing was a bit more outright grip. In the dry, the Yokohama was neat and biddable, feeling light, clean and keen, giving the BMW a nimble, precise demeanour. It just needed to be hustled a little to make the late apex of the first corner. On the road route it suppressed noise well and softened impacts with aplomb, though the steering was a little sticky around centre at B-road speeds.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 2nd | 32 M | 98.41% |
| Dry Handling | 5th | 66.99 s | 99.79% |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 5th | 59 Points | 89.39% |
| Subj. Road Score | 3rd | 21 Points | 92.51% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 3rd | 28.55 M | 96.53% |
| Wet Handling | 6th | 78.95 s | 98.02% |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 4th | 58 Points | 92.06% |
| Straight Aqua | 6th | 73.99 Km/H | 97.78% |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 3rd | 16.03 m/sec2 | 95.02% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Resistance | 9th | 9.8 kg / t | 80.61% |
- EU Label: C/A/71
- 3PMSF: no
- Weight: 10.98 kgs
- Price: 199.00
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S dropped from second in the previous test of this size to fifth here, though it finished just a fraction off fourth place. Around the wet lap it was well balanced with useful, exploitable rotation, and felt strong on the brakes. However, on turn-in it needed a moment to key into the surface before you could pour on the power and settle the car onto its rear for the exit. In the dry it was a similar story – a bit noisy, droning under load, but capable with good feel and decent precision. It didn't put a wheel wrong; it just lacked the brightness and sharp focus of the very best. Where the Michelin truly excelled was on the road route, where superb steering connection, feel and linearity helped it achieve the top ranking, along with low road noise and good rolling comfort. An accomplished all-rounder.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 5th | 32.36 M | 97.31% |
| Dry Handling | 8th | 67.96 s | 98.37% |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 7th | 56 Points | 84.85% |
| Subj. Road Score | 1st | 22.7 Points | 100% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 5th | 29.15 M | 94.55% |
| Wet Handling | 4th | 78.03 s | 99.18% |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 6th | 56 Points | 88.89% |
| Straight Aqua | 2nd | 75.13 Km/H | 99.29% |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 4th | 15.76 m/sec2 | 93.42% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Resistance | 2nd | 8.3 kg / t | 95.18% |
- EU Label: D/A/70
- 3PMSF: no
- Weight: 9.84 kgs
- Price: 172.00
The Pirelli P Zero PZ5 finished sixth but was so close to the mid-field pack that it could easily have been fourth. It didn't top any individual test but scored well pretty much across the board. On the wet handling circuit it was excellent, with positive turn-in and terrific traction allowing throttle early in turns. It was solidly composed in the sweeps, very stable braking slightly downhill for the tight right, and proved agile, able and very reassuring overall. In the dry it felt willing and capable, with strong grip, easy precision and confident agility in direction changes. It was also much quieter than many others while delivering its strong, rewarding performance. Where it unravels slightly is in refinement – on the road route its steering feel was only acceptable, and it proved quite boomy and tactile, with troughs and ridges feeling abrupt. Overall though, a great driver's tire.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 4th | 32.26 M | 97.61% |
| Dry Handling | 3rd | 66.96 s | 99.84% |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 4th | 62 Points | 93.94% |
| Subj. Road Score | 8th | 19 Points | 83.7% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 6th | 29.68 M | 92.86% |
| Wet Handling | 3rd | 77.88 s | 99.37% |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 4th | 58 Points | 92.06% |
| Straight Aqua | 8th | 71.45 Km/H | 94.42% |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 6th | 15.28 m/sec2 | 90.57% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Resistance | 5th | 9.1 kg / t | 86.81% |
- EU Label: D/A/72
- 3PMSF: no
- Weight: 10.78 kgs
- Price: 132.00
The Maxxis Victra Sport 6 picks up where its predecessor left off, with mostly decent performances across the board, but fails to break into the top half against such a quality field. Its star performances were in rolling resistance and the road route, where its refinement earned joint third place. On the wet handling circuit, while it lacked the outright grip of the best, it did everything right with superb traction and a useful dynamic balance. It found a settled poise to tackle tricky infield sweeps confidently and offered useful fine adjustment via the throttle to tailor lines precisely elsewhere – it just lacked the bite to climb higher. In the dry it was arguably more impressive, feeling really confident: poised, grippy and accurate, locking onto late clipping points from a long way out, accepting the hustle and providing useful adjustability. It rolled quietly over rough surfaces and took the sting out of ridges. A good tire that found itself up against a whole heap of excellent tires.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 8th | 33.08 M | 95.19% |
| Dry Handling | 7th | 67.48 s | 99.07% |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 5th | 59 Points | 89.39% |
| Subj. Road Score | 3rd | 21 Points | 92.51% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 7th | 30.62 M | 90.01% |
| Wet Handling | 7th | 79.45 s | 97.41% |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 7th | 54 Points | 85.71% |
| Straight Aqua | 9th | 71.4 Km/H | 94.36% |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 9th | 13.26 m/sec2 | 78.6% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Resistance | 2nd | 8.3 kg / t | 95.18% |
- EU Label: D/A/70
- 3PMSF: no
- Weight: 10.96 kgs
- Price: 163.00
The Falken Azenis RS820 is Falken's new contender that feels good but whose performance remains a little way behind the bigger brands. On the wet handling circuit it wasn't far off the pace and felt genuinely good. Positive, clean turn-in allowed early throttle to load the rear and punch onto straights with full traction, and it was easy to find and tread the limit in the quick inner sweeps. Generally there was good composure and adjustability, making it biddable and fun. In the dry its steering was encouraging, with a keen, connected feel. Around the handling circuit it was smooth and quiet but struggled to make late clipping points convincingly. There was some heaviness and delay through transitions, though it delivered solid traction out of hairpins and felt strong on the brakes. It wasn't the most refined on the road, with a bassy rumble over coarse surfaces and a sharp response to ridges. While it lacked the sharpness and bite of the best in the dry, it had keen steering feel and was good to drive, especially in the wet.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 7th | 33.01 M | 95.4% |
| Dry Handling | 6th | 67.47 s | 99.08% |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 8th | 52 Points | 78.79% |
| Subj. Road Score | 7th | 19.2 Points | 84.58% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 8th | 33.63 M | 81.95% |
| Wet Handling | 8th | 81.73 s | 94.69% |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 7th | 54 Points | 85.71% |
| Straight Aqua | 4th | 74.89 Km/H | 98.97% |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 5th | 15.29 m/sec2 | 90.63% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Resistance | 6th | 9.4 kg / t | 84.04% |
- EU Label: C/C/72
- 3PMSF: no
- Weight: 9.96 kgs
- Price: 100.00
The Kormoran Ultra High Performance may say "Ultra High Performance" on the sidewall, but that is not what it delivers. While it offers the lowest price and the lowest rolling resistance, fitting a set of these will ruin the handling of any car. Around the wet handling circuit it was more than eight seconds off the pace, which was no surprise given that, compared to the others, it felt like driving on ice. The BMW's limited-slip differential was quickly overwhelmed at the rear, resulting in four-wheel drifts out of most corners where other tires showed only a hint of oversteer. In the dry it was equally poor – it simply did not grip as hard as other tires, felt less precise and squealed under load. Less confident and less enjoyable in the dry than all rivals, and treacherous in the wet, this is a tire with few redeeming features. At only £30 per tire less than the test winner, false economy has never been so clear. Definitely not recommended.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 9th | 35.15 M | 89.59% |
| Dry Handling | 9th | 69.47 s | 96.23% |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 9th | 36 Points | 54.55% |
| Subj. Road Score | 9th | 18.7 Points | 82.38% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 9th | 39.43 M | 69.9% |
| Wet Handling | 9th | 85.53 s | 90.48% |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 9th | 32 Points | 50.79% |
| Straight Aqua | 7th | 72.57 Km/H | 95.9% |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 8th | 14.43 m/sec2 | 85.54% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Resistance | 1st | 7.9 kg / t | 100% |