Every year Autobild Sports Cars aims to go big, and this year they've literally have, testing UUHP summer tires! In search for the sportiest performance tire, they used a Mercedes AMG test vehicle which is fitted with 265/35 R19 front and 295/30 R20 rear tires.
As usual the excellent drivers at AutoBild put seven sets of UUHP / maximum performance tires to the test in the dry and wet, as well as testing the rolling resistance and noise levels of the tires.
It's a good bunch of tires, and includes the brand new Vredestein Ultrac Pro (which replaces the Ultrac Vorti) against the very best in the category.
Test setup & methodology
The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.
Recorded test conditions
Recorded test conditions
- Wet Braking
- 62.1 → 0.0 mph
Dry
The Bridgestone Potenza Sport was the best in dry braking, ahead of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S and Continental SportContact 7.
Dry Braking
Dry braking in feet
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 121 ft | Best | |
| 124 ft | +3 ft | |
| 126 ft | +5 ft | |
| 128 ft | +7 ft | |
| 130 ft | +9 ft | |
| 130 ft | +9 ft | |
| 147 ft | +26 ft |
The difference between best and worst was 21.1% (26 ft ≈ 1.7 Car Lengths).
The Michelin was the fastest around the dry handling lap, but the Tire Reviews favorite, the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport got the best subjective marks. The Bridgestone overheated after a few laps and had very high wear, something Tire Reviews has noticed many times.
Dry Handling
Dry Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 68.3 mph | Best | |
| 67.9 mph | -0.4 mph | |
| 67.8 mph | -0.5 mph | |
| 67.4 mph | -0.9 mph | |
| 66.9 mph | -1.4 mph | |
| 66.2 mph | -2.1 mph | |
| 66.0 mph | -2.3 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 3.4% (2.3 mph).
Wet
Continental was at the front during wet braking.
Wet Braking
Wet braking in feet (62 - 0 mph)
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best | Residual speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 161 ft | Best | 0 mph | |
| 165 ft | +4 ft | 11 mph | |
| 166 ft | +5 ft | 13 mph | |
| 174 ft | +13 ft | 22 mph | |
| 175 ft | +14 ft | 22 mph | |
| 188 ft | +27 ft | 30 mph | |
| 224 ft | +63 ft | 42 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 38.8% (63 ft ≈ 4.2 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Winrun R330 would still be travelling at 42 mph when the Continental SportContact 7 had stopped.
Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.
And it was fastest around the wet handling lap, and the fastest in the wet circle, showing it's incredibly high wet grip.
Wet Handling
Wet Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 49.0 mph | Best | |
| 48.3 mph | -0.7 mph | |
| 47.8 mph | -1.2 mph | |
| 47.6 mph | -1.4 mph | |
| 47.3 mph | -1.7 mph | |
| 47.2 mph | -1.8 mph | |
| 40.4 mph | -8.6 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 17.6% (8.6 mph).
Wet Circle
Wet Circle Lap Time in seconds
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 10.78 s | Best | |
| 10.89 s | +0.11 s | |
| 11.14 s | +0.36 s | |
| 11.15 s | +0.37 s | |
| 11.56 s | +0.78 s | |
| 11.66 s | +0.88 s | |
| 13.03 s | +2.25 s |
The difference between best and worst was 20.9% (2.25 s).
The new Vredestein Ultrac Pro was best in the deeper water of aquaplaning.
Straight Aqua
Float Speed in mph
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 62.3 mph | Best | |
| 61.8 mph | -0.5 mph | |
| 60.6 mph | -1.7 mph | |
| 60.3 mph | -2.0 mph | |
| 60.1 mph | -2.2 mph | |
| 58.7 mph | -3.6 mph | |
| 58.6 mph | -3.7 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 6% (3.7 mph).
Comfort
The Vredestein was also the quietest on test.
Noise
External noise in dB
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 70.5 dB | Best | |
| 71.2 dB | +0.70 dB | |
| 71.3 dB | +0.80 dB | |
| 72.8 dB | +2.30 dB | |
| 73.4 dB | +2.90 dB | |
| 73.8 dB | +3.30 dB | |
| 73.9 dB | +3.40 dB |
The difference between best and worst was 4.8% (3.4 dB).
Value
Michelin were back at the front during the rolling resistance test, where the sporty Goodyear really struggled.
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance in kg t
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best | Extra fuel / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.11 kg/t | Best | $0 | |
| 8.23 kg/t | +0.12 kg/t | $4 | |
| 8.35 kg/t | +0.24 kg/t | $9 | |
| 8.36 kg/t | +0.25 kg/t | $9 | |
| 8.53 kg/t | +0.42 kg/t | $15 | |
| 8.55 kg/t | +0.44 kg/t | $16 | |
| 9.76 kg/t | +1.65 kg/t | $60 |
The difference between best and worst was 20.3% (1.65 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport uses about 17 gal ($60) more fuel than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S.
Adjust the assumptions
Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.
Please note: All the data such as EU label and weight is for the rear axle size.
Results
Continental SportContact 7
295/30 R20 101Y XL
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (8)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 126 ft | +5 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 67.9 mph | -0.4 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 1st / 7 | 161 ft | Best in this discipline |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 49.0 mph | Best in this discipline |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 1st / 7 | 10.78 s | Best in this discipline |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 60.6 mph | -1.7 mph |
| NoiseLower is better | 5th / 7 | 73.4 dB | +2.90 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 4th / 7 | 8.36 kg/t | +0.25 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/A/73
- Weight
- 12.8 kgs
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
295/30 R20 101Y XL
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (8)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 124 ft | +3 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 68.3 mph | Best in this discipline |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 5th / 7 | 175 ft | +14 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 47.6 mph | -1.4 mph |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 11.14 s | +0.36 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 58.7 mph | -3.6 mph |
| NoiseLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 71.2 dB | +0.70 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 1st / 7 | 8.11 kg/t | Best in this discipline |
- EU Label
- C/A/73
- Weight
- 13.2 kgs
Vredestein Ultrac Pro
295/30 R20 101Y XL
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (8)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 4th / 7 | 128 ft | +7 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 67.4 mph | -0.9 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 4th / 7 | 174 ft | +13 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 47.8 mph | -1.2 mph |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 4th / 7 | 11.15 s | +0.37 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 1st / 7 | 62.3 mph | Best in this discipline |
| NoiseLower is better | 1st / 7 | 70.5 dB | Best in this discipline |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 8.35 kg/t | +0.24 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/A/72
- Weight
- 14.1 kgs
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
295/30 R20 101Y XL
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (8)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 1st / 7 | 121 ft | Best in this discipline |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 66.9 mph | -1.4 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 166 ft | +5 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 48.3 mph | -0.7 mph |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 10.89 s | +0.11 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 60.1 mph | -2.2 mph |
| NoiseLower is better | 6th / 7 | 73.8 dB | +3.30 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 5th / 7 | 8.53 kg/t | +0.42 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/A/73
- Weight
- 12.9 kgs
Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
295/30 R20 101Y XL
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (8)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 5th / 7 | 130 ft | +9 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 66.2 mph | -2.1 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 165 ft | +4 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 5th / 7 | 47.3 mph | -1.7 mph |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 5th / 7 | 11.56 s | +0.78 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 2nd / 7 | 61.8 mph | -0.5 mph |
| NoiseLower is better | 4th / 7 | 72.8 dB | +2.30 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 6th / 7 | 8.55 kg/t | +0.44 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/A/75
- Weight
- 12.5 kgs
Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
295/30 R20 101Y XL
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (8)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 5th / 7 | 130 ft | +9 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 3rd / 7 | 67.8 mph | -0.5 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 6th / 7 | 188 ft | +27 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 6th / 7 | 47.2 mph | -1.8 mph |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 6th / 7 | 11.66 s | +0.88 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 4th / 7 | 60.3 mph | -2.0 mph |
| NoiseLower is better | 7th / 7 | 73.9 dB | +3.40 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 7th / 7 | 9.76 kg/t | +1.65 kg/t |
- EU Label
- D/A/75
- Weight
- 13.2 kgs
Winrun R330
295/30 R20 101W XL
Category scores (% of best)
All discipline results (8)
Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.
| Test | Position in discipline | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry BrakingLower is better | 7th / 7 | 147 ft | +26 ft |
| Dry HandlingHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 66.0 mph | -2.3 mph |
| Wet BrakingLower is better | 7th / 7 | 224 ft | +63 ft |
| Wet HandlingHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 40.4 mph | -8.6 mph |
| Wet CircleLower is better | 7th / 7 | 13.03 s | +2.25 s |
| Straight AquaHigher is better | 7th / 7 | 58.6 mph | -3.7 mph |
| NoiseLower is better | 3rd / 7 | 71.3 dB | +0.80 dB |
| Rolling ResistanceLower is better | 2nd / 7 | 8.23 kg/t | +0.12 kg/t |
- EU Label
- C/B/72
- Weight
- 13.5 kgs
Hello guys,
I have BMW 430D Xdrive 265CP 2019. My tires have 225/40/19 and I need to buy new tires. Which are the best summer tire for speed and for me is important to be silent, must resist to pit, because have in my town a lot of
Thank you
Unfortunately I'm not sure I've seen any pothole tests, sorry. If you have runflats you're even more limited!
Hello guys
I have BMW 430D Xdrive and I want to know what is best summer tire for me, as I use speed most of the time. My tires have 225/40/19
Thank you in advance!
Hi Guys, I've always looked to tirereviews.com for advice on my tire purchases.
I could do with a little help now as I've just acquired a 2017 Mercedes CLS350 with 285/30 r19 (Continental ContiSportContact) and 255/35 r19 (Pirelli P zero) and my choices seem a little more cloudy.
Could you advise me on a set of tires to fufill my wishes? My priorities are comfort and low noise, rim protection and good wear mileage.
In the past, I've had Falken ZIEX ZE310 EcoRuns and Falken Azenis FK510 but I have not yet had such wide and low profile tires. What are your thoughts?
Have a search on the site and filter by premium touring tires in your sizes and see what's actually available. Maybe the Primacy 4+ but more likely it will be mostly UHP products, so something like the Asymmetric 6 or Pilot Sport 5 would be a good choice.
Hello guys, I really really need your advice. I have a BMW i8 2018 which has quite worn out Bridgestone S001 tires with standard dimensions 215/45 r20 front and 245/40 r20 rear, that I am looking to replace.
The standard tires are quite skinny and the cars is struggling with traction sometimes...also the steering is quite light. After reading on different BMW forums, I found out that a lot of owners change this standard set-up with 245/40 r20 front and 275/35 r20 rear, this keeps almost the same diameter but adds width, improving the traction and steering(at least as per the users reports).
I am looking for a tire set-up that would make the car more sporty and fun to drive on the road. No track use and almost exclusively used on dry, warmish weather(above 15*C). Considering the fact that the car is build around the light weight philosophy, also I would prefer the most light weight tire option.
My options are(from cheapest to most expensive):
1.Vredestein ULTRAC PRO(from the early reviews seems more of a wet and comfort specialist? quite heavy also?)
2.Bridgestone Potenza Sport
3. Pirelli PZ4 * BMW
4.Goodyear F1 SS(maybe too noisy and harsh for every day use?)
I am looking for a nice sporty feel, but without making the car extremely harsh for daily use. Maybe the most obvious option would have been the Conti SC7 but unfortunately it is not available in the 245/40 r20 size, the other obvious option would have been the PS4s but it is considerably more expensive (even 50% more than the Ultrac Pro for example...does it worth the 30-50% price difference from the other tires?).
Which one do you think I should choose? Thank you in advance
Replied in the other thread :)