Michelin Alpin 5 - Test Results

Test Statistics

19

Tests Completed

6^th

Average Position

2^nd

Best Result

17^th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Michelin Alpin 5 delivers consistently solid, well-rounded winter performance with standout longevity and value, frequently finishing upper-midfield to podium in large comparison tests. It shows reliable wet handling/braking and good aquaplaning resistance, plus competitive snow capability, helping it achieve several top-5 overall results and multiple podiums. However, it is held back by higher rolling resistance, occasional weak wet/snow braking in certain sizes, and premium purchase prices.
Across 19 winter tests (avg position 6.4), Alpin 5 scored podiums in 2016-2017 big tests (2/20 Auto Bild 2016; 3/11 Auto Bild SUV 2017; 2/21 Auto Bild 2017) and remained competitive in ADAC (5/16 in 2017 SUV; 5/16 in 2018). Its hallmark is outstanding wear, repeatedly leading to best value ratings despite high initial cost.

Performance Strengths

Wear and Value Strong Details
• 1st place wear and best value in 2018 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (72450 km; Value 1/21)
• 3rd place wear in 2017 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (44250 km; noted best value among premium)
Overall Competitiveness in Large Comparative Tests Strong Details
• 2nd overall out of 20 in 2016 AutoBild Winter Tire Test
• 2nd overall out of 21 in 2017 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test; 3rd/43 in 2016 Market Overview
Wet Performance (handling/braking) and Aquaplaning Moderate Details
• Wet handling 3rd/21 (+3.4%) and wet braking 4th/21 in 2017 Auto Bild Winter
• Straight aquaplaning 1st/11 in 2017 Auto Bild SUV; 4th/22 in 2018 Auto Bild
Snow Handling/Overall Winter Balance Moderate Details
• Snow braking 3rd/11 and snow handling 4th/11 in 2017 Auto Bild SUV
• Multiple mid-to-high placements in ADAC (5/16 in 2017 SUV; 5/16 in 2018) indicating balanced winter capability
Dry Performance (especially braking) Minor Details
• Auto Zeitung 2016 notes: 'Unsurprisingly the Michelin dominates under dry braking'
• Multiple mid-to-upper placements: Dry handling 6th/11 and 9th/21 in 2017 tests

Performance Weaknesses

Rolling Resistance/Efficiency Strong Details
• 22nd/22 (+31.3% from best) rolling resistance in 2018 Auto Bild
• 18th/21 (+20%) rolling resistance in 2017 Auto Bild Winter
Purchase Price Moderate Details
• Price 10th/10 (+153.8% from best) in 2017 Auto Bild SUV
• Auto Bild 2016 criticism: 'initial purchase price drew criticism; Michelins are often the most expensive'
Wet and Snow Braking Variability (certain sizes) Moderate Details
• Wet braking 19th/22 (+8.2%) and snow braking 17th/22 (+5.2%) in 2018 Auto Bild 195/65 R15
• Snow braking 17th/21 (+10.8%) in 2017 Auto Bild 225/50 R17
Noise/Comfort (select tests) Minor Details
• Noise 20th/22 in 2018 Auto Bild
• Average-to-midpack noise in 2017 tests (5th/21; 5th/11), indicating inconsistency

Performance Over Time

Test History

of 22

2018 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test

2018
Winner: Dunlop Winter Sport 5

Strong:
Value, Wear

Weak:
Rolling Resistance

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