The German magazine Auto Motor und Sport has compared 11 summer tyres in the size 225/45 R18 on a BMW 3-Series. This test provided the opportunity to find the best tyre in terms of performance but also driving comfort.

By Published On: 4 June 2021Categories: Tyre reviews625 words3.3 min read
Auto Motor und Sport UHP tyre comparison: summer tyre test with BMW
Auto Motor und Sport UHP tyre comparison test with BMW. © Auto Motor und Sport – Dino Eisele

Driving dynamics above all

If BMW is a car brand magazines like to use to put in laps, it is especially true for Auto Motor und Sport, specialist of sporty type vehicles. And, for its summer tyre comparison test, the bimonthly magazine has chosen a BMW 3-Series 330i producing 256 hp, reputed for its dynamic driving ability and which only runs correctly with the right tyres, according to Auto Motor und Sport (AMS).

Eleven tyres in size 225/45 R18 were compared through various tests in wet and dry conditions. Tests on wet surfaces account for the largest part of the final score given by the magazine, and in particular, the safety aspect of tyres in these conditions.

Auto Motor und Sport UHP tyre comparison: summer tyre test in the workshop
© Auto Motor und Sport – Dino Eisele

The best UHP summer tyres according to the Auto Motor und Sport test

Tyre +
1 – Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 Good braking performance in all situations, absorbs road imperfections Fuel consumption
2 – Michelin Pilot Sport 4 Safety and sporty handling Price
3 – Continental PremiumContact 6 Precise and dynamic handling Aquaplaning
4 – Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Good wet handling, Ride stability in the dry Slow steering response in dry conditions
5 – Maxxis Victra Sport 5 Well balanced on all surfaces Rolling resistance
6 – Bridgestone Turanza T005 Dynamic, economical and comfortable, Good wet handling Average wet braking
7 – Nokian PowerProof Safe drive and good high speed cornering ability Long wet braking distances and steering precision
8 – Falken Azenis FK 510 Good dry braking performance Wet grip and poor stability in fast corners
9 – Nexen N’Fera Sport Good dry braking performance Long wet braking distances and slow steering response
10 – Toyo Proxes Sport Balanced handling and good steering response Low rear stability and wet braking performance
11 – Giti GitiSport S1 Sporty dry handling Long braking distances on all surfaces and understeers in the wet

Michelin, Goodyear and Conti at the top, Maxxis well ranked

Not surprisingly, the cheapest tyres can be found at the bottom of the ranking despite performances which, on the whole, are correct. The braking performance of the ToyoGitiNexen and Falken tyres in wet conditions prevents them from ranking higher in this test.

The Nokian Powerproof and Bridgestone Turanza T005 tyres share weaknesses in wet conditions, even if they more than compensate in dry conditions.

Auto Motor und Sport UHP tyre comparison: summer tyre test in wet conditions
© Auto Motor und Sport – Dino Eisele

For Maxxis, this is another successful test following that of the Premitra 5 voted the best value for money tyre during the Auto Zeitung test. Here, the Victra Sport 5 also won the honorary most economical tyre title. This tyre does not propose the most dynamic handling, but it is remarkably well balanced according to the German magazine.

GoodyearMichelinContinental and Pirelli make it to the top 4. The latter with its P Zero PZ4, is more at ease in wet conditions. However, in dry conditions, its steering response is slow which can result in oversteer.

The Continental PremiumContact 6 suffers in wet conditions with braking distances which are slightly longer than the best. It compensates with its precise and direct response in dry conditions, especially when cornering.

Auto Motor und Sport UHP tyre comparison: summer tyre cornering test with a BMW
© Auto Motor und Sport – Dino Eisele

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 are almost inseparable in all tests both offering a dynamic drive and extremely precise handling. They offer a high resistance to aquaplaning and the best ride comfort. But with the shortest braking distances of all the tyres tested, it is the Goodyear tyre that wins this comparison test by a whisker. All the same, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is slightly sportier. Performances which come at a cost; this tyre is by far the most expensive of the 11 tyres selected by Auto Motor und Sport.

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