European motorists are gearing up for warmer weather and with that comes the annual shift to summer tires. The Auto Club Europa (ACE) has released its first tire test of , evaluating ten different models in the commonly used 225/40 R18 size. The results, while generally positive, reveal a nuanced landscape where price doesn’t always equate to performance, and even budget brands are closing the gap with established premium manufacturers.
The ACE test assessed tires across a range of criteria, including wet and dry braking, aquaplaning resistance, handling, rolling resistance, and exterior noise. The overall assessment is categorized into “highly recommended” and “recommended,” with four tires achieving the top rating. However, the ACE report highlights a surprising degree of balance within the field, suggesting manufacturers are prioritizing different performance characteristics, allowing consumers to select a tire tailored to their specific needs.
Taking the top spot was the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, priced at €140 per tire. It was closely followed by the Continental SportContact 7 and Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo. The Falken Azenis FK520 also earned a “highly recommended” rating, offering a competitive option at a lower price point of approximately €90.
The testing methodology involved both dry and wet surface evaluations conducted at the Hakka Ring in Spain, with rolling resistance measured at Nokian Tyres’ laboratory in Finland. All tires were purchased anonymously from retail outlets and subjected to repeated testing on a Volkswagen Golf 8 to ensure objectivity. Notably, none of the tires failed the test, indicating a general improvement in tire technology across the board.
Braking Performance and Aquaplaning Resistance
In dry braking tests from 100 km/h, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport Evo demonstrated the shortest stopping distance at 32.85 meters, followed closely by Continental (33.16 meters) and Michelin (33.37 meters). Nexen recorded the longest stopping distance at 34.73 meters, though the difference remained within a manageable two meters.
Wet braking performance revealed a more significant disparity. Continental emerged as the leader with a stopping distance of 24.51 meters, with Bridgestone (24.79 meters) and Linglong (25.38 meters) close behind. This result was particularly noteworthy for Linglong, a Chinese brand that has historically lagged behind European premium manufacturers.
Aquaplaning resistance also presented interesting results. While Nexen struggled in overall performance, it achieved a top-three ranking in straight-line aquaplaning tests, alongside Pirelli and Falken. Falken demonstrated the highest aquaplaning threshold in a turn, resisting water film formation at 71 km/h, while Continental exhibited the lowest resistance, with aquaplaning occurring at 68.3 km/h.
Handling and the Rise of Chinese Manufacturers
Dry handling tests highlighted the strengths of Pirelli, Falken, Continental, and Michelin, all of which delivered stable cornering and precise steering response. Conversely, Nexen and Linglong lagged in this category. Wet handling, however, proved to be a weakness for Pirelli and Falken, which exhibited oversteer and understeer tendencies.
The standout performance of Linglong in wet handling, surpassing even Michelin, underscores the growing competitiveness of Chinese tire manufacturers. This represents a significant shift from previous years, where Chinese brands consistently trailed their European counterparts. The ACE test suggests that Chinese manufacturers are investing heavily in research and development, resulting in tangible improvements in tire technology.
The ACE test emphasizes that a balanced performance profile is crucial. While excelling in one or two areas is beneficial, a tire must deliver consistent performance across all conditions to earn a top rating. This explains why Goodyear, Nexen, and Linglong finished lower in the overall rankings despite showing strengths in specific areas.
Key Takeaways and Market Implications
The ACE summer tire test reveals a competitive market where consumers have a wide range of options. While Michelin remains the benchmark for overall performance, the gap between premium and budget brands is narrowing. The strong showing of Continental and Bridgestone demonstrates that consumers don’t necessarily need to opt for the most expensive tire to achieve excellent safety and handling. The emergence of Linglong as a contender signals a potential disruption in the tire market, offering consumers a viable alternative to established brands.
The test results also highlight the importance of considering individual driving needs. Drivers who prioritize wet weather performance may favor Continental or Linglong, while those who primarily drive on dry roads may find Michelin or Bridgestone to be more suitable. The best tire is the one that best matches the driver’s specific requirements and budget.
