AUTO BILD winter tire test shows large performance gaps

AUTO BILD has launched a large-scale winter tire test for 2026, evaluating 50 different pneumatic models in the 245/45 R19 dimension. The initial qualification phase focused on braking performance on wet asphalt from 80 km/h and on snow from 50 km/h.

The results revealed significant performance gaps, with a difference of 17.6 meters between the best and worst performing tires on wet asphalt. Following the combined braking distance evaluation, 20 models have advanced to the final testing phase.

The Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 achieved the best overall combined stopping distance of 62.5 meters (33 meters on wet asphalt and 29.5 meters on snow). It was followed by the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P in second place with 63.3 meters, and the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 in third with 65 meters.

While Pirelli led the overall results, Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ recorded the shortest braking distance specifically on snow, requiring only 28.9 meters to stop from 50 km/h.