Continental WinterContact TS 860 - Test Results

Test Statistics

32

Tests Completed

2^nd

Average Position

1^st

Best Result

7^th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Continental WinterContact TS 860 - Official Image

Continental's WinterContact TS 860 is an elite winter tire with exceptional consistency across major European test bodies. With an average overall position of 2.1 over 32 tests and numerous test wins (Auto Bild 2016, 2017, 2019; ADAC 2017, 2018 x2; Auto Express 2016, 2017, 2018; AMS 2018; Auto Zeitung 2016; multiple shootout wins), it repeatedly demonstrates class-leading wet grip, excellent balance on snow, and strong all-round drivability. It often pairs high safety margins in the wet with competitive rolling resistance and, notably for a Continental winter tire, improved and sometimes top-tier wear results.

Weaknesses are comparatively minor and revolve around occasional average dry braking/handling positions and pricing/value, plus some variability on ice and certain snow traction sub-tests. Even in tougher fields (ADAC, Auto Bild), it remains top-tier overall, underlining a very high baseline performance.

Performance Strengths

Wet Weather Performance Strong Details
• 1st wet braking & 1st wet handling in 2018 AMS Winter (205/55 R16)
• 1st wet handling & 2nd wet braking in 2018 Auto Bild (195/65 R15)
• 1st wet braking, 1st wet handling, 1st aquaplaning in 2017 Auto Zeitung All Season vs Winter (205/55 R16)
• 2nd wet braking and strong wet handling/aqua in 2020 Auto Zeitung (205/55 R16)
• Auto Center 2019: 2nd wet braking, 1st aquaplaning
Overall Test Results & Awards Strong Details
• Multiple test wins: Auto Bild 2016 (1/20), 2017 (1/21), 2019 (1/21)
• ADAC overall wins: 2017 (1/16), 2018 (1/12 & 1/16)
• Auto Express overall wins: 2016 (1/8), 2017 (1/8), 2018 (1/10)
• AMS Winter 2018 overall 1/11; AZ Winter 2016 overall 1/14
• Auto Bild shootouts: 2016 (1/43), 2018 (1/52)
Snow Performance (balanced control) Moderate Details
• 2017 Auto Bild: 3rd snow handling, 5th snow braking
• 2018 Auto Bild: 1st wet handling with 5th snow braking and 8th snow handling (overall 2/22 shows balanced winter ability)
• 2019 Auto Center: 1st snow braking, 2nd subjective snow handling
• 2017 AZ All Season vs Winter: 2nd snow braking and 2nd snow handling
Noise/Comfort and Rolling Resistance Moderate Details
• 2017 AZ All Season vs Winter: 1st noise, 3rd rolling resistance
• 2018 Auto Bild: 3rd rolling resistance
• 2019 Auto Bild: 2nd noise, 9th rolling resistance (competitive)
Wear/Longevity Moderate Details
• 2016 Auto Bild: best wear on test (article mention)
• 2019 Auto Bild: 2nd wear (45920 km), article highlights improved Continental wear

Performance Weaknesses

Dry Braking/Handling Variability Moderate Details
• 2020 Auto Zeitung: 11th dry braking, 7th subjective dry handling
• 2019 Auto Center: 7th dry braking
• 2018 Auto Bild: 10th dry braking, 14th dry handling
• 2017 Auto Bild: 3rd dry braking but only 9th rolling resistance and average dry metrics context
Price/Value Moderate Details
• 2018 Auto Bild: Value 19/21 and Price 20/20 (expensive)
• 2017 Auto Bild: Value 17/20 (high price penalization)
• 2020 Auto Zeitung: Price 12/14
Ice Performance (traction/braking variability) Minor Details
• 2020 All Season vs Winter vs Nordic: 3rd ice braking (+42.9% from best) and 3rd ice traction (+67.3%)
• 2019 Auto Center: 6th ice braking, 8th ice traction
Aquaplaning Consistency Minor Details
• 2017 Auto Bild: 11th straight aquaplaning
• Other tests show strong aquaplaning (e.g., 2019 Auto Center 1st; 2017 AZ 1st), indicating inconsistency

Performance Over Time

Test History

of 18

2021 ADAC 17 Inch Winter Tire Test

2021
Winner: Dunlop Winter Sport 5

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