2025 Auto Bild Sports Car All Season Tire Test

AUTO BILD Sportscars conducted a comprehensive all-season tire test in their December 2025 issue, testing 10 all season tires in 225/45 R18. This dimension is commonly fitted to performance-oriented volume models such as the BMW M240i, Mercedes CLA 45 S AMG, and Alfa Romeo Giulia. The test covered products across a wide price range, from budget offerings at €340 per set to premium options at €740 per set. 

Summer and Winter Tire Findings

The testers included both a dedicated summer tire and winter tire as reference points outside the main scoring, and their performance clearly illustrates the compromises in all-season design. The summer specialist had significantly higher dry performance, achieving 58.8 mph in the dry handling test compared to the best all-season at 57.6 mph, and stopping from 62 mph in just 114 feet versus 126 feet for the leading all-season. However, it proved completely undrivable on snow. 

Conversely, the winter reference tire excelled on snow with a 22.7-meter stopping distance from 31 mph, but this came at a substantial cost in other conditions: wet braking from 62 mph required 155 feet (versus 141 feet for the best all-season), and dry braking extended to 142 feet. These results demonstrate that all-season tires position themselves closer to winter tire characteristics than summer tire performance, making them more accurately described as "improved winter tires for mild climates" rather than true year-round performance equivalents.

Balanced Performance Versus Specialization

The test winner, Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3, succeeded by finding what the testers called "the golden middle"—no single outstanding performance, but strong results across all disciplines. At €650 per set, it placed second in wet performance, second-fastest in dry handling, and maintained respectable snow capabilities. This contrasts sharply with more specialized approaches: the Linglong Sport Master 4S achieved the fastest dry handling speed (57.6 mph) among all-season competitors but suffered significantly on snow (27.2-meter stopping distance versus Michelin's 77 feet). The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 demonstrated strong wet and snow capabilities but extended dry braking to 146 feet. These results suggest that for sports car applications, consistency across conditions provides better real-world performance than excellence in any single area.

Secondary Brand Performance

Two secondary brands in the test revealed interesting patterns. The Kleber Quadraxer 3, Michelin's budget line, inherited strong snow credentials from its parent company and achieved the quietest operation in the test (61.6 dB at 31 mph, matching the summer reference), but showed weaker wet lateral grip. At €590, it offered a middle ground for buyers wanting Michelin-like winter performance at lower cost. The Viking Four Tech Plus, Continental's budget brand at €440, maintained decent snow performance but suffered from extended wet braking (162 feet) and finished last in dry handling (55.4 mph), suggesting that while secondary brands can inherit some parent company technology, they typically compromise on overall refinement.

Dry

Dry Braking

Dry Handling

Wet

Wet Braking

Wet Handling

Wet Circle

Straight Aqua

Curved Aquaplaning

Snow

Snow Braking

Snow Traction

Snow Handling

Snow Slalom

Comfort

Subj. Comfort

Noise

Value

Rolling Resistance

Results

1^st

Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3

225/45 R18 95Y XL

The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3 strikes the golden middle ground and masters all test disciplines confidently. It demonstrates the best performance in the wet chapter overall, being the fastest in wet handling and second-fastest on dry surfaces. The tire delivers excellent rolling comfort and maintains composed behavior across all conditions. Pirelli has achieved what the testers call an exemplary compromise, successfully balancing the conflicting development goals that plague all-season tires. The tire offers sporty drivers crisp handling and maximum driving enjoyment while maintaining strong winter capabilities, making it the clear test winner despite being in the mid-price range.

Dry99.9%

Wet99.8%

Snow96.5%

Comfort99.2%

Rolling Resistance87.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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 / 10	126 ft	Best in this discipline
Dry HandlingHigher is better	2nd / 10	57.5 mph	-0.1 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	1st / 10	141 ft	Best in this discipline
Wet HandlingHigher is better	2nd / 10	46.9 mph	0.0 mph
Wet CircleLower is better	2nd / 10	14.4 s	+0.06 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	1st / 10	49.9 mph	Best in this discipline
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	1st / 9	8.5 ft/s²	Best in this discipline
Snow BrakingLower is better	8th / 10	83 ft	+6 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better	2nd / 10	637 lbf	-18 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better	3rd / 10	34.4 mph	-0.3 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better	2nd / 10	13.8 ft/s²	-0.5 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	1st / 10	13 Points	Best in this discipline
NoiseLower is better	3rd / 10	68.9 dB	+1.10 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	5th / 10	8.1 kg/t	+1.00 kg/t

EU Label

C/A/71

3PMSF

Yes

Weight

8.75 kgs

Price

650.00

Joint 2^nd

Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6

225/45 R18 95W XL

The Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 is a strong all-rounder with low rolling resistance (testers note not ours.) However, this efficiency comes with slight compromises in rolling comfort and pass-by noise levels, which are marginally higher than some competitors. The tire demonstrates balanced performance across all test categories without any particular weaknesses, making it a safe choice for drivers who prioritize efficiency alongside year-round capability. Its consistent performance in all conditions justifies its "exemplary" rating and second-place finish.

Dry97.7%

Wet98%

Snow93.8%

Comfort87.5%

Rolling Resistance85.5%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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 / 10	130 ft	+4 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	7th / 10	56.6 mph	-1.0 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	2nd / 10	146 ft	+5 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	6th / 10	46.4 mph	-0.5 mph
Wet CircleLower is better	4th / 10	14.47 s	+0.13 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	3rd / 10	49.2 mph	-0.7 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	2nd / 9	8.0 ft/s²	-0.5 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better	6th / 10	81 ft	+4 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better	7th / 10	604 lbf	-51 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better	6th / 10	33.7 mph	-1.0 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better	5th / 10	12.9 ft/s²	-1.4 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	8th / 10	10 Points	-3.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	6th / 10	69.1 dB	+1.30 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	6th / 10	8.3 kg/t	+1.20 kg/t

EU Label

C/B/70

3PMSF

Yes

Weight

9.72 kgs

Price

610.00

Joint 2^nd

Hankook Kinergy 4S2

225/45 R18 95Y XL

The Hankook Kinergy 4S² proves to be another strong all-rounder with a particular affinity for snow conditions. It offers very good price-performance value, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who don't want to compromise on safety. The tire shows slightly lower traction on snow compared to the best performers, but this is a minor weakness in an otherwise well-balanced package. Its handling characteristics are predictable and confidence-inspiring across all surfaces, earning it a shared second-place finish and "exemplary" rating.

Dry95.5%

Wet97.5%

Snow94.5%

Comfort95%

Rolling Resistance80.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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	6th / 10	137 ft	+11 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	3rd / 10	57.2 mph	-0.4 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	5th / 10	146 ft	+5 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	4th / 10	46.6 mph	-0.3 mph
Wet CircleLower is better	1st / 10	14.34 s	Best in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better	7th / 10	47.2 mph	-2.7 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	4th / 9	7.5 ft/s²	-1.0 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better	4th / 10	78 ft	+1 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better	8th / 10	598 lbf	-57 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better	5th / 10	33.8 mph	-0.9 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better	6th / 10	12.9 ft/s²	-1.4 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	4th / 10	12 Points	-1.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	10th / 10	69.4 dB	+1.60 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	10th / 10	8.8 kg/t	+1.70 kg/t

EU Label

C/B/72

3PMSF

Yes

Weight

10.73 kgs

Price

580.00

4^th

Michelin CrossClimate 2

225/45 R18 95Y XL

The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the undisputed snow king, delivering outstanding winter performance that actually surpasses the dedicated winter tire reference in three out of four snow disciplines. However, the French manufacturer appears to have over-emphasized winter properties, as the tire shows comparatively weak wet handling characteristics. This represents the classic compromise dilemma of all-season tires taken to an extreme. Despite being the most expensive tire in the test, it's an excellent choice for drivers who frequently encounter snow and ice but comes with the highest purchase price and a fourth-place overall finish.

Dry98.8%

Wet95.1%

Snow100%

Comfort87.5%

Rolling Resistance91%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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 / 10	127 ft	+1 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	6th / 10	56.8 mph	-0.8 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	6th / 10	151 ft	+10 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	8th / 10	45.2 mph	-1.7 mph
Wet CircleLower is better	7th / 10	14.8 s	+0.46 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	5th / 10	48.2 mph	-1.7 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	5th / 9	7.5 ft/s²	-1.0 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better	1st / 10	77 ft	Best in this discipline
Snow TractionHigher is better	1st / 10	655 lbf	Best in this discipline
Snow HandlingHigher is better	1st / 10	34.7 mph	Best in this discipline
Snow SlalomHigher is better	1st / 10	14.3 ft/s²	Best in this discipline
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	8th / 10	10 Points	-3.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	6th / 10	69.1 dB	+1.30 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	2nd / 10	7.8 kg/t	+0.70 kg/t

EU Label

C/B/71

3PMSF

Yes

Weight

9.68 kgs

Price

740.00

5^th

Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3

225/45 R18 95W XL

The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 demonstrates good performance in both snow and wet conditions, with particularly impressive straight-line aquaplaning reserves. The tire delivers confident handling and good feedback to the driver. Its weaknesses include a slightly extended braking distance on dry surfaces and a speed rating limited to 168 mph (W-rated), which may disappoint owners of higher-performance sports cars. Overall, it represents a solid choice for drivers prioritizing wet and winter safety over ultimate dry performance.

Dry92.7%

Wet95.8%

Snow96.9%

Comfort95.3%

Rolling Resistance89.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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	8th / 10	146 ft	+20 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	4th / 10	57.1 mph	-0.5 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	8th / 10	157 ft	+16 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	1st / 10	46.9 mph	Best in this discipline
Wet CircleLower is better	3rd / 10	14.43 s	+0.09 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	2nd / 10	49.5 mph	-0.4 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	6th / 9	7.4 ft/s²	-1.1 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better	2nd / 10	78 ft	+1 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better	3rd / 10	631 lbf	-24 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better	2nd / 10	34.6 mph	-0.1 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better	4th / 10	13.1 ft/s²	-1.2 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	4th / 10	12 Points	-1.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	5th / 10	69 dB	+1.20 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	3rd / 10	7.9 kg/t	+0.80 kg/t

EU Label

C/B/71

3PMSF

Yes

Weight

9.03 kgs

Price

670.00

6^th

Kleber Quadraxer 3

225/45 R18 95Y XL

The Kleber Quadraxer 3 is a snow expert from the Michelin stable, offering a more affordable alternative to its premium sibling while maintaining strong winter credentials. The tire delivers excellent rolling comfort with the quietest operation in the test. However, it shows comparatively lower lateral grip on wet surfaces, which affects confidence in wet corners. The tire represents good value for money, particularly for drivers who want Michelin-like snow performance without the premium price tag, though wet handling requires a more cautious driving style.

Dry97.4%

Wet94.1%

Snow97.3%

Comfort100%

Rolling Resistance88.8%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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 / 10	130 ft	+4 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	8th / 10	56.4 mph	-1.2 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	7th / 10	157 ft	+16 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	7th / 10	45.3 mph	-1.6 mph
Wet CircleLower is better	9th / 10	15.05 s	+0.71 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	4th / 10	48.5 mph	-1.4 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	3rd / 9	8.0 ft/s²	-0.5 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better	3rd / 10	78 ft	+1 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better	3rd / 10	631 lbf	-24 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better	4th / 10	33.9 mph	-0.8 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better	3rd / 10	13.8 ft/s²	-0.5 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	1st / 10	13 Points	Best in this discipline
NoiseLower is better	1st / 10	67.8 dB	Best in this discipline
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	4th / 10	8 kg/t	+0.90 kg/t

EU Label

C/B/69

3PMSF

Yes

Weight

10.3 kgs

Price

590.00

7^th

Vredestein Quatrac Pro+

225/45 R18 95Y XL

The Vredestein Quatrac Pro + is a wet specialist with good traction and short braking distances on snow. However, the tire suffers from limited handling qualities on both snowy and dry surfaces, which affects driving enjoyment and precision. The rolling comfort is acceptable but not exceptional, and it shows surprisingly weak performance in the dry handling tests despite being positioned as a performance-oriented option. For drivers who rarely encounter challenging winter conditions and prioritize wet performance, it offers decent value, but enthusiastic drivers will find the handling compromises frustrating.

Dry92.8%

Wet96.7%

Snow92%

Comfort91.2%

Rolling Resistance81.6%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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 / 10	143 ft	+17 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	9th / 10	56.3 mph	-1.3 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	3rd / 10	146 ft	+5 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	3rd / 10	46.8 mph	-0.1 mph
Wet CircleLower is better	5th / 10	14.52 s	+0.18 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	8th / 10	44.8 mph	-5.1 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	8th / 9	7.2 ft/s²	-1.3 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better	9th / 10	84 ft	+7 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better	6th / 10	611 lbf	-44 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better	7th / 10	33.4 mph	-1.3 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better	9th / 10	12.3 ft/s²	-2.0 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	6th / 10	11 Points	-2.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	9th / 10	69.3 dB	+1.50 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	9th / 10	8.7 kg/t	+1.60 kg/t

EU Label

C/B/71

3PMSF

Yes

Weight

10.54 kgs

Price

560.00

8^th

Linglong Sport Master 4S

225/45 R18 95W XL

The Linglong Sport Master 4S is the price fighter of the test, offering respectable driving performance on wet and dry surfaces while being the fastest in dry handling among all-season competitors. The tire provides excellent rolling comfort, matching the best in this category. However, it's comparatively weak on snow, making it unsuitable for regions with regular winter weather. Additionally, it's limited to 168 mph (W-rated). For drivers in mild climates who rarely see snow but want all-season versatility at an attractive price, the Linglong represents good value, but winter capability is clearly sacrificed.

Dry98.2%

Wet90.6%

Snow87.9%

Comfort99.2%

Rolling Resistance82.6%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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 / 10	131 ft	+5 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	1st / 10	57.6 mph	Best in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better	3rd / 10	146 ft	+5 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	5th / 10	46.5 mph	-0.4 mph
Wet CircleLower is better	6th / 10	14.53 s	+0.19 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	9th / 10	44.2 mph	-5.7 mph
Snow BrakingLower is better	10th / 10	89 ft	+12 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better	10th / 10	562 lbf	-93 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better	10th / 10	32.6 mph	-2.1 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better	10th / 10	12.1 ft/s²	-2.2 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	1st / 10	13 Points	Best in this discipline
NoiseLower is better	3rd / 10	68.9 dB	+1.10 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	8th / 10	8.6 kg/t	+1.50 kg/t

EU Label

C/B/69

3PMSF

Yes

Weight

9.58 kgs

Price

420.00

9^th

Viking Fourtech+

225/45 R18 95Y XL

The Viking Four Tech Plus is a budget-friendly second brand from Continental, showing good performance on snow-covered roads. However, the tire suffers from an extended braking distance in wet conditions and finishes last in dry performance, which significantly impacts overall safety and driving enjoyment. The rolling comfort is below average, and the tire lacks the precision and feedback that sporty drivers expect. While the low price may be tempting, the compromises in wet safety and dry handling make it difficult to recommend for performance-oriented vehicles.

Dry91%

Wet92.2%

Snow93.5%

Comfort87.9%

Rolling Resistance84.5%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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	10th / 10	151 ft	+25 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	5th / 10	56.9 mph	-0.7 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	9th / 10	162 ft	+21 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	9th / 10	44.2 mph	-2.7 mph
Wet CircleLower is better	8th / 10	14.92 s	+0.58 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	5th / 10	48.2 mph	-1.7 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	7th / 9	7.3 ft/s²	-1.2 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better	5th / 10	80 ft	+3 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better	5th / 10	611 lbf	-44 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better	8th / 10	33.2 mph	-1.5 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better	8th / 10	12.5 ft/s²	-1.8 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	8th / 10	10 Points	-3.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	2nd / 10	68.6 dB	+0.80 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	7th / 10	8.4 kg/t	+1.30 kg/t

EU Label

C/B/72

3PMSF

Yes

Weight

9.21 kgs

Price

440.00

10^th

Delmax X Weather 4S

225/45 R18 95W XL

The Delmax X-Weather 4S offers the lowest purchase price of all candidates and features the lowest rolling resistance for maximum fuel efficiency. On snow, it still delivers respectable performance. However, the tire shows inadequate performance on wet surfaces, with dangerously extended braking distances—stopping over 43 feet later than the best tire from 62 mph. This is a critical safety deficiency that the testers describe as "really dangerous." Despite acceptable rolling comfort, the severe wet weather shortcomings make this tire "not recommendable" for any application where safety is a priority, regardless of the price savings.

Dry90.8%

Wet85.3%

Snow92.6%

Comfort91.3%

Rolling Resistance100%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

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	9th / 10	148 ft	+22 ft
Dry HandlingHigher is better	10th / 10	55.4 mph	-2.2 mph
Wet BrakingLower is better	10th / 10	185 ft	+44 ft
Wet HandlingHigher is better	10th / 10	42.4 mph	-4.5 mph
Wet CircleLower is better	10th / 10	15.67 s	+1.33 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	10th / 10	41.2 mph	-8.7 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better	9th / 9	6.9 ft/s²	-1.6 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better	7th / 10	81 ft	+4 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better	9th / 10	598 lbf	-57 lbf
Snow HandlingHigher is better	9th / 10	32.7 mph	-2.0 mph
Snow SlalomHigher is better	7th / 10	12.8 ft/s²	-1.5 ft/s²
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	6th / 10	11 Points	-2.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	8th / 10	69.2 dB	+1.40 dB
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	1st / 10	7.1 kg/t	Best in this discipline

EU Label

C/B/71

3PMSF

Yes

Weight

9.72 kgs

Price

340.00