Barum Polaris 5 - Test Results

Test Statistics

14

Tests Completed

14^th

Average Position

4^th

Best Result

26^th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Across 14 winter-focused tests, the Barum Polaris 5 shows a clear value/efficiency profile with standout rolling resistance and fuel economy, plus decent durability and acceptable snow capability. However, it consistently lags in wet grip (braking/handling/aquaplaning) and often in dry braking, which depresses its average ranking (14.4) despite occasional mid-pack or better results in handling and snow.
The tire repeatedly earns praise for low running costs (top-tier rolling resistance, fuel use, strong value scores) and respectable wear, with some competitive snow handling/traction results. Its primary weakness is wet safety performance, where it frequently sits bottom-third, including aquaplaning, and is coupled with below-average dry braking in several tests.

Performance Strengths

Efficiency & Rolling Resistance Strong Details
• 1st place rolling resistance in 2024 Auto Bild (205/55 R16)
• 1st place rolling resistance in 2023 Auto Bild (225/45 R18)
• 1st place fuel consumption in 2023 ADAC 16" test (205/60 R16)
• 1st place rolling resistance in 2021 Auto Bild (205/55 R16)
• 1st place rolling resistance in 2019 Auto Center (205/55 R16)
Value for Money & Cost of Ownership Strong Details
• 1st place value in 2023 Auto Bild (10.5 Price/1000)
• 1st place value/price in 2021 Auto Bild (6.89 Price/1000; lowest price)
• Article mentions: "ranks first due to good lifespan and low cost" (2023 Auto Bild)
Wear/Longevity Moderate Details
• 4th/20 wear (42401 km) in 2023 Auto Bild
• 5th/20 wear (37000 km) in 2021 Auto Bild
• 4th/16 wear (46900 km) in 2023 ADAC
Snow Performance Moderate Details
• 2nd/23 snow traction (+1.7% from best) in 2024 Auto Bild
• Top-7 snow handling in 2021 (7/21, +1.7%) and 2024 (7/22, +2.1%) Auto Bild
• Consistently within ~3-7% of best in snow braking across multiple years
Dry Handling (not braking) Minor Details
• 5th/23 dry handling (+4.4%) in 2024 Auto Bild
• 4th/22 dry handling (+3.1%) in 2023 Auto Bild
• 13th/22 dry handling (+3.2%) in 2021 Auto Bild (mid-pack speed close to best)

Performance Weaknesses

Wet Grip & Aquaplaning Strong Details
• 19/23 wet braking (+11.3%), 19/23 wet handling (+5.5%), 20/23 wet circle (+9.3%), and 20/23 straight aqua (+10.8%) in 2024 Auto Bild; curved aquaplaning 20/23 (+26.7%)
• 13/22 wet braking (+13.2%), 18/22 wet handling (+6.2%), 17/22 curved aquaplaning (+26.7%) in 2023 Auto Bild
• 10/16-15/16 wet metrics with straight aquaplaning 15/16 (+11.6%) in 2023 ADAC
• 15/21-16/21 wet metrics in 2020 Auto Bild (+16.3% wet braking)
Dry Braking Strong Details
• 19/23 dry braking (+17.9%) in 2024 Auto Bild
• 13/22 dry braking (+20.1%) in 2023 Auto Bild
• 19/22 dry braking (+29.6%) in 2021 Auto Bild
• 14/21 dry braking (+21.5%) in 2020 Auto Bild
Noise/Comfort Moderate Details
• 16/23 noise (+2.6%) in 2024 Auto Bild
• 15/22 noise (+3.0%) in 2023 Auto Bild
• 15/16 noise (+3.4%) in 2023 ADAC
Overall Ranking Consistency Moderate Details
• Average overall position 14.4 across 14 tests
• Bottom third finishes: 2024 Auto Bild full test 16/23; 2023 ADAC 12/16; 2021 ADAC 12/16; 2020 Auto Bild 15/21

Performance Over Time

Test History

of 23

2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test

2024
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 870

The Barum Polaris 5 performs well in winter conditions and on dry roads, offering safe driving behavior. Its low rolling resistance is a plus for fuel efficiency. However, its poor performance in w...

Strong:
Snow Traction, Rolling Resistance

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of 55

2024 Winter 55 Tire Braking Test

2024
Winner: Bridgestone Blizzak 6

View Test

of 22

2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test

2023
Winner: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

Strong:
Rolling Resistance, Value

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of 16

2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test

2023
Winner: Dunlop Winter Sport 5

The Barum POLARIS 5 provides inadequate steering feedback and precision on dry roads, requiring frequent corrections. The vehicle tends to oversteer during dynamic evasive maneuvers, earning the ty...

Strong:
Fuel Consumption

Weak:
Noise, Straight Aqua

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of 54

2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test

2023
Winner: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

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of 57

2022 Winter Tire Market Overview

2022
Winner: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

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of 15

2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15

2022
Winner: Continental WinterContact TS 870

The BARUM Polaris 5 shows weaknesses in dry, wet and on ice. While it is still rated as satisfactory in the wet and on ice, it does not get more than a sufficient result in the dry. Despite the goo...

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of 22