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Michelin Alpin 5

Premium Touring Winter Winter rated

Replaced by the Alpin 6 Replaces the Alpin A4

The Michelin Alpin 5 is a premium touring winter tire known for confidence-inspiring cold-weather security, especially on snow and in the wet. Driver feedback and independent tests align on its dependable, well-rounded winter balance and notably strong longevity, making it a popular choice for high-mileage winter use. It trades some sharpness for safety, and is less at home once temperatures rise.

The quick answer

Owners say 85% from 33 owner reviews 87% would buy again Read the reviews
Tests say 6th average finish across 19 independent tests Latest: P11 of 20 · 2018 See every test
Strengths & weaknesses Wet, Value Snow, Comfort Relative to its rivals across every test we hold

Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tire - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated October 2026.

  • 33owner reviews
  • 328,238miles driven
  • 19professional tests
Michelin Alpin 5 1 photos

Tire Reviews Score

Michelin Alpin 5

8.6/10

Better than 78% of winter tires

  • Medium Confidence
  • 3 tests
  • 33 owner reviews
Scores of the 278 winter tires we have tested

How this score is built

Better than Weight
Independent tests3 tests · 2 publications · 2017-2018 80% 88%
Owner reviews33 owner reviews · rated 85% 59% 12%
Combined 78% 8.6

A fixed curve turns the combined figure into the 0 to 10 score, so roughly the top 10% of a group score 9 or more.

Category by category

How it compares with other winter tires in each area, and how much each area counts. 50 is the middle of the group.

Category Better than Weight Tests
WetBraking, handling and aquaplaning in the wet 88% 30% 3
SnowBraking, traction and handling on snow 42% 23% 3
IceBraking, traction and handling on ice Not tested, counted as average 18% –
DryBraking and handling on dry roads 48% 17% 3
ValueWear, efficiency and cost 80% 6% 3
ComfortNoise and ride comfort 18% 5% 3

Weights are shares of the test result. Owner reviews are blended in afterwards.

By discipline

The same results grouped by what the tire was doing. They are not counted a second time.

HandlingEvery handling test, on any surface 75% 3
BrakingEvery braking test, on any surface 68% 3

Confidence

  1. Limited
  2. Medium
  3. High

Its own test results decide 86% of the test figure. The other 14% comes from its predecessor, the Michelin Alpin A4, and it shrinks as more tests arrive.

High needs at least 3 tests, with its own results deciding 90% or more. Medium needs 2 tests and 70%. Anything less is Limited: expect the number to move as tests arrive.

The tests behind it

Only measured results count. A test that published its placings alone is listed, but not scored.

  1. 2018 2018 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 195/65 R15 P11 / 20
  2. 2018 2018 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 205/55 R16 ADAC · 205/55 R16 P5 / 16 Placing only
  3. 2018 2018 51 Winter Tire Shootout Auto Bild · 195/65 R15 P17 / 52 Placing only
  4. 2017 2017 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Allrad · 225/55 R17 P3 / 10
  5. 2017 2017 50 Winter Tire Shoot Out Auto Bild · 225/50 R17 P7 / 50 Placing only
  6. 2017 2017 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 225/50 R17 P2 / 20
Show all 19 tests
  1. 2017 2017 ADAC SUV Winter Tire Test - 215/65 R16 ADAC · 215/65 R16 P5 / 16 Placing only
  2. 2017 2017 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 195/65 R15 ADAC · 195/65 R15 P12 / 16 Placing only
  3. 2017 2017 Auto Express Winter Tire Test Auto Express · 225/45 R17 P7 / 8 Placing only
  4. 2016 2016 Auto Express Winter Tire Test Auto Express · 205/55 R16 P5 / 8 Placing only
  5. 2016 2016 AutoBild Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 205/55 R16 P2 / 20 Placing only
  6. 2016 2016 Winter Tire Market Overview Auto Bild · 205/55 R16 P3 / 49 Placing only
  7. 2016 2016 AZ Winter Tire Test - 205/55 R16 Auto Zeitung · 205/55 R16 P4 / 14 Placing only
  8. 2015 2015 ACE 17 Inch Winter Tire Test ACE · 225/50 R17 P5 / 8 Placing only
  9. 2015 2015 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Allrad · 215/65 R16 P5 / 8 Placing only
  10. 2015 2015 Auto Express Winter Tire Test Auto Express · 225/45 R17 P5 / 8 Placing only
  11. 2015 2015 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 205/55 R16 ADAC · 205/55 R16 P12 / 19 Placing only
  12. 2014 2014 AMS Winter Tire Test Auto Motor Und Sport · 205/55 R16 P4 / 10 Placing only
  13. 2014 2014 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 195/65 R15 ADAC · 195/65 R15 P7 / 14 Placing only
All Tests
View Test Results

Tested 19 times by independent publications, the Michelin Alpin 5 averages a finish of 6th.

19 Tests
0 Test Wins
6th Average
2nd Best
17th Worst
Finishing position in each test1stLast20142018

Finishing position in each test

The latest test

2018 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test P11 of 20

Strong: Wear, Value Weak: Rolling Resistance Winner: Dunlop Winter Sport 5

YearTestResultAward
20182018 Auto Bild Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 195/65 R15P11 / 20
20182018 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 205/55 R16ADAC · 205/55 R16P5 / 16
20182018 51 Winter Tire ShootoutAuto Bild · 195/65 R15P17 / 52
20172017 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire TestAuto Bild Allrad · 225/55 R17P3 / 10
20172017 50 Winter Tire Shoot OutAuto Bild · 225/50 R17P7 / 50
20172017 Auto Bild Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 225/50 R17P2 / 20
20172017 ADAC SUV Winter Tire Test - 215/65 R16ADAC · 215/65 R16P5 / 16
20172017 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 195/65 R15ADAC · 195/65 R15P12 / 16
20172017 Auto Express Winter Tire TestAuto Express · 225/45 R17P7 / 8
20162016 Auto Express Winter Tire TestAuto Express · 205/55 R16P5 / 8
20162016 AutoBild Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 205/55 R16P2 / 20
20162016 Winter Tire Market OverviewAuto Bild · 205/55 R16P3 / 49
20162016 AZ Winter Tire Test - 205/55 R16Auto Zeitung · 205/55 R16P4 / 14
20152015 ACE 17 Inch Winter Tire TestACE · 225/50 R17P5 / 8
20152015 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire TestAuto Bild Allrad · 215/65 R16P5 / 8
20152015 Auto Express Winter Tire TestAuto Express · 225/45 R17P5 / 8
20152015 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 205/55 R16ADAC · 205/55 R16P12 / 19
20142014 AMS Winter Tire TestAuto Motor Und Sport · 205/55 R16P4 / 10
20142014 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 195/65 R15ADAC · 195/65 R15P7 / 14

On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict

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Running Costs
View Test

In 195/65 R15, the Michelin Alpin 5 is projected to cost €21.42 per 1,000 miles to buy and run - about €535 over 25,000 miles - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2018 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test.

Goodyear UltraGrip 9€15.68
Continental WinterContact TS 860€19.69
Michelin Alpin 5€21.42
Hankook Winter i cept RS2€21.72
Tire purchase + fittingExtra fuel vs the most efficient tirecost per 1,000 miles
Assumes a typical car doing 29 mpg (rolling resistance causing 20% of fuel use), fuel at €6.25 per gallon and €70 fitting per set of four. Purchase prices are from the time of the 2018 test; financing costs are excluded.
Dimensions & Label Scores
View All

Size Range17 sizes available

185-225Width45-65Profile15-20Rim88-103 T-VLoad/Speed Index2014First On Market

EU LabelAcross 17 sizes - the grade depends on the size you buy.

Noise

68-71dB

3PMSF on every size

Popular sizes225/45 R17205/55 R16195/65 R15205/45 R16215/65 R16225/50 R17
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is the Michelin Alpin 5 in the wet?
Across the 3 wet-braking tests it has featured in, the Michelin Alpin 5 stops 1.2% longer than premium rivals, 3.3% shorter than mid-range rivals and 3.2% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews wet score of 88/100, and owners rate it 9.1/10 in the wet from 33 reviews.
How good is the Michelin Alpin 5 in the dry?
Across the 3 dry-braking tests it has featured in, the Michelin Alpin 5 stops 0.2% longer than premium rivals, level with mid-range rivals and 5.7% longer than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews dry score of 48/100, and owners rate it 8.4/10 in the dry from 33 reviews.
How good is the Michelin Alpin 5 in the snow?
Across the 3 snow-braking tests it has featured in, the Michelin Alpin 5 stops 0.8% longer than premium rivals, 0.5% longer than mid-range rivals and 26.5% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews snow score of 42/100, and owners rate it 9.1/10 in the snow from 33 reviews.
How fuel efficient is the Michelin Alpin 5?
Across the 3 tests measuring rolling resistance, the Michelin Alpin 5's rolling resistance is 6.4% higher than premium rivals, 3.5% higher than mid-range rivals and 6.4% higher than budget rivals.
How many miles does the Michelin Alpin 5 last?
Based on test and owner data, the Michelin Alpin 5 is expected to last around 30,660 miles (49,342 km).
More questions about the Michelin Alpin 5 (12)
What do owners say about the Michelin Alpin 5?
Across 33 owner ratings the Michelin Alpin 5 averages 85%. Owners rate Snow Grip highest at 9.1 out of 10 and Ice Grip lowest at 7.7. 11 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles. 92% of owners score it 70% or better.
How much does the Michelin Alpin 5 cost to run?
In 195/65 R15, the Michelin Alpin 5 is projected to cost €21.42 per 1,000 miles to buy and run - about €535 over 25,000 miles - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2018 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test. The cheapest to run in that test is the Goodyear UltraGrip 9, at €15.68.
What is the Michelin Alpin 5's EU tire label rating?
Across its range, the Michelin Alpin 5 most commonly carries EU label ratings of D for fuel efficiency, B for wet grip and 68 dB for noise.
How comfortable and quiet are the Michelin Alpin 5?
Owners rate the Michelin Alpin 5 8.6 out of 10 for comfort and noise across 27 reviews.
How well do the Michelin Alpin 5 wear, according to owners?
Owners rate the Michelin Alpin 5 9 out of 10 for wear across 27 reviews. 11 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles, and the typical review covers 8,000 miles.
Would owners buy the Michelin Alpin 5 again?
87% of owners say they would buy the Michelin Alpin 5 again, based on the 31 owner reviews that answered the question. 45% of them gave it the highest possible answer.
What do owners say about the Michelin Alpin 5's snow traction?
Of the 26 owner reviews analyzed for the Michelin Alpin 5, 15 mention snow traction: 15 praise it (strong snow traction) and 0 criticise it (weak snow traction). One owner wrote: "incredible bite in the snow". Read those reviews
What do owners say about the Michelin Alpin 5's wet grip?
Of the 26 owner reviews analyzed for the Michelin Alpin 5, 11 mention wet grip: 11 praise it (confident wet grip) and 0 criticise it (weak wet grip). One owner wrote: "it was 3 celsius outside so it was cold and road was not 100 percent dry because there was a slightly fog,more like air was quite humid,and i went 70km/h through it like i was glued to it". Read those reviews
What do owners say about the Michelin Alpin 5's tread life?
Of the 26 owner reviews analyzed for the Michelin Alpin 5, 10 mention tread life: 9 praise it (long-lasting) and 1 criticise it (wears quickly). One owner wrote: "rubber lasts a lot more than other brands". Read those reviews
What does the Michelin Alpin 5 replace?
The Michelin Alpin 5 is the successor to the Michelin Alpin A4 in Michelin's range.
Has the Michelin Alpin 5 been replaced?
The Michelin Alpin 5 has been replaced by the Michelin Alpin 6.
What sizes does the Michelin Alpin 5 come in?
The Michelin Alpin 5 is available in 28 sizes, ranging from 185-225/45-65 R15-20.
Owner Questions (1)
Ask a question
What is the recommended max.outside working temperature?
February 17, 2017
The Michelin Alpin 5 has no maximum outside temperature as such and could be run year round, however it's good practice to change your winter tires back to summer tires when the temperature is starting to be consistently above 7c.

Michelin Alpin 5 Owner Reviews

Review this tire

What owners say summarised from 26 reviews

Across most reviews, the Michelin Alpin 5 is described as an excellent winter tire with standout snow traction and very strong wet-road safety, often giving drivers high confidence in cold conditions. Many users also report good longevity/low wear and a quiet, comfortable ride for a winter tire. The main recurring downsides are that the compound can feel too soft in warmer temperatures (reduced precision/grip) and that handling can be less sporty due to softer sidewalls.

What owners mention most counted across 26 reviews

Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.

Owner ratings averaged from 33 ratings

  • Owner score 85%
  • Snow Grip 91%
  • Wet Grip 91%
  • Wear 90%
  • Comfort 86%
  • Dry Grip 84%
  • Road Feedback 81%
  • Handling 78%
  • Ice Grip 77%

Featured reviews

Most helpful 79%

“So i put these michelins on fairly early around 15th sept. and initially having only ever driven on shit tires before this the difference was night and day for a 65 profile winter tire they are Very communicative ofc...”

  • Toyota Corolla verso
  • 8,000 miles
Read full review → 1,003 found this helpful
Most critical 66%

“To be honest? I bought those tires 3 years ago and i drove not so much. On the beginning - great tires but after 3 years and no more than 15000 km Alpine 5 are hard and very lodly even when i driving slow (around...”

  • SEAT Leon 2.0 Tsi 190
  • 10,000 miles
Read full review → 402 found this helpful
Longest term 94%

“Monster traction on snow. On icy roads i had the back of the car slide a few times at 50-60 kph uphill, mostly in curves. I now have a new set of Hankook icept rs3 wich is less noisy, slightly poorer snow traction...”

  • Skoda Octavia
  • 35,000 miles
Read full review → 16 found this helpful

All 27 Michelin Alpin 5 reviews

Score spread across 25 written reviews
78%
PeterN
Initial Impressions

The Alpin 5 is a reliable, comfortable tire that is perfect for European winters with lots of rain but little snow and ice. I mainly use them for city driving and on the autobahn at speeds up to 200 km/h when conditions allow, and I really enjoy the ride.

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 8
  • Snow Grip 7
  • Ice Grip 7
Helpful 0
94%
Mink89
Initial Impressions

Monster traction on snow. On icy roads i had the back of the car slide a few times at 50-60 kph uphill, mostly in curves. I now have a new set of Hankook icept rs3 wich is less noisy, slightly poorer snow traction, similar on ice. Since 2024 switched the Michelin set on a VW Passat and used them as allseason tires. Still haven't lost proprietes on snow/ice. DOT 2018

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 10
  • Wet Grip 10
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 9
Helpful 16
69%
Bojan B
Initial Impressions
A very good winter tire, very durable, incredible bite in the snow.
A car wearing these can traverse some serious snow inclines.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 6
  • Wet Grip 7
  • Road Feedback 6
  • Handling 6
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 5
  • Snow Grip 9
  • Ice Grip 7
Helpful 103

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798 reviews submitted this month Earn your Contributor badge No account needed
66%
Member
To be honest? I bought those tires 3 years ago and i drove not so much. On the beginning - great tires but after 3 years and no more than 15000 km Alpine 5 are hard and very lodly even when i driving slow (around 50-70km/h). To be honest i had exactly same issue with Primacy 4. After 4 years theyt become so laudly that i change them (Goodyear). I think Michelin have good PR because i recently drove on Yokohama tires which are way more cheper.

Michelin of course has great side desgn - true but i don't recommend them in long term. Loudly like hell.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 6
  • Handling 10
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 2
  • Buy again 1
  • Snow Grip 9
  • Ice Grip 5
Helpful 402
87%
Member
  • Fiat croma
  • 205/55 R16
  • 10,000 miles
  • A Combination of Roads
  • Average
Insanely low wear great tire in almost all conditions
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 8
  • Ice Grip 7
Helpful 631
79%
Member
So i put these michelins on fairly early around 15th sept. and initially having only ever driven on shit tires before this the difference was night and day for a 65 profile winter tire they are Very communicative ofc nothing compared to a summer tire after absolutely thrashing them on very slick roads snow and ice all winter and spring they have gotten very worn around the edges and are starting to loose grip in corners and are squealling a LOT given the fact i bought these tires in 2024 with a DOT of 2016 they were in good condition when i bought them almost brand new essentially and they were not rotted cracked or anything of the sort in snow i've managed with some finesse to pull of sorcery with these tires they are very responsive and very communicative in the dry and slick conditions they are good but in snow they come alive i've plowed through snow as much as 40-50 cm deep i've gone into piles of snow at 120 kph and kept on going straight without issue i've gone on expeditions to save stuck people with these tires in very bad snowy conditions and they worked their magic But now after around 7k miles of absolutely thrashing them they are starting to both show their age AND wear ofc these tires have been driven as hard as a semi slick so that is not on the tire at all tread depth is quite good still its just that the rubber is finally starting to degrade and after all this now in hotter days of 20+ C you cannot get a good launch in you spin wheels quite a lot Amazing tire will defo buy the newer generations after this summer
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 7
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 8
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 6
Helpful 1,003
90%
Member
It transformed the driving comfort and experience of the Mini Cooper S Clubman. You hardly notice its a wintertire so much feel, precision, confidence and noice comfort.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 9
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 9
  • Ice Grip 9
Helpful 1,095
98%
Anonymous
A long-lasting tire with great grip for winter.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 10
  • Road Feedback 10
  • Handling 10
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 8
Helpful 1,032
84%
Member
  • Fiat croma
  • 205/55 R16
  • 25,000 miles
  • A Combination of Roads
  • Average
This tire can be driven in all weather types, rubber lasts a lot more than other brands.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 8
  • Ice Grip 8
Helpful 1,128
86%
Member
This is a winter tire and it works incredibly well in the wet at cold temperatures. There was not a lot snow here, the tire worked well well during the few days of snowy conditions no problem there.

The two main issues where the very soft rubber compound that really starts to struggle above 20C, it starts to smear in corners at 25C. Then there are these soft sidewalls. They are good for comfort, but not good for cornering and handling. It did not help that there is no rim protection either. So be gentle when use these rubbers when its warm.

This is an almost end of life review since the tires are 9 years old now, but they have still lots of profile left after about 20.000km, I just don't drive that much during winter.

The tires do what they are supposed to do, but my next winter tires will have stronger sidewalls.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 10
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 5
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 7
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 9
Helpful 1,067
76%
Member
delivery driver These winter tires are amazing! The performance in the British winter is unmatched They're a great reliable road tire that lasted me 15,000 miles driving around my local area I never got stuck in the snow and believe me I tried! they're so reliable and handy to have in the winter for any conditions I highly recommend them
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 6
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 4
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 6
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 10
Helpful 1,111
100%
Member
top grip, i went into circle part of road when going out of highway, and there is sign with allowed speed of 40km/h and i decide to try them,it was 3 celsius outside so it was cold and road was not 100 percent dry because there was a slightly fog,more like air was quite humid,and i went 70km/h through it like i was glued to it.Top performance tire,and you won t regret of buying it,i have nexen su1 summer tire and they have nice grip and all but above 200km/h you can feel car is kinda swingy,idk how to explain correctly(i have them for 25000km and they are great in their price range,but michelin is michelin),and with these tires you feel you are on the railway even though they are winter tire.Price is there but with it you will buy great product that will last double amount of some other high middle tire.Buy it and enjoy in top quality tire.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 10
  • Wet Grip 10
  • Road Feedback 10
  • Handling 10
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 10
Helpful 958
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