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Barum Polaris 3 View Gallery (1)
165-235/55-80 R13-16 7 sizes 2011 Winter rated

Barum Polaris 3

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The Barum Polaris 3 is a Touring Winter tire designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

7.3
Tire Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews
Medium Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
82%
Wet Grip
88%
Road Feedback
83%
Handling
80%
Wear
87%
Comfort
86%
Buy again
88%
Snow Grip
90%
Ice Grip
80%
18 Reviews
85% Average
169,740 miles driven
18 Tests (avg: 10th)
Barum Polaris 3

Barum Polaris 3

Winter Mid-Range
BETA
7.3 / 10
Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews · Medium Confidence · Updated 23 Feb 2026

The Tire Reviews Score is the most comprehensive tire scoring system available. It aggregates professional test data from multiple independent publications, user reviews, and consistency analysis using Bayesian statistical methods, weighted normalisation, and recency-adjusted scoring to produce a single, reliable performance rating.

Learn more about our methodology
Category Scores
Snow
97.9
1.5x / 4 tests
Value
74.1
0.42x / 7 tests
Comfort
56.3
0.32x / 2 tests
Wet
52.4
1.93x / 6 tests
Dry
51.7
1.13x / 4 tests
Cross-Category Performance

Cross-category scores are derived metrics that combine data from multiple test disciplines to evaluate real-world performance characteristics.

Handling
70.4
6 tests
Braking
67
6 tests
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 18
Publications: 2
Period: 2011 - 2018
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 18
Avg Rating: 84.9%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.36
History Points: 10
Methodology & Configuration
Scoring Process
  1. Collect Test Data: Gather results from professional tire tests across multiple publications. Minimum 1 test(s) required.
  2. Normalize Positions: Convert test positions to percentile scores using exponential weighting (factor: 1.2).
  3. Apply Recency Weighting: More recent tests are weighted higher with a decay rate of 0.95.
  4. Incorporate User Reviews: Factor in user review data (minimum 5 reviews). Weight: 15%.
  5. Bayesian Smoothing: Apply Bayesian prior (score: 7, weight: 1.5) to prevent extreme scores with limited data.
  6. Calculate Final Score: Combine all components using normalization factor of 1.1. Max score with limited data: 9.5.
Component Weights
Test Data
80%
User Reviews
15%
Consistency
5%
All Configuration Parameters
ParameterValueDescription
safety_weight 0.7 Weight multiplier for safety-related metrics
performance_weight 0.55 Weight multiplier for performance metrics
comfort_weight 0.4 Weight multiplier for comfort metrics
value_weight 0.45 Weight multiplier for value-for-money metrics
user_reviews_weight 0.15 How much user reviews contribute to the final score
test_data_weight 0.8 How much professional test data contributes to the final score
consistency_weight 0.05 How much score consistency contributes to the final score
recency_decay_rate 0.95 Rate at which older test results lose influence (higher = slower decay)
min_test_count 1 Minimum number of professional tests required
min_review_count 5 Minimum number of user reviews required
score_version 1.9 Current version of the scoring algorithm
score_normalization_factor 1.1 Factor used to normalize raw scores to the 0-10 scale
confidence_factor_weight 0.2 How much data confidence affects the final score
position_penalty_weight 0.2 Penalty applied for poor test positions
gap_penalty_threshold 12 Score gap (%) that triggers additional penalties
min_metrics_count 2 Minimum number of test metrics needed per test
limited_data_threshold 2 Number of tests below which data is considered limited
single_test_penalty 0.75 Score multiplier when only one test is available
critical_metric_penalty 0.7 Penalty for poor performance on critical safety metrics
critical_metric_threshold 70 Score below which a critical metric penalty applies
position_exponential_factor 1.2 Exponent used to amplify position-based scoring
position_exponential_threshold 0.9 Position percentile below which exponential scoring applies
gap_multiplier_critical 3 Multiplier for critical gap penalties
max_category_weight 2 Maximum weight any single category can have
max_score_limited_data 9.5 Score cap when data is limited
bayesian_prior_weight 1.5 Weight of the Bayesian prior in smoothing
bayesian_prior_score 7 Prior score used for Bayesian smoothing
evidence_test_multiplier 1.9 Multiplier for test evidence in confidence calculation
evidence_metric_divisor 3 Divisor for metric count in evidence calculation
evidence_review_divisor 10 Divisor for review count in evidence calculation
combined_penalty_floor 0.2
Data Sources
TestPublicationDateSizePositionMetrics
2018 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2018 195/65 R15 16/22 12 metrics
2018 51 Winter Tire Shootout Auto Bild 2018 195/65 R15 12/52 0 metrics
2017 50 Winter Tire Shoot Out Auto Bild 2017 225/50 R17 13/45 0 metrics
2017 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2017 225/50 R17 16/21 11 metrics
2016 AutoBild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2016 205/55 R16 10/20 0 metrics
2016 Winter Tire Market Overview Auto Bild 2016 205/55 R16 8/43 0 metrics
2016 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 ADAC 2016 185/65 R15 12/15 0 metrics
2015 Auto Bild Top 18 Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2015 185/60 R15 3/18 0 metrics
2015 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 165/70 R14 ADAC 2015 165/70 R14 11/16 0 metrics
2015 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 205/55 R16 ADAC 2015 205/55 R16 10/19 0 metrics
2015 Winter Tire Market Overview Auto Bild 2015 185/60 R14 9/51 0 metrics
2014 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild 2014 225/50 R17 11/16 0 metrics
2014 50 Winter Tire Braking Overview Auto Bild 2014 225/50 R17 16/48 0 metrics
2013 Auto Bild Top 15 Winter Tire Shootout Auto Bild 2013 195/65 R15 6/15 0 metrics
2013 Winter Tire Overview - Braking Auto Bild 2013 195/65 R15 7/50 0 metrics
2013 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/60 R15 ADAC 2013 185/60 R15 9/17 0 metrics
2012 European Tire Test - 165/70 R14 ADAC 2012 165/70 R14 4/13 0 metrics
2011 European Winter Tire Test - 195/65 R15 2011 195/65 R15 10/14 0 metrics
All Tests
View Test Results
18
Tests
10th
Average
3rd
Best
16th
Worst
Latest Tire Test Results
2018 51 Winter Tire Shootout
195/65 R15 • 2018
12th/52
2018 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
195/65 R15 • 2018
16th/22
Good snow performance, short wet braking distances, low price.
Understeer in the wet, long dry braking, poor wear.
2017 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test
225/50 R17 • 2017
16th/21
Low price, stable snow performance.
Poor wet braking and handling, average aquaplaning reserves.
Average.
View Test Results
Size Fuel Wet Noise
13 inch
165/80 R 13 83 T E C 71
14 inch
165/80 R 14 85 T E C 71
185/55 R 14 80 T E C 71
16 inch
225/70 R 16 103 T E C 71
235/70 R 16 106 T E C 71
235/60 R 16 100 H E C 71
235/60 R 16 100 H C C 72
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Barum Polaris 3 >>

Questions and Answers for the Barum Polaris 3

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Top 3 Barum Polaris 3 Reviews

Given 56% while driving a Mercedes Benz CLK 320 CDI (225/45 R17 H) on a combination of roads for 6,000 spirited miles
Bought winter 2017. Snow grip was ok and I was able to get up steep hills covered in snow.
Dry and wet grip was adequate on the move, but the rear tires would often struggle to grip from standstill in wet or dry.
Tire wear was poor with the rears only having 3mm tread after 6,000 miles. The fronts had 6mm remaining.
I will use the fronts for another Winter, but the rears need replacing.
Helpful 1124
November 18, 2018
Given 91% while driving a SEAT Ibiza 1.4 Sportrider (195/55 R15 H) on mostly country roads for 10,000 miles
I've bought them in january 2016 for my winter set on steel wheels. Seat Ibiza 1,4 86HP. First two seasons very good,after that they are a bit harder but quite ok. Driving on them here in Vojvodina(Serbia) and Hungary from oktober to march. During january 2019 tested in very hard snow and icy roads,job well done. Satisfied. They are cheaper brand of Continental-made in Slovakia,for my dimensions, but they are Czech brand. Wear is excellent. Not loud tire. Good choice for normal drive. Recommendations. Closest relatives are Viking,Matador,Sportiva and Gislaved tires...mid range,should buy it. Winter is not for sporty drive. I wish u all many happy kilometres and drive carefully.
Helpful 874
July 17, 2019
Mazda (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 10,000 spirited miles
The basic tire for moderate driving. When I want to push it to the limit, it isn't perfect. But for 90% of journeys it is OK. When you want cheap and good tire, Barum is the right choise.
Helpful 885
March 24, 2019

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Latest Barum Polaris 3 Reviews

Given 85% while driving a BMW 335i (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 8,000 spirited miles
I use these tires on a tuned 400hp BMW 3-series with rear-wheel drive traction. Let me tell you, I am simply amazed by these tires for the price. Snow grip is incredible, effortless in any type of snow, but what's shocking is that the dry and wet grip are almost on the same level too ! The only real con for this tire is the braking distance on both dry and wet, it is below the stellar traction characteristics. Fuel consumption is also not stellar, but it's in line with other tires that I have used. Just make sure you inflate your tires as recommended in order to maintain optimum mileage.

All in all, I would recommend this tire if you need a good winter tire that has great traction in any conditions.
Helpful 587
December 20, 2017
Given 90% while driving a Skoda Rapid TSI (185/60 R15 T) on a combination of roads for 19,700 easy going miles
An update on my previous review.
I've done just under 20,000 miles on these Polaris 3 tires now and they've been nothing short of incredible.
Rear tires are down to 4mm, the sipes in the tire are just about visible.
Front tires are down to 3mm and there are no more sipes visible.
The tires are perfectly drive able, still perform well in the wet and dry. I have just ordered a replacement set because the sipes in the tread are pretty much worn and from previous experience this can severely impact the traction and braking on snow and ice. Although the tread depth and the tires could safely go on for a few more thousand miles.
To sum these tires up there a perfect mix from the motorway to the snowy hills.
Last winter I drove from the south of Devon through sheet rain for 7 hours then further on to Inverness through a pretty nasty snow storm. The last 50 minuites of the trip in particular were through 4" of fresh snow up and down hills. Did not at any point feel out of place in those conditions. Really designed well and when your commuting at 50mph+ there quiet and comfortable.
Only bad points is the fuel consumption. It's not really bad, but going from Goodyear efficient grip performance tires with a fuel B rating to these barum Polaris 3 tires that are a fuel E rated tire it's about 3-5 MPG less depending on speeds.
But seriously for cold wet weather safety there great!
Shibby
Helpful 562
November 18, 2017
Given 80% while driving a Renault Megane II Break 1.5dCI 105Hp (205/60 R16 H) on mostly town for 0 average miles
price is ok not bad at all
Helpful 599
August 4, 2017
Given 83% while driving a Fiat Marea Weekend JTD 105 (175/70 R14 T) on a combination of roads for 5,000 easy going miles
Got the tires brand new and used for 1 winter. Quite good grip on wet, snow, and around curves. Excellent breaking qualities even on wet, so one could rely on that too. Safely took me home when the highway was closed and most cars could not or barely moved through the snow. I drove with 60km/h and felt the car rather stable through the blizzard. Definitely recommend!
Helpful 622
March 25, 2016
Given 73% while driving a Mitsubishi lancer (205/60 R16 H) on a combination of roads for 30,000 average miles
Quiet
Very good value for money
Helpful 568
February 25, 2016
Given 80% while driving a Kia Motors (195/65 R15 T) on mostly town for 1,500 average miles
Haven't run them for a long time. The tires seem comfortable and stable on small patches of ice. A little bit noisy, but it doesn't bother me. For now , I would recommend .
Bought them at a sale for 28 GBP each.
Helpful 595
February 24, 2016
Given 91% while driving a Skoda Rapid TSI (185/60 R15 T) on a combination of roads for 7,500 easy going miles
Review update.
I've don't 7500 miles on these tires now and have just rotated them. After 7500 miles the front tires tread depth is 6.5mm and the rear tires tread depth is 7mm. Original depth was 8mm. So they are wearing well and evenly. Better than other winter tires I've used in the past.
Wet traction over the last month has been very impressive both handling and braking are sharp and precise. The last few weeks has allowed me to test them on ice. Again very good, offering good steering feedback when accelerating and cornering. Ice braking is quite impressive for a non studded tire (around 25mph). Not yet tried it on snow.
Only down side would be fuel consumption. But it could be due to fitting heavier steel wheels. Fuel consumption has dropped 3.5mpg over summer tires.
Still joint top safest tire for winter I've used. 9/10
Helpful 602
January 15, 2016
Given 91% while driving a Volkswagen 2014 1.8tsi (195/65 R15) on mostly motorways for 12,000 average miles
I am on my second season in Ontario Canada and at about 20,000km driven on this tire. They have performed well and I feel comfortable driving in all conditions. Especially better in the dry cold than other winter tires I have used in the past.
Helpful 682
January 12, 2016
Given 96% while driving a Skoda Rapid TSI (185/60 R15) on a combination of roads for 3,000 easy going miles
Exceptional winter Tire. Best Tire I've used yet on wet roads and offers lots of traction and safety on snow and ice. Only covered 3000 miles, but Tire looks like new. Easy and comfy to drive on, but also surprisingly agile and sure footed when pushed. Best winter Tire I've used to date, ideal for cold wet British roads.
Helpful 571
October 30, 2015
Given 86% while driving a Mazda 6 (205/60 R16 H) on a combination of roads for 4,000 spirited miles
Fitted to our Mazda 6 from November 2013 to present, on 16 inch steels.

Wouldn't hesitate to recommend these. We haven't had any snow this year but LOTS of rain. The car feels extremely sure footed and these tire really inspire confidence in the wet and at low temps. They are excellent when you hit standing water; they just cut through with no fuss.
Helpful 557
April 7, 2014
Given 93% while driving a Opel Astra F 1.6 101 hp (175/65 R14) on mostly country roads for 3,000 average miles
Exelent grip on dry, wet and wet snow. Couldnt try them in deep snow but they say it is where they are best. Not very noisy. And for the price of 37 euros per tire fitted! Highly recomended!
Helpful 625
January 28, 2014
Given 96% while driving a BMW 1 series 2.0l Diesel (195/65 R15 T) on a combination of roads for 40 average miles
The best WINTER tire !The grip is so good.Excellent on snow and ice, moderate performance at temperature above 10 degree C.Highly reccomended!!
Helpful 572
November 13, 2013
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