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Michelin Alpin A4 Test Results

Tested 2010 to 2019 10 publications

Tested 41 times by independent publications, the Michelin Alpin A4 has taken 4 test wins with an average finish of 4th.

  • 41Independent tests
  • 4Test wins
  • 20Podium finishes
  • 4thAverage finish
  • 72%Field beaten on average
  • 10Publications
Michelin Alpin A4

41 tests, 2010 to 2019

0%50%100%201020112012201320142015201620172019Average 72%2010 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test (2010): P7 of 13, Beat 50% of the field2010 European Winter Tire Test (2010): P1 of 10, Beat 100% of the field2010 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2010): P6 of 12, Beat 55% of the field2010 AMS Winter Tire Test (2010): P2 of 10, Beat 89% of the field2011 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test (2011): P7 of 14, Beat 54% of the field2011 Winter Tire Buying Guide (2011): P5 of 5, Beat 0% of the field2011 ACE Winter Tire Test (2011): P7 of 8, Beat 14% of the field2011 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2011): P1 of 12, Beat 100% of the field2011 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2011): P4 of 9, Beat 50% of the field2011 EVO Winter Tire Test (2011): P2 of 10, Beat 89% of the field2011 European Winter Tire Test - 195/65 R15 (2011): P5 of 14, Beat 69% of the field2011 Sport Auto Performance Winter Tire Test (2011): P3 of 5, Beat 50% of the field2012 Auto Bild 42 Winter Tire Braking Test (2012): P7 of 43, Beat 86% of the field2012 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test (2012): P5 of 8, Beat 43% of the field2012 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire Test (2012): P4 of 9, Beat 63% of the field2012 European Tire Test - 205/55 R16 (2012): P2 of 16, Beat 93% of the field2012 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2012): P4 of 8, Beat 43% of the field2012 Auto Bild Top 15 Winter Tire Test (2012): P3 of 15, Beat 86% of the field2012 EVO Winter Tire Test (2012): P2 of 9, Beat 88% of the field2012 European Tire Test - 165/70 R14 (2012): P1 of 13, Beat 100% of the field2013 ACE Winter Tire Test (2013): P3 of 9, Beat 75% of the field2013 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/45 R17 (2013): P3 of 15, Beat 86% of the field2013 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/60 R15 (2013): P4 of 17, Beat 81% of the field2013 AMS Sports Winter Tire Test (2013): P6 of 8, Beat 29% of the field2013 Winter Tire Overview - Braking (2013): P10 of 50, Beat 82% of the field2013 Auto Bild Sports Winter Tire Test (2013): P4 of 9, Beat 63% of the field2013 Auto Bild Top 15 Winter Tire Shootout (2013): P1 of 15, Beat 100% of the field2013 Winter Tire Buying Guide (2013): P2 of 9, Beat 50% of the field2013 Auto Bild SUV / 4x4 Winter Tire Test (2013): P2 of 10, Beat 89% of the field2013 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test (2013): P3 of 8, Beat 71% of the field2014 50 Winter Tire Braking Overview (2014): P6 of 49, Beat 89% of the field2014 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2014): P2 of 16, Beat 93% of the field2014 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 175/65 R14 (2014): P3 of 14, Beat 85% of the field2014 AZ Winter Tire Test (2014): P4 of 11, Beat 70% of the field2014 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2014): P5 of 10, Beat 56% of the field2015 Winter Tire Market Overview (2015): P4 of 51, Beat 94% of the field2015 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 165/70 R14 (2015): P2 of 16, Beat 93% of the field2015 Auto Bild Top 18 Winter Tire Test (2015): P5 of 18, Beat 76% of the field2016 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2016): P2 of 15, Beat 93% of the field2017 AC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2017): P3 of 8, Beat 71% of the field2019 ADAC 185/65 R15 Winter Tire Test (2019): P6 of 16, Beat 67% of the field
Share of the field beaten in each test, oldest to newest. Hover or tap a point for the test.
  • Test win
  • Second
  • Third
  • Average 72%
The latest test

2019 ADAC 185/65 R15 Winter Tire Test P6 of 16

Good

Winner: Dunlop Winter Response 2

Record by discipline

Where the Michelin Alpin A4 finished in each measured discipline, across every test that measured it against at least two other tires. Field beaten is the share of the other tires it outranked in that measurement.

Discipline Tests Avg finish Field beaten Firsts
Dry
Dry Braking 1 P2 of 8 86% -
Wet
Wet Braking 1 P1 of 8 100% 1
Wet Handling 1 P2 of 8 86% -
Straight Aqua 1 P2 of 8 86% -
Snow
Snow Braking 1 P3 of 8 71% -
Snow Traction 1 P6 of 8 29% -
Ice
Ice Braking 1 P7 of 8 14% -
Ice Traction 1 P6 of 8 29% -
Ice Handling 1 P6 of 8 29% -
Value
Rolling Resistance 1 P8 of 8 0% -

Head-to-head record

Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Michelin Alpin A4. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.

Rival Shared tests Ahead Behind Level Finished ahead
Nokian WR D3 27 shared: 18 ahead, 8 behind 27 18 8 1 69%
Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D 25 shared: 11 ahead, 14 behind 25 11 14 - 44%
Continental WinterContact TS 850 23 shared: 3 ahead, 20 behind 23 3 20 - 13%
Pirelli Winter Snow Control Series 3 21 shared: 16 ahead, 5 behind 21 16 5 - 76%
Goodyear UltraGrip 8 17 shared: 10 ahead, 7 behind 17 10 7 - 59%
Semperit Speed Grip 2 16 shared: 11 ahead, 5 behind 16 11 5 - 69%
Vredestein Snowtrac 3 15 shared: 13 ahead, 2 behind 15 13 2 - 87%
Bridgestone Blizzak LM32 15 shared: 12 ahead, 3 behind 15 12 3 - 80%
Hankook Winter i cept RS 14 shared: 14 ahead, 0 behind 14 14 0 - 100%
Fulda Kristall Control HP 12 shared: 12 ahead, 0 behind 12 12 0 - 100%
Barum Polaris 3 11 shared: 9 ahead, 2 behind 11 9 2 - 82%
Kleber Krisalp HP2 10 shared: 9 ahead, 1 behind 10 9 1 - 90%
Fulda Kristall Montero 3 9 shared: 9 ahead, 0 behind 9 9 0 - 100%
Falken Eurowinter HS449 9 shared: 8 ahead, 1 behind 9 8 1 - 89%
Dunlop Winter Response 2 9 shared: 3 ahead, 6 behind 9 3 6 - 33%
Firestone Winterhawk 2 EVO 8 shared: 8 ahead, 0 behind 8 8 0 - 100%
Uniroyal MS+ 77 8 shared: 7 ahead, 1 behind 8 7 1 - 88%
Goodyear UltraGrip 9 8 shared: 2 ahead, 6 behind 8 2 6 - 25%
Kumho IZen KW23 7 shared: 7 ahead, 0 behind 7 7 0 - 100%
Toyo Snowprox S953 7 shared: 7 ahead, 0 behind 7 7 0 - 100%

Against its own line

The same record for the tire it replaced and the tire that replaced it.

Tire Tests Wins Avg finish Field beaten
Michelin Alpin Predecessor 0 - - -
Michelin Alpin A4 This tire 41 4 4th 72%
Michelin Alpin 5 Successor 19 0 6th 60%

Performance Analysis

Drawn from 40 tests. Updated November 11, 2025.

Across 40 winter tests, the Michelin Alpin A4 delivers consistently strong, well-balanced performance with an average overall position of 3.9 and multiple test wins and podiums. It repeatedly excels in wet grip and overall balance, often pairing competitive snow ability with standout wet braking/handling and class-leading wear in several high-profile tests. Awards and top-3 finishes across 2010-2015 (including major ADAC, Auto Bild, Auto Express, EVO, and European comparative tests) confirm its all-round competence.

Key weaknesses emerge on ice and in rolling resistance in certain evaluations, and occasional mid-pack results appear in later tests as newer rivals arrived. Still, the pattern shows reliable top-tier wet and balanced winter behavior with notable longevity, tempered by sporadic ice performance and efficiency drawbacks.

Performance Strengths

Performance Weaknesses

  • Ice Performance Strong
    Details
    • 2017 AC test ice braking 7/8 (+17.1% from best)
    • 2017 AC test ice traction 6/8 (+12.8% from best) and ice handling 6/8 (+16.3%)
  • Rolling Resistance / Efficiency Moderate
    Details
    • 2017 AC test rolling resistance 8/8 (+13.5% from best)
    • Article notes price/noise trade-offs in 2013 Auto Bild despite overall win
  • Noise/Comfort Minor
    Details
    • 2013 Auto Bild Top 15 article: "slightly noisy compared to the rest"
    • Mixed mid-pack placements in comfort-focused magazines (e.g., 2014 Auto Express 5/10; 2011 Auto Express 4/9)
  • Performance Aging vs. Newer Rivals Moderate
    Details
    • 2019 ADAC 185/65 R15: 6/16
    • 2014-2015 mixed mid-pack results (e.g., 2014 AZ 4/11; 2014 Auto Express 5/10; 2010 Auto Bild 6/12) amid newer competitor generations
  • Aquaplaning resistance Strong in 3 of 29 tests
    Details

Do owners agree with the tests?

Every tester write-up on the Michelin Alpin A4 (29 tests) and 45 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.

Where owners and testers agree

  • Wet grip strength in 8 of 29 tests 17 praise, 0 criticise of 45 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Tread life strength in 11 of 29 tests 7 praise, 0 criticise of 45 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Dry grip strength in 6 of 29 tests 8 praise, 1 criticise of 45 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Ice grip strength in 3 of 29 tests 17 praise, 2 criticise of 45 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Dry handling strength in 6 of 29 tests 7 praise, 2 criticise of 45 reviews · Read those reviews
  • Snow handling strength in 6 of 29 tests 7 praise, 0 criticise of 45 reviews · Read those reviews

Where they disagree

  • Rolling resistance strength in 7 of 29 tests 1 praise, 4 criticise of 45 reviews · Read those reviews

Raised by owners, not by any test of this tire

  • Slush performance no test mentions it 5 praise, 1 criticise of 45 reviews · Read those reviews

Every test, newest first 41

Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.

2019 1 test
2017 1 test
P3 of 8 Beat 71% of the field

2017 AC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15

Auto Centrum 185/65 R15

StrongDry BrakingWet BrakingWet HandlingStraight Aqua WeakIce BrakingRolling Resistance WinnerNokian WR D4

2016 1 test
2015 3 tests
2014 5 tests
P5 of 10 Beat 56% of the field

2014 Auto Express Winter Tire Test

Auto Express 205/55 R16

Its days on sale are number (the Michelin Alpin 5 has replaced it), but this winter tire is still well worth considering

WinnerContinental WinterContact TS 850

P4 of 11 Beat 70% of the field

2014 AZ Winter Tire Test

Auto Zeitung 205/55 R16

A good showing from the Michelin with excellent wet and snow qualities

WinnerContinental WinterContact TS 850

2013 10 tests
P3 of 8 Beat 71% of the field

2013 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test

Auto Zeitung 195/65 R15

Michelin Alpin A4 works perfectly with the VW Golf and affords no real weakness: third place overall

WinnerContinental WinterContact TS 850

P3 of 9 Beat 75% of the field

2013 ACE Winter Tire Test

ACE 185/60 R15

Recommended

WinnerContinental WinterContact TS 850

2012 8 tests
P5 of 8 Beat 43% of the field

2012 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test

Auto Zeitung 205/55 R16

The Michelin Alpin A4 is a good all rounder with predictable handling

WinnerContinental WinterContact TS 850

2011 8 tests
P3 of 5 Beat 50% of the field

2011 Sport Auto Performance Winter Tire Test

Sport Auto 225/45 R17

Perhaps the sportiest tire on test, the Michelin Alpin A4 wins the wet tests and only trails the leading dry tire by 1 point. Unfortunately it seems the sporty characteristics in the dry and wet leave the Michelin scoring poorly in the snow, leaving the BMW with understeer.

WinnerNokian WR D3

P2 of 10 Beat 89% of the field

2011 EVO Winter Tire Test

EVO 225/45 R17

Best on-road feel and consistently good in the tests gives the Michelin Alpin A4 a strong second.

WinnerContinental WinterContact TS 830 P

P4 of 9 Beat 50% of the field

2011 Auto Express Winter Tire Test

Auto Express 225/45 R17

Good in the snow and the wet, the dry performance lacks a little

WinnerContinental WinterContact TS 830 P

P7 of 8 Beat 14% of the field

2011 ACE Winter Tire Test

ACE 205/55 r16

While the Michelin Alpin A4 finished 7th, there was no single area the tire was weak in. The position was more a reflection of how far the competition had come with their new patterns.

WinnerGoodyear UltraGrip 8

P5 of 5 Beat 0% of the field

2011 Winter Tire Buying Guide

Tire Reviews 205/55 r16

While not the sportiest winter tire on the market, the Alpin A4 is a solid all round performer and perfectly suited to family cars. Its dry bias ensure it works well in the UK climate.

WinnerGoodyear UltraGrip 8

P7 of 14 Beat 54% of the field

2011 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test

Auto Zeitung 205/55 r16

The Michelin Alpine A4 shows a good all round performance.

WinnerGoodyear UltraGrip 8

2010 4 tests
P7 of 13 Beat 50% of the field

2010 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test

Auto Zeitung 195/65 r15

The new Michelin Aplin A4 offers a more dry bias setup, not excelling in the snow or wet test tests but scoring well in the dry. One of the lowest rolling resistances tires on test

WinnerContinental WinterContact TS830

Back to the Michelin Alpin A4 overview

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