Tested 15 times by independent publications, the Semperit Speed Grip 5 has taken 1 test wins with an average finish of 10th. Its strongest discipline is Straight Aqua, beating 79% of the field across 9 tests; its weakest is Snow Traction, at 28% across 9 tests.
2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test P12 of 20
The Semperit Speed-Grip 5 shares 12th place with a 'good' verdict. Good aquaplaning resistance is offset by long dry braking and modest wet grip.
Where the Semperit Speed Grip 5 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 | 9 | P13.4 of 20.2 | 37% | - |
| Dry Handling | 6 | P8.2 of 20.2 | 65% | - |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 1 | P2 of 9 | 88% | - |
| Wet | ||||
| Wet Braking | 14 | P11.4 of 32.1 | 57% | - |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | 2 | P7.5 of 23.5 | 67% | - |
| Wet Handling | 6 | P14.5 of 20 | 28% | - |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 1 | P6 of 9 | 38% | - |
| Wet Circle | 6 | P13.5 of 23.5 | 42% | - |
| Straight Aqua Strong | 9 | P5.1 of 20.2 | 79% | - |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 8 | P6.3 of 18.9 | 74% | 2 |
| Snow | ||||
| Snow Braking | 14 | P10.6 of 24.2 | 56% | 1 |
| Snow Traction Weak | 9 | P14.6 of 20.2 | 28% | - |
| Snow Handling | 6 | P11 of 19.3 | 43% | - |
| Subj. Snow Handling | 1 | P5 of 9 | 50% | - |
| Snow Slalom | 5 | P10.6 of 22.4 | 55% | - |
| Ice | ||||
| Ice Braking | 3 | P12.3 of 20.7 | 42% | - |
| Comfort | ||||
| Subj. Comfort | 3 | P11.3 of 16.3 | 38% | - |
| Noise | 8 | P14.4 of 20.8 | 35% | - |
| Value | ||||
| Wear | 8 | P10.6 of 20.3 | 53% | - |
| Value | 6 | P7.7 of 19.2 | 64% | 1 |
| Rolling Resistance | 6 | P6.8 of 19.2 | 68% | - |
| Fuel Consumption | 2 | P10.5 of 23 | 61% | - |
| Abrasion | 3 | P9.3 of 20.7 | 59% | - |
Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Semperit Speed Grip 5. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.
| Rival | Shared tests | Ahead | Behind | Level | Finished ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Firestone Winterhawk 4
13 shared: 11 ahead, 2 behind
Compare with Winterhawk 4 |
13 | 11 | 2 | - | 85% |
 Kleber Krisalp HP3
12 shared: 6 ahead, 6 behind
Compare with Krisalp HP3 |
12 | 6 | 6 | - | 50% |
 BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
11 shared: 4 ahead, 6 behind
Compare with gForce Winter 2 |
11 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 40% |
 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
11 shared: 3 ahead, 8 behind
Compare with Cinturato Winter 2 |
11 | 3 | 8 | - | 27% |
 Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
10 shared: 10 ahead, 0 behind
|
10 | 10 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
10 shared: 1 ahead, 9 behind
Compare with UltraGrip Performance 3 |
10 | 1 | 9 | - | 10% |
 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
10 shared: 1 ahead, 9 behind
Compare with WinterContact TS 870 P |
10 | 1 | 9 | - | 10% |
 Giti GitiWinterW2
9 shared: 8 ahead, 0 behind
|
9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 100% |
 Fulda Kristall Control HP2
9 shared: 8 ahead, 1 behind
Compare with Kristall Control HP2 |
9 | 8 | 1 | - | 89% |
 Uniroyal WinterExpert
9 shared: 4 ahead, 5 behind
Compare with WinterExpert |
9 | 4 | 5 | - | 44% |
 Dunlop Winter Sport 5
9 shared: 2 ahead, 7 behind
|
9 | 2 | 7 | - | 22% |
 Kumho Winter Craft WP52
8 shared: 6 ahead, 2 behind
|
8 | 6 | 2 | - | 75% |
 Michelin Alpin 6
7 shared: 3 ahead, 4 behind
|
7 | 3 | 4 | - | 43% |
 Vredestein Wintrac Pro
7 shared: 3 ahead, 4 behind
|
7 | 3 | 4 | - | 43% |
 Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
7 shared: 2 ahead, 5 behind
|
7 | 2 | 5 | - | 29% |
 Bridgestone Blizzak 6
7 shared: 1 ahead, 6 behind
Compare with Blizzak 6 |
7 | 1 | 6 | - | 14% |
 Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
7 shared: 0 ahead, 7 behind
Compare with Pilot Alpin 5 |
7 | 0 | 7 | - | 0% |
 Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906
6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind
|
6 | 6 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Barum Polaris 5
6 shared: 4 ahead, 2 behind
|
6 | 4 | 2 | - | 67% |
 Hankook Winter I cept RS3
6 shared: 4 ahead, 2 behind
Compare with Winter I cept RS3 |
6 | 4 | 2 | - | 67% |
The same record for the tire it replaced and the tire that replaced it.
| Tire | Tests | Wins | Avg finish | Field beaten |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semperit Speed Grip 3 Predecessor | 11 | 0 | 8th | 65% |
| Semperit Speed Grip 5 This tire | 15 | 1 | 10th | 64% |
Drawn from 14 tests. Updated October 28, 2026.
The Semperit Speed Grip 5 is most consistently strong on aquaplaning resistance and efficiency. In ADAC's 2024 17 inch winter test it was first for curved aquaplaning and second in a straight line; Tire Reviews' 2022/23 test also placed it second for curved aquaplaning and third for rolling resistance. It won ADAC's 2022 185/65 R15 test with a particularly recommended verdict, although that unusually complete performance contrasts with more mixed results elsewhere. Auto Bild placed it third of 20 in 2024, with joint-best snow braking and the lowest cost per kilometer.
Grip and wear are less consistent. Auto Bild's 2025 full test placed it 11th of 20, with weak snow cornering, low comfort and the highest measured noise. Its projected mileage was 17th of 20 there, unusually poor against second of 20 in Auto Bild's 2023 test and repeated earlier praise for longevity. ADAC's 2025 test also found low mileage and imprecise dry steering, a recurring criticism in its earlier tests. Wet handling has ranged from good ADAC verdicts to seventh of nine with Tire Reviews in 2022/23. Snow braking likewise ranges from the front in 2024 to near the back in Auto Bild's 2025 full test, so strong winter grip is not assured across sizes.
the second-best winter tire in straight-line aquaplaning- 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2026)
good braking, aquaplaning resistance, and handling- 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2024)
secures a good rating for braking and aquaplaning- 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2023)
very good aquaplaning qualities- 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2022)
very good aquaplaning resistance- 2022/23 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test (2022)
efficiency is good thanks to low weight and fuel consumption- 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test (2025)
low rolling resistance- 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2024)
good fuel efficiency- 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2024)
very low fuel consumption (top mark)- 2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2022)
low rolling resistance- 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2022)
very high mileage- 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2024)
a long lifespan- 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2024)
very good mileage- 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2023)
low wear- 2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2022)
On dry and wet roads, it delivers balanced and predictable performance- 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test (2025)
good braking, aquaplaning resistance, and handling- 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2024)
Balanced, good on all surfaces, very low fuel consumption (top mark), low wear- 2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2022)
Convincing winter suitability- 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2023)
Balanced, good on all surfaces, very low fuel consumption (top mark), low wear- 2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2022)
dry braking distances are still rated as good compared to the test field- 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test (2025)
average braking distance- 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2023)
short braking distances- 2022/23 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test (2022)
good dry handling- 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2023)
fast handing and short braking distances- 2022/23 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test (2022)
Balanced, good on all surfaces, very low fuel consumption (top mark), low wear- 2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2022)
weaknesses in precision and steering feedback on dry roads- 2025 ADAC Winter Tire Test (2025)
It lacks precision and feedback on dry roads, requiring steering corrections- 2024 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2024)
minor weaknesses in steering precision on dry roads- 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2023)
It had the second-lowest snow traction- 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2026)
struggles particularly with lateral grip and cornering stability- 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test (2025)
shortcomings in ice braking, snow traction, and handling- 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2023)
limited grip in the snow- 2022/23 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test (2022)
was slow on the wet handling course and the wet circle- 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2026)
Poor side guidance in wet conditions- 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2023)
falls short in handling due to early tendencies to understeer- 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2023)
Low grip in wet handling and braking- 2022/23 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test (2022)
shared the longest dry braking of the ranked tires- 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2026)
extended dry braking distances- 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2023)
longer wet and dry braking distances- 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2022)
Slightly limited grip in wet conditions- 2024 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2024)
Moderate wet grip- 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2022)
Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.
The Semperit Speed-Grip 5 shares 12th place with a 'good' verdict. Good aquaplaning resistance is offset by long dry braking and modest wet grip.
The Semperit Speed-Grip 5 presents a somewhat mixed character with strengths and weaknesses across different conditions. On dry and wet roads, it delivers balanced and predictable performance that inspires confidence in typical autumn and early spring conditions. However, it reveals its main weakness on snow, where it struggles particularly with lateral grip and cornering stability, making it less suitable for regions with consistent winter snowfall. The tire doesn't excel in any particular area but maintains acceptable performance across most disciplines. At around €490 per set, it sits in the mid-premium price range, though the compromised snow performance makes the value proposition questionable for drivers who regularly face winter conditions. It might be best suited for urban drivers in milder climates who occasionally encounter light snow but primarily drive on cleared roads, where its decent wet and dry characteristics can shine without exposing its winter weaknesses.
The Semperit Speed-Grip 5 clearly misses good ratings on dry roads and narrowly fails on winter roads, and while it achieves good scores on wet surfaces, overall driving safety is rated as only satisfactory, with environmental performance also receiving satisfactory ratings, resulting in a satisfactory overall judgment. For driving safety, the tire shows weaknesses in precision and steering feedback on dry roads, lacking the accuracy and directness expected for good ratings during steering input and cornering - steering corrections are needed to maintain the desired path, and during sudden evasive maneuvers the Semperit doesn't convince as the test vehicle tends to oversteer, especially when counter-steering, with sliding phases that could be shorter, resulting in overall limit behavior that isn't at a high level and is rated as only adequate, though dry braking distances are still rated as good compared to the test field. On wet surfaces, the Speed-Grip 5 achieves good ratings with good scores for braking distances, longitudinal aquaplaning behavior, and handling, though it only manages satisfactory ratings for lateral aquaplaning - overall the test vehicle can be driven safely and controllably over the course with the tire providing sufficient limit reserves. In winter conditions, the Speed-Grip 5 narrowly misses good ratings, achieving good scores for both snow braking distances and snow traction compared to the test field, but scoring just satisfactory for ice braking and missing good handling ratings as it would need to better combine longitudinal and lateral forces, offering moderate grip levels and satisfactory limit reserves. Regarding environmental performance, this French-manufactured tire misses good ratings due to its predicted mileage, though its tire wear is still rated as good and efficiency is good thanks to low weight and fuel consumption.
The Semperit Speed-Grip 5 offers an impressive balance of performance and value. As Continental's second-tier brand, it provides good performance across all weather conditions, especially excelling in snowy conditions. With very high mileage and low rolling resistance, it's an economical choice that doesn't compromise much on safety, despite slightly reduced wet grip.
The Semperit Speed-Grip 5 achieves a satisfactory rating for driving safety, with good performance on wet and wintery roads but falling short on dry surfaces. It lacks precision and feedback on dry roads, requiring steering corrections and exhibiting a tendency to oversteer. However, it performs well on wet surfaces with good braking, aquaplaning resistance, and handling. On snow, it offers good braking and traction but only satisfactory handling. Its environmental performance is good, thanks to a long lifespan, low abrasion, low weight, and good fuel efficiency.
The SEMPERIT SPEED-GRIP 5 tire shows minor weaknesses in steering precision on dry roads but maintains good safety reserves and an average braking distance, earning it a good rating for dry conditions. On wet roads, it also secures a good rating for braking and aquaplaning but falls short in handling due to early tendencies to understeer. Its performance on winter roads is less than ideal, missing a good rating due to shortcomings in ice braking, snow traction, and handling. The tire tends to understeer or oversteer early, affecting precise control. Environmentally, the tire receives a good rating; its predicted mileage is very good and wear is also rated as good. Although it narrowly misses a good rating for weight, its low fuel consumption secures it a good efficiency rating.
The SEMPERIT Speed-Grip 5 secured a (still) good rating in all the main tests and thus ultimately a place on the podium and the rating "particularly recommended".
The Semperit Speed Grip 5 in fifth was essentially exactly as good as the Vredestein in the dry, not as good in the wet grip tests but much better in the aquaplaning tests, a little better in the snow but it did have one of the best rolling resistances on test. I'd like to see some more wet performance from this tire to push it further towards the best of the group.
Owner reviews, sizes and EU label data, comparisons and the Tire Reviews score. All Semperit tires