2010 Auto Bild Winter 4x4 Tyre Test

As proven in this video, owning a 4x4 off vehicle is no substitute for being on the correct tyre during the winter months.

Auto Bild have recently tested 8 tyres in 215/65 r16 on a Volvo XC70 for dry, wet and snow performance. As always the results were close amongst the premium brands, with Dunlop just beating Continental to the top spot.

Full Results

	1st: Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D Total: 25 / Dry: 7 / Wet: 8 / Snow: 10 Positive: Fantastic grip and short braking distances on snow, predictable handling, very balanced winter tyres with no real weaknesses. Negative: Average rolling resistance. Overall: Exemplary.
	2nd: Continental ContiCrossContact Winter Total: 23 / Dry: 7 / Wet: 6 / Snow: 10 Positive: Balanced winter tires, short braking distances on snow, low rolling resistance. Negative: Slightly extended stopping distance on dry pavement, not exactly cheap. Overall: Exemplary.
	3rd: Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero Total: 22 / Dry: 7 / Wet: 6 / Snow: 9 Positive: Short braking distances on snow, very quiet, well-balanced winter tire, low rolling resistance. Negative: Somewhat reduced performance in curved aquaplaning. Overall: Exemplary.
	4th: Michelin Latitude Alpin HP Total: 19 / Dry: 7 / Wet: 5 / Snow: 7 Positive: Good snow grip, low rolling resistance. Negative: Reduced adhesion on wet roads, light steering response, not exactly cheap. Overall: Recommended.
	5th: Toyo Open Country WT Total: 19 / Dry: 6 / Wet: 5 / Snow: 8 Positive: Cheap, good on snow, short dry braking distance. Negative: Slightly reduced grip on wet roads, moderate comfort, high rolling resistance. Overall: Recommended.
	6th: Nokian W RG2 SUV Total: 18 / Dry: 8 / Wet: 7 / Snow: 3 Positive: Great on wet and dry roads, low rolling resistance. Negative: Poor grip on snow, moderate comfort, not cheap. Overall: Recommended.
	7th: Bridgestone Blizzak LM25 4X4 Total: 18 / Dry: 7 / Wet: 5 / Snow: 6
	8th: Kumho Izen RV KC15 Total: 15 / Dry: 5 / Wet: 3 / Snow: 7 Positive: very cheap winter tires, good on snow, very low rolling resistance. Negative: Very poor wet grip, spongy ride in dry conditions, poor aquaplaning resistance. Overall: Not recommended.

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