After keeping us waiting for a couple of weeks, Auto Bild has published the outcome of its summer tyre testing for 2025. Having eliminated more than half the original 52 tyre brands in a preliminary round of wet and dry braking, the publication’s test specialist Dierk Möller examined the 20 remaining size 225/40 R18 tyres in greater detail, investigating how each performed in conditions that motorists typically encounter throughout the year. Auto Bild also weighed up purchase price and its relationship to mileage potential, as well as rolling resistance, to give each tyre a ‘cost’ score for these factors.
Speaking of price, this ranged from 288 euros for a set of Sailun Atrezzo ZSR2 tyres to 456 euros for the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 (£241 to £382). That’s a 58 per cent difference in price between the cheapest and most expensive product, and this seems a lot when considering that (spoiler alert) both tyres finished in the top ten.
The Sailun tyre ended test proceedings in tenth place with a rating of ‘satisfactory’, directly ahead of its compatriot from Linglong. Auto Bild felt the need to introduce its readers to both Chinese brands, explaining that Linlgong is an original equipment tyre supplier to VW and Sailun the flagship brand of the world’s tenth largest tyre maker, according to turnover.
Test winners – rated exemplary
But first, the winner – or, in this case, winners. Auto Bild jointly awarded first place in its 2025 summer tyre test to the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 and Michelin Pilot Sport 5, both tyres having excelled across key performance areas. The Goodyear tyre stood out for its exceptional safety reserves, strong lateral grip, and impressively short braking distances on wet surfaces, but what also set it apart was outstanding mileage and cost efficiency – Auto Bild thus awarded it the title of ‘Eco-Master of the Year 2025’.
Michelin’s Pilot Sport 5 impressed with dynamic handling and excellent braking performance on both dry and wet roads. Its high durability and strong cost-performance ratio placed it just behind Goodyear in the economy ranking, reinforcing its reputation as a premium yet practical choice. While both tyres excel in performance and longevity, Goodyear’s slight edge in mileage and running costs made it the more economical option overall. However, for drivers prioritising sharp handling and all-round grip, Michelin remains a top-tier contender.
Rated exemplary
The two winners were amongst six tyres that gained Auto Bild’s top ‘exemplary’ rating. They share this honour with the third-placed Bridgestone Potenza Sport as well as the Continental PremiumContact 7, Hankook Ventus evo K137 and Kumho Ecsta PS71, which share fourth spot.
The Bridgestone tyre secured a podium finish with its impressive grip, short braking distances, and dynamic handling characteristics. It was particularly outstanding on dry roads, where it delivered nearly unrivalled braking performance. However, despite excellent driving dynamics, one drawback was its pronounced tread wear after aggressive cornering.
In joint fourth place, Continental, Hankook, and Kumho each delivered an exemplary performance, showcasing well-rounded capabilities. The PremiumContact 7 delivered strong aquaplaning resistance, short braking distances, and dynamic handling, combined with a convincing lifespan and good cost-performance balance. Hankook’s Ventus evo K137 stood out as the best tyre for wet braking while offering secure driving dynamics in all weather conditions, making it a safe and reliable choice. Meanwhile, the Kumho Ecsta PS71 showed exceptional aquaplaning resistance and excellent braking performance, providing a secure and responsive driving experience.
Rated good
With scores not quite reaching into exemplary territory, three tyres gained Auto Bild’s ‘good’ rating. These are the Falken Ziex ZE320, Toyo Proxes Comfort and Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2.
The Falken tyre earned a solid seventh place, impressing with its exceptional driving dynamics and short braking distances on both dry and wet surfaces. It also stood out for its low noise levels, providing a quieter and more comfortable ride compared to many competitors. However, its main drawback was a somewhat limited tread life, which could affect its long-term value.
Toyo and Dunlop, which placed eighth and ninth respectively, also performed well. Toyo showed good aquaplaning resistance and short braking distances, making it a safe and reliable option in wet conditions. However, its lateral grip on wet roads was somewhat lacking, which could impact stability during cornering. Dunlop, on the other hand, stood out with the best aquaplaning resistance of all tyres tested, along with a respectable mileage and good ride comfort. Its main weakness was a tendency to understeer in wet conditions, which could reduce responsiveness in more challenging driving situations. Overall, while these tyres didn’t reach the exemplary category, they remain solid choices for those seeking good all-round performance at a reasonable price.
Rated satisfactory
Progressing down the results table, Auto Bild has given a total of 11 tyres its ‘satisfactory’ rating. Bad luck to Sailun, which just missed out on a higher result, the Atrezzo ZSR 2 having delivered a very respectable performance.
The respective presence of Sailun and Linglong in 10th and 11th places is another reminder that Chinese manufacturers are closing the gap with established brands. Both the Atrezzo ZSR 2 and Sport Master delivered short braking distances and secure handling, but Auto Bild found their tread life/mileage potential wanting. The 12th-placed Maxxis Victra Sport 5 performed well in terms of braking and comfort, yet its delayed steering response and reduced durability held it back. Vredestein Ultrac Pro (13th place) was notable for its strong aquaplaning resistance and balanced performance, but like many others in this category, its mileage was slightly restricted.
In joint 14th place, Laufenn, Nexen, and Pirelli showed mixed results. The Laufenn S Fit EQ+ and Nexen N’Fera Sport delivered short braking distances and decent aquaplaning resistance, but their tread life was somewhat limited. Pirelli’s P Zero PZ4 provided excellent handling and strong braking, yet its high price, mixed with reduced mileage potential, impacted upon the tyre’s value for money.
At the lower end of this group, Giti and Nokian Tyres, in joint 17th place, provided good aquaplaning resistance and a balanced driving experience, but both suffered from reduced tread life and, in Nokian’s case, a tendency to understeer. The 19th-placed Yokohama Advan Sport V107 demonstrated good dry-road performance but was marked down for weaker wet grip and high rolling resistance. Finally, the Firestone Firehawk Sport offered strong aquaplaning safety and the lowest rolling resistance of all, but its lack of wet grip and poor durability contribute to its 20th-place result.
Test winners – rated exemplary
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6
+ Good safety reserves with strong lateral grip and short braking distances in wet conditions, outstanding mileage, best tyre in the cost category.
Michelin Pilot Sport 5
+ Dynamic handling and short braking distances on wet and dry roads, very good mileage, excellent performance in the cost category.
Rated exemplary
Bridgestone Potenza Sport
+ Convincing grip with short braking distances and dynamic handling characteristics.
– Strongly worn tread pattern after fast cornering.
Continental PremiumContact 7
+ Very good aquaplaning reserves, short braking distances, dynamic handling, convincing mileage, excellent performance in the cost category.
Hankook Ventus evo K137
+ Convincing driving dynamics with safe handling and short braking distances in all weather conditions, good mileage, good performance in the cost category.
Kumho Ecsta PS71
+ Very good aquaplaning reserves, convincing driving dynamics with safe handling and short braking distances, good performance in the cost category.
Rated good
Falken Ziex ZE320
+ Outstanding driving dynamics and short braking distances on both wet and dry roads, low rolling noise.
– Slightly limited mileage.
Toyo Proxes Comfort
+ Good aquaplaning reserves, short braking distances, good performance in the cost category.
– Limited lateral grip on wet roads.
Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2
+ The highest safety reserves in aquaplaning, decent mileage, good ride comfort.
– Slight understeering on wet roads.
Rated satisfactory
Sailun Atrezzo ZSR2
+ Good aquaplaning reserves, short braking distances, safe handling, pleasantly low rolling noise.
– Significantly limited mileage.
Linglong Sport Master
+ Short braking distances, dynamic and safe handling in all weather conditions, good lateral grip.
– Strongly limited mileage, high rolling resistance.
Maxxis Victra Sport 5
+ Safe driving behavior with short braking distances on wet and dry roads, low rolling noise.
– Delayed steering response, limited mileage.
Vredestein Ultrac Pro
+ Good aquaplaning reserves, balanced driving behavior, low rolling noise, good comfort.
– Slightly limited mileage.
Laufenn S Fit EQ+
+ Short braking distances, decent aquaplaning reserves, good comfort, low rolling noise.
– Slightly limited mileage.
Nexen N’Fera Sport
+ Good aquaplaning reserves, short braking distances, low rolling resistance.
– Delayed steering response in wet conditions, slightly limited mileage.
Pirelli P Zero PZ4
+ Good driving dynamics with short braking distances, safe aquaplaning characteristics, good ride comfort.
– Significantly limited mileage, high price level.
Giti Sport S2
+ Good aquaplaning reserves, balanced driving dynamics, low rolling resistance.
– Moderate lateral grip in wet conditions, limited mileage.
Nokian Tyres Powerproof 1
+ Good aquaplaning reserves, short braking distances, low rolling noise, low rolling resistance.
– Limited mileage, strong understeering.
Yokohama Advan Sport V107
+Good driving dynamics and short braking distances on dry roads.
– Moderate grip in wet conditions, limited mileage, high rolling resistance.
Firestone Firehawk Sport
+ Good safety reserves in aquaplaning, lowest rolling resistance in the test.
– Low grip on wet roads, significantly limited mileage.
