Pirelli Cinturato C3

The new Pirelli Cinturato summer tire, replacing the Cinturato P7 C2, topped DEKRA's dry braking tests in November 2024, beating competitors from Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone and Goodyear. The tire achieved an 'A' grade wet grip rating across all sizes and delivers 20% better mileage than its predecessor thanks to new compound technology including Pirelli's "SmartNet Silica."

Tire review data from 3 tire reviews averaging 90% over 600 miles driven, and 2 tests with an average result of 1st.

Dry Grip 93%
Wet Grip 90%
Road Feedback 90%
Handling 85%
Wear 90%
Comfort 90%
Buy again 93%

First On MarketJanuary 1970
Wheel Size16 - 20"
Width205 - 245mm
Profile35 - 65
Rolling ResistanceB - C
Wet GripA - A
Noise (dB)70 - 72
Winter RatingNot Winter Rated

The Cinturato C3 is ranked 6th of 157 Summer Premium Touring tires.

This tire replaced the Pirelli Cinturato P7 C2.

Tests Included

2

Best Result

1st

Worst Result

1st

Average Result

1st

Latest Tire Test Results

The Best Touring Tires for 2025 Tested
1st of 7 tires
  • Strong dry performance with the best dry braking distance, excellent dry handling characteristics and impressive wet performance with near class-leading scores in both curved aquaplaning and braking.
  • Slightly lower comfort levels on harsh impacts when compared to the best.
  • The new Cinturato C3 is an excellent upgrade to the P7 C2. This tire had no real weaknesses, just a string of excellent performances across both wet and dry tests. While it might not have the absolute highest scores in comfort or refinement, the balance of performance puts it at the top of this test.
Test Winner 2025 Summer Test Pirelli Cinturato C3 View Full Test >>
2025 Al Volante Summer Tire Test
1st of 7 tires
  • The Pirelli Cinturato (C3) emerged as the overall winner in our comprehensive test. This well-balanced tire excels in both wet and dry conditions with outstanding stability and predictable handling characteristics. It inspires confidence in all driving situations thanks to exceptional wet grip and impressive aquaplaning resistance. The Pirelli combines good rolling resistance with reasonable noise levels, making it a premium option that prioritizes safety without compromising comfort or efficiency. Its particular strengths were found in its excellent stability during direction changes and confident handling in wet conditions.
View Full Test >>

Alternative Tires

Best Result: 1st (2025)
Best Result: 1st (2025)
Best Result: 1st (2025)
Best Result: 1st (2025)
Best Result: 1st (2025)
Best Result: 1st (2025)
Best Result: 2nd (2025)
Best Result: 2nd (2025)

SizeFuelWetNoise
16 inch
205/55R16 94 V XLCA70
17 inch
225/45R17 94 Y XLCA71
215/55R17 98 W XLBA70
225/50R17 98 Y XLBA70
225/60R17 99 YBA70
20 inch
245/35R20 95 Y XLCA72
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Pirelli Cinturato C3 >>

Questions and Answers for the Pirelli Cinturato C3

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May 22, 2025

Hi! I'm looking for new summer tires later this summer and I'm not sure which tire category I should choose. I am thinking between summer tires and performance summer tires. Specificly between the Pirelli Cinturato C3 and Pirelli P Zero PZ5. But I have no way of testing these tires myself. I am looking for a sporty tire with direct steering response, but also I prefer the tire to be quiet. So how much difference is there in the subjective noise levels and sportiness of these two tires? Or between these two tire categories? Will I be dissappointed with the C3's steering response? I have previously driven the Asymmetric 6, Pilot Sport 4 and Hakka Black 2 (which was loud). Thank you for the great and helpfull videos and website that you have made!

Generally there isn't much difference in noise between the categories of tires so if steering response is important I suggest going the PZ5 route. That said, the C3 will be more comfortable and still has good steering for its class.
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YouTube Review

Top 3 Pirelli Cinturato C3 Reviews

Given 93% while driving a Skoda Superb MK3 (2015 Present) (215/55 R17) on a combination of roads for 100 average miles
I just put this model on my Superb and did a "test" on a day of heavy rain and day after on dry and behavior looks great. I had P7 Blue years ago which I did not really like. In the meantime I had Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 that I liked and I definitely like these new C3.
Helpful 22 - tire reviewed on March 30, 2025
Given 81% while driving a BMW 318D (225/50 R17) on mostly motorways for 0 easy going miles
Above all, ride comfort and steering response on dry roads, parking or leaving the garage are very good. Lane changing is also pleasant, but not as precise as Michelin Sport. They are not very noisy tires, although depending on the condition of the road, we can say that they are remarkable, they have no weak points.
Helpful 13 - tire reviewed on April 14, 2025
Given 100% while driving a SEAT Leon 5F1 1.4 TSI (205/55 R16) on mostly motorways for 500 average miles
Realy realy good tires especially in dry handling and wet handling and they look so promising so we will see about the wear but they are also really quiet and with a good rolling resistance.
Helpful 8 - tire reviewed on April 23, 2025
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Latest Pirelli Cinturato C3 Reviews

Given 97% while driving a BMW 218d Active Tourer (205/55 R17) on a combination of roads for 0 spirited miles
I've been driving my BMW with Pirelli Cinturato C3 tires only for a week now, but what I noticed right away is that I can now drive my car as if it were a toy I'm holding in my hand and I can turn it quickly and safely in any direction I want. All I have to do now is turn the wheel in the direction and degree I want without worrying at all if the car will skid or lose control, that's how safe these tires are. The tires are not noisy and maybe they can be even quieter over time, I don't know if there are other tires that could be even quieter...comfort?! The tires give the feeling as if the car is moving on a single large, very balanced tire and not on four of them, and I mean that in the most positive sense possible. At higher speeds, the tires do not seem to be glued to the asphalt nor do they prevent the car from moving promptly at the desired speed, nor will you experience the tire as the main factor that dictates the dynamics at high speed, on a straight road they become one with the car, for the moment, but when you need to maneuver the car quickly or brake, in the smallest to the largest maneuvers, then the tires come alive and oh boy, so alive, to remind you that they are there for you to keep you safe and in control. Of course I can't know how long they can be there for you but for as long as they will be, you and your car are in safe hands. I am really impressed how good these tires are.
Helpful 6 - tire reviewed on May 30, 2025