Continental Sport Contact 5

Name: Continental Sport Contact 5
Brand: Continental
Rating: 3.6 (217 reviews)

The Continental Sport Contact 5 is a Max Performance Summer tire designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

Tire review data from 217 tire reviews averaging 71% over 2,549,190 miles driven, and 28 tests with an average result of 2nd.

Dry Grip 86%

Wet Grip 82%

Road Feedback 79%

Handling 76%

Wear 50%

Comfort 73%

Buy again 53%

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First On Market	January 2011
Wheel Size	17 - 22"
Width	195 - 315mm
Profile	35 - 65

Rolling Resistance	A - D
Wet Grip	A - B
Noise (dB)	71 - 75
Winter Rating	Not Winter Rated

The Sport Contact 5 is ranked 52nd of 80 Summer Max Performance tires.

This tire replaced the Continental Sport Contact 3 and this tire has been replaced by the Continental Sport Contact 6.

Tests Included

Best Result

1st

Worst Result

8th

Average Result

2nd

Latest Tire Test Results

2020 Gute Fahrt SUV Summer Tire Test

2nd of 8 tires

No real weaknesses in the dry or wet handling or braking.
Average aquaplaning resistance, average comfort levels.
Very good - Continental win more tests than any other brand in Europe, and this was apparent with the excellent SportContact 5 even though it has now been replaced by the newer PremiumContact 6.

View Full Test >>

2017 Auto Bild UHP Tire Test

8th of 9 tires

Good resistance to aquaplaning, low rolling resistance, good levels of comfort
Average braking, slow steering, low stability on wet roads
Average

View Full Test >>

2017 Sport Auto UHP and Track Day Test

4th of 10 tires

Excellent in the wet, high resistance to aquaplaning, short braking and good handling in the dry
Poor comfort, high noise
Recommended

View Full Test >>

Best Result: 1st (2025)

Bridgestone Potenza Sport

Best Result: 1st (2025)

Michelin Pilot Sport 5

Best Result: 1st (2025)

Continental SportContact 7

Best Result: 1st (2025)

Pirelli P Zero PZ5

Best Result: 1st (2025)

Pirelli P Zero PZ4

Best Result: 2nd (2025)

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

Best Result: 2nd (2025)

Falken Azenis FK520

Best Result: 2nd (2025)

Nokian Hakka Black 3

Best Result: 2nd (2025)

Show All Summer Max Performance tires

Size	Fuel	Wet	Noise
17 inch
225/50 R 17 94 W	C	B	71
225/50 R 17 98 Y XL	C	A	72
225/45 R 17 91 Y	D	B	71
225/45 R 17 91 Y	C	B	71
205/50 R 17 89 V	C	A	71
225/45 R 17 91 V	C	B	71
225/50 R 17 94 Y	C	A	71
215/45 R 17 91 W XL	C	A	72
215/45 R 17 91 W XL	C	A	72
225/45 R 17 91 W	D	B	71
225/50 R 17 94 W	B	B	71
225/45 R 17 91 W	C	B	71
225/50 R 17 94 W	D	A	71
18 inch
245/45 R 18 96 W	C	A	71
245/40 R 18 97 Y XL	D	A	72
245/45 R 18 100 W XL	C	B	72
225/40 R 18 92 Y XL	D	B	72
245/40 R 18 93 Y	C	A	71
235/60 R 18 103 V	C	B	71
245/45 R 18 96 W	C	A	71
235/60R18 103 H	C	A	71
235/60R18 103 W	C	A	71
225/40R18 92 Y XL	C	B	72
245/45 R 18 96 W	D	A	71
235/60 R 18 103 H	C	A	71
225/40 R 18 92 W XL	C	B	72
235/60 R 18 103 V	C	B	71
245/40 R 18 93 Y	D	A	71
245/45 R 18 96 W	D	A	71
235/60 R 18 103 V	C	B	71
225/40 R 18 92 Y XL	D	A	72
255/35 R 18 94 Y XL	D	B	73
235/60 R 18 103 W	C	A	71
225/40 R 18 92 Y XL	C	B	72
245/40 R 18 97 Y XL	C	A	72
245/45 R 18 96 Y	D	A	71
20 inch
255/45R20 101 W	C	A	72
255/45 R 20 101 W	D	A	72
255/45 R 20 101 W	C	A	72

View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Continental Sport Contact 5 >>

Questions and Answers for the Continental Sport Contact 5

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April 22, 2016

What is difference between Continental SC-5 and SC-5 XL? I drive BMW F10 528i.

The XL denotes eXtra Load. The Sport Contact 5 XL will be a higher load rating than the non-XL tire and designed to carry extra loads at higher tire pressures.

May 11, 2016

With run-flats, not necessary for a spare. If intending to change to non run-flats, does that mean I would require 5 wheels/tires? If so, no location for the spare wheel.

When switching from runflat tires (in the case of Continental the SSR range) to non runflats, it is a good idea to get a space saver wheel for your boot. An alternative option is a compressor and tire "slime", but these only temporarily fix very small punctures so aren't applicable in every deflation scenario.

October 21, 2016

Is it safe to mix Continental Sport Contact 5 M0 and Continental SportContact5 on the front wheels of my Mercedes C220 cdi? Are they compatible?

While it is safe, it is not advised. Tires should always be matching pairs across the axle, and there could be modifications to the structure or compound of the MO version of the Sport Contact 5.

October 20, 2016

Is there a difference between Continental SportContact5 and Sport Contact 5 M0

The MO version of the Sport Contact 5 has been specifically tweaked for Mercedes.

July 2, 2022

Hello! I’ve just bought an audi q3 40 tfsi quattro stronic with black line trim (sport suspension) with 40.000km and 3 years. Front tires are hankook ventus s1 evo3 XL AO (coming from factory-3 years old) and rear tires are continental sport contact 5 XL AO (new). With this configuration, ride is top notch with good roads but if it is in worse condition, suspension is too harsh and road noise is too high. What change do you advice me to do in front tires to have more confort and less noise? Maybe goodyear? Is true thar there is no problem with quattro traction in changing tires of only one axle? Thanks in advance!!!

You didn't mention what wheel size you have but the SportContact 5 is a reasonably comfortable UHP tire so it's unlikely you'll see a huge improvement in comfort without changing wheel sizes.

December 22, 2022

Is the sport contact 5 have good grip for the dessert sand?

As a summer tire it's unlikely the Sportcontact 5 will offer any meaningful grip on sand.

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Size	Price Range
225/40 R18	$137.96 - $194.96 (4 Prices)	Compare Prices >>
225/45 R17	$143.96 - $144.99 (2 Prices)	Compare Prices >>
225/45 R18	$190.96 - $211.99 (2 Prices)	Compare Prices >>
Available in 33 tire sizes - View all.

Top 3 Continental Sport Contact 5 Reviews

Given 53% while driving a Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDi R Line Estate (235/45 R18) on mostly town for 120,000 easy going miles

I had these tire on my two cars
VWPassat B7 1.6D sedan and Passat B8 estate, they performed well on the B7, on the B8 they lasted 11 months or around 12k miles, after had to replace the front set, as worn out

Helpful 39 - tire reviewed on October 5, 2024

Given 61% while driving a Ford Focus ST3 2008 (225/40 R18 W) on a combination of roads for 5,000 average miles

These tires came fitted to my wife's car, so when she needed 2 fronts replaced on MOT I stuck with the same on the rear, imagine my surprise when less than 5000 miles later the fronts were on the legal limits AGAIN!, and now the rears were done too. My wife does not drive like a boy racer either so the tires have not been thrashed. Performance wise I can not fault them but they are high end tires which are not cheap and wear out faster than my bank balance can keep up unfortunately, would not buy again on wear only (sorry).

Helpful 319 - tire reviewed on April 16, 2016

Given 80% while driving a Skoda Koadiaq RS (235/45 R20) on a combination of roads for 10,000 spirited miles

Have had them as standard fitment on my Kodiaq vRS. Owned a diesel for 4 years which I traded in for a petrol vRS. On the diesel which is heavier by I guess 65 kgs (at the front), the tires lasted abt 26k kms and were down to 3mm. No track usage but driven spiritedly whenever possible. The grip is great, the breaking and feedback is great in both dry and wet. Inspires a lot of confidence to drive quick. Past the 4mm mark, the wet grip/handling starts getting compromised but can be fun aswell - the tail steps out easier. On the petrol too, the tires have the same characteristics. Have used them on track. Down to 5mm now after 16k kms. I did feel the wear is on higher side but given the other characteristics, its an even trade-off. Cannot comment how it compares to other high performance tires. Will probably try something else like Pilot Sport just to know the difference once the current set wears off.

Helpful 36 - tire reviewed on October 25, 2024

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Latest Continental Sport Contact 5 Reviews

Given 54% while driving a Audi A5 2.0TFSI Quattro (265/30 R20) on a combination of roads for 18,000 average miles

I had them on my 2023 Audi A5 45 TFSI Quattro, but i didn't like them!
The wear was awful and they were pretty noisy compared to the SportContact7.
Also, the grip wasn't that great in dry conditions and i had an insecure feeling at the wheel!

Helpful 16 - tire reviewed on March 19, 2025

Given 83% while driving a MG ZT 135 CDTi (225/45 R18) on mostly motorways for 22,000 average miles

I used these for 22k miles on the front of my car in all weathers. Grip is excellent in all conditions. They were noticeably quieter than the Michelin tires they replaced too. The only fault I can find is that they wore out far short of what I would expect and see from other brands. The treadwear rating is very low.

Helpful 42 - tire reviewed on January 29, 2024

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Given 43% while driving a Kia Motors Optima (235/45 R18) on mostly motorways for 10,000 easy going miles

These things will go empty your wallet like an addiction to flying a private jet.

We had pirelli tires, they lasted about 32000miles. These tires which are premium allegedly have lasted 12 months and 11000 miles.

They are not fitted to a drift car, but a kia diesel estate driven to work and back. Not used like a track car obviously.

Also they handling is nowhere near comparable to the pirelli

A genuine disgrace the length of time they have lasted.

Helpful 47 - tire reviewed on January 23, 2024

Given 66% while driving a Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4 ZC33S (195/45 R17) on mostly town for 6,500 spirited miles

Not the best tires to start on a Suzuki Swift Sport. (Zc33s)

Continental in this case really disappointed me with these tires on this car.

I used them mostly on town road, and sometimes on some mountain passes.

The handling was really good in dry conditions and they were a lot comfortable.
In wet conditions the tires didn't handle very well, in specific on roundabouts and some turns, they tend to understeer on wet conditions.

I also had a turn on track (Modena Circuit) and the tires are ready to dump.

Now I have Toyos Tr1 and they are much better (on 16 rims)

Totally a NOT buy.
Specially for the non-economic price.

Helpful 51 - tire reviewed on November 30, 2023

Given 89% while driving a Saab Automobile 93 Aero TTid Sportwagon (180) (235/45 R18) on mostly motorways for 20 spirited miles

Have used Conti Sp Contact 5's since I've had my Saab 10 years, I do mostly motorway miles, but I do drive both A and B roads. I'm a very enthusiastic driver who on occasions will go into a bend faster than you should, I'm still here because the car and tire combination is great especially in the wet, on motorways I pity people who get too close as amount of water displaced by tires is great, I change tires about every 16 months, or 15 - 18000 miles. I feel very confident using these tires, I have used other brands but these give me great confidence in any road/weather combination. I suppose tire choice is like car choice, you either love or hate them.

Helpful 56 - tire reviewed on November 12, 2023

Given 76% while driving a Mercedes Benz A210 (205/40 R17) on a combination of roads for 15,000 average miles

Gives confidence at speed and in the wet. Copes well with urban potholes. One of the best low profile tires for this vehicle in this less common size. Deals well with higher power outputs - the grip only drops off once the tread depth reaches the wear markers. Wears very evenly.

Helpful 55 - tire reviewed on March 2, 2023

Given 59% while driving a Mercedes Benz E350 (275/35 R20) on a combination of roads for 12,000 average miles

Both rear tires changed to Continental Sport Contact 5 in May 2021. Tread under 3mm by September 2022, only 12,000 miles. Premium brand that does not last. Never had a set of tires wear so quickly.

Helpful 72 - tire reviewed on September 15, 2022

Given 60% while driving a Audi Q5 (235/55 R19) on mostly town for 13,000 easy going miles

Tires came factory fitted on Audi Q5 2litre diesel 13000 easy going miles, mainly town with some motorway .I have been pleased with the handling in wet and dry conditions, comfort and road noise good. Wear has been terrible especially on the front. Replacing now with mitchellin latitude sport 3 and hoping these have better wear!!

Helpful 77 - tire reviewed on July 5, 2022

Given 41% while driving a Peugeot 3008 (235/50 R19) on a combination of roads for 20,000 average miles

Tires arrived with the Car from the factory. lasted 2 years and 20000miles , and not in a great condition at all.. wear condition is very high , and the tire became dry after a year and a half. almost all of them are dry (even thaw i park in the shade) and are not grippy at all.

Helpful 60 - tire reviewed on June 8, 2022

Mercedes Benz C63 AMG (235/40 R17) on a combination of roads for 6,000 spirited miles

Grip in dry is good. At 4mm onwards, wet grip deteriorates badly, it's dangerous, you would not go 100km/h, only 80km/h to be safe, even then, you'll prefer not to use them. Wears quickly compared to other tires like Potenza RE002 & Re003, Pilot Sport 3 & 4, Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3. They are soft, and stone sticks to tires, even in basement carpark where no tires has ever picked up anything, this tire will stick any stone to it, as a result, i get lots of stones being flicked up and causing lots of paint chips under rear bumper, side skirt, even rear arch from front tires flicking stone down the side of the car. Soft but not as much grip as Pilot Sport 4 which aren't soft like this and last longer. These tires are also not comfortable at all, at 4mm and below, it's downright harsh, you feel like you're in a racecar, running over cateyes, you think you run over a sharp stone that is 5x higher.

Helpful 69 - tire reviewed on April 6, 2022

Given 76% while driving a Mercedes Benz 190 2.3 16 (255/50 R17) on mostly town for 2 spirited miles

Average wet grip Performs well on dry roads Noise level below Average Handling good Brake distance on dry roads good Brake distance on wet roads Average

Helpful 68 - tire reviewed on March 17, 2022

Given 70% while driving a Opel Insignia B (235/50 R18) on mostly country roads for 15 average miles

good tires but at 27,000 kilometres they will be done by 30,000. I don't believe these tires are particularly well suited to NZ roads, probably better on euro roads? with AWD you certainly get the grip and sure-footedness, but this does come at the price of tire wear. these are a summer tire, I might look for an all season tire next. just on here doing my research before I decide what I want instead of these