Barum Polaris 3 - Test Results

Test Statistics

18

Tests Completed

10^th

Average Position

3^rd

Best Result

16^th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

The Barum Polaris 3 delivers mid-pack winter performance with notable strengths on snow and commendable value/rolling resistance, but it is consistently weak in wet safety and aquaplaning, and often trails in dry braking. Across 18 winter-focused tests, it averages 10.2 overall, with several top-10 finishes in large shootouts indicating competitive capability, particularly for budget-oriented buyers.
Snow handling and balanced winter behavior surface repeatedly as positives, including a class win in snow handling and multiple top-10 braking shootout results. However, repeated bottom-third results in wet braking/handling and aquaplaning, plus subpar dry braking, cap its overall standing. It suits drivers prioritizing snow traction and efficiency over wet-road performance margins.

Performance Strengths

Snow Performance Strong Details
• 1st place snow handling in 2017 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (225/50 R17)
• 6th place snow braking in 2017 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (+6.6% from best)
• 6th place snow handling speed 52 km/h in 2018 Auto Bild (6/22, +1.5% from best)
• Top-12 overall in large braking shootouts: 12/52 in 2018, 13/45 in 2017, 7/50 in 2013 indicating strong snow/wet initial braking screening
Value and Operating Costs Moderate Details
• 2013 Auto Bild Top 15: praised for low purchase price and balanced performance (finished 6/15)
• 2017 Auto Bild: Value 5/20 (9.33 Price/1000, +23.6% from best)
• 2018 Auto Bild: Price rank 6/20; Rolling resistance 6/22 (+16.5% from best)
Rolling Resistance/Efficiency Moderate Details
• 2017 Auto Bild: Rolling resistance 3/21 (+6.1% from best)
• 2018 Auto Bild: Rolling resistance 6/22 (+16.5% from best)
Dry Handling (not braking) Minor Details
• 2017 Auto Bild: Dry handling 4/21 (+3.2% from best)
• 2018 Auto Bild: Dry handling 11/22 (+3.4% from best)

Performance Weaknesses

Wet Weather Performance (Braking and Handling) Strong Details
• 2018 Auto Bild: Wet braking 17/22 (+7% from best), Wet handling 20/22 (+4.5% from best)
• 2017 Auto Bild: Wet braking 16/21 (+15.5% from best), Wet handling 19/21 (+8.1% from best)
Aquaplaning Resistance Strong Details
• 2018 Auto Bild: Straight aquaplaning 20/22 (+14.4% from best)
• 2017 Auto Bild: Straight aquaplaning 18/21 (+8.5% from best)
Dry Braking Strong Details
• 2018 Auto Bild: Dry braking 19/22 (+19.2% from best)
• 2017 Auto Bild: Dry braking 18/21 (+20.6% from best)
Noise/Comfort Moderate Details
• 2018 Auto Bild: Noise 20/22 (+5.2% from best)
• 2017 Auto Bild: Noise 14/21 (+3.1% from best)

Performance Over Time

Test History

of 22

2018 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test

2018
Winner: Dunlop Winter Sport 5

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