Yokohama W Drive

The Yokohama W Drive is a High Performance Winter tyre designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

Dry Grip 81%
Wet Grip 78%
Road Feedback 84%
Handling 73%
Wear 76%
Comfort 81%
Buy again 75%

Tyre review data from 12 tyre reviews averaging 78% over 175,000 miles driven.

The W Drive is ranked 32nd of 60 Winter High Performance tyres.

Latest Tyre Test Results

2018 AZ SUV Winter Tyre Test - 8th of 9 tyres

  • Overall - Reasonable in the dry, but very poor snow performance.
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2013 Winter Tyre Overview - Braking - 21st of 50 tyres

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2012 Auto Bild 42 Winter Tyre Braking Test - 16th of 43 tyres

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2018 Tyre Tests

  • 8th: 2018 AZ SUV Winter Tyre Test (235/60 R18)
  • 2013 Tyre Tests

  • 21st: 2013 Winter Tyre Overview - Braking (195/65 R15)
  • 2012 Tyre Tests

  • 16th: 2012 Auto Bild 42 Winter Tyre Braking Test (205/55 R16)
  • 2010 Tyre Tests

  • 10th: 2010 European Winter Tyre Test (225/45 r17)
  • 11th: 2010 European Winter Tyre Test Part 2 (185/65 r15)
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    Top 3 Yokohama W Drive Reviews

    Given 94% while driving a Audi A5 3.0 tdi quattro sport (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 60,000 spirited miles
    Can't praise these tyres enough on my A5 Quattro they wear brilliantly, grip very well even through the last 3 summers aswell as winters. In Scotland's weather they are ideal.
    Helpful 72 - tyre reviewed on September 15, 2014
    Given 41% while driving a BMW 335d (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 500 average miles
    I fitted these tyres, sold to me as "premium" to a 2006 BMW 335d Touring. Expecting slight compromises over my usual Summer tyres, I drove fairly cautiously, especially as Winter tyres need a lot of "scrubbing in." What I got was a set of tyres, costing me over £500 that made my car genuinely dangerous. The traction light was constantly on despite gentle driving and the car fishtailed so badly that we avoided overtaking anything. The tyres are back with Yokohama for analysis but I fear they will just be sent back and I will have wasted a lot of money. I'm sure they work fine in snow and ice but they are dreadful in warmer conditions which we experience commonly in a UK Winter. I will update if Yokohama do offer a refund but I am expecting to have to try and sell these terrible tyres on. I'm an IAM and Police trained driver and have owned the car five years so know it very well.
    Helpful 31 - tyre reviewed on December 14, 2013
    Given 76% while driving a BMW 5 Series 2007 (245/40 R18) on mostly country roads for 8,000 average miles
    Overall I am happy with my winter tires, this is the second winter that I've had them on the car and boxing day was the first day I have driven in snow and I am very glad to say they were excellent.

    Previously my 5 series would get stuck on level ground in the snow and I struggled to get it moving even with a push, but now there is no stopping it, the new worry is the car behind that probably doesn't have the ability to stop as quick as me.

    I run Michelin PS2 in summer and that is the best tyre I have had, so the Yokahama W - drive has a lot to keep up with and if I'm honest the grip level reduction in dry weather was noticeable with the Yoko's. In slightly damp weather my traction control light comes on quite often, but in the same conditions the PS2'S wouldn't lose any traction at all (even at the same temperature).

    In cold conditions below 7c I feel more confident with the wDrives, I've lost traction a few times on roundabouts but I was pushing it and they were progressive and I maintained control.

    The main reason I got these was the brand name and previous glowing reviews on here and a good price for tyres and alloy package but in hindsight I wish I had gone for the Nokians, Michelin Alpine or Continental TS850s

    In total I paid £1500 for the alloys and tyres 245 40 18 run flats.
    Helpful 24 - tyre reviewed on December 28, 2014
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    Latest Yokohama W Drive Reviews

    Given 31% while driving a BMW 535d msport touring (245/40 R18) on mostly country roads for 8,000 spirited miles
    Had these on my 535d last year, stored over the summer and back on this winter. In temps ranging from 11c to 0c the car is dangerous. Traction control light on the whole time, and like the driver of the 335d Touring, the rear end has no grip and fishtails like mad (that is until t/c cuts in). Genuinely think that these are the most dangerous tyres I have ever had.
    Helpful 17 - tyre reviewed on December 6, 2014
    Given 73% while driving a Audi TT S (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 3,500 average miles
    I swapped to these winter tyres in Oct, i havent really pushed my car like i would in the warmer dryer weather, but i equally do not hang around, i feel they are a good all round winter tyre, only issue is greasy dirty roads but then again no tyre can deal with that very well.
    I am fairly impressed with the grip in minus temperatures, i have had a few slides on corners but they are predictable and i feel its more than likely me expecting too much in the ice, havent tried them in the snow yet.
    Helpful 20 - tyre reviewed on January 14, 2014
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    Given 94% while driving a Mazda 6 2.0 D (205/55 R16 T) on track for 34,000 easy going miles
    Absolutely great tires! So far I have driven 34000 miles using them in various conditions, from dry cold through wet mud up to heavy snow and black ice. Thread is still enough deep. Wear is okay when pressure is okay or even a bit higher than recommended. Otherwise may worn be out far more quick.
    Helpful 29 - tyre reviewed on November 11, 2012
    Given 95% while driving a Kia Motors Sportage (235/65 R16 H) on a combination of roads for 6,000 average miles
    Not pushed these tyres to the limit as I am not generaly a fast driver and my first winter with these fitted was unusually mild but I grip has been excellent. The only tiome they broke traction was on a wet diesel covered roundabout and the car refused to turn. The tyes eventually bit and I carried on without too much drama unlike a previous motorist who had skidded off. Wear is so far good and ride is comfortable and quiet.
    Helpful 16 - tyre reviewed on May 26, 2012
    Given 90% while driving a Volkswagen Passat 2.0TDI (205/55 R16 V) on mostly motorways for 15,000 spirited miles
    Excellent all-round tyre for winter. It's not a genuine hardcore winter tyre like Nokian Hakappelita, but I guess it's better than other Nokians. Excellent for driving on asphalt in winter. Even managed to get out from wet ground off the road while my right side was on road with ice. Not pricey. Would buy again.
    Helpful 22 - tyre reviewed on May 19, 2011
    Given 94% while driving a Mitsubishi New Lacer (215/45 R18 V) on a combination of roads for 10,000 spirited miles
    Very impressed by these tyres, they are good both in wet/snow/ice or dry conditions and in pretty much all seasons. However I would not recommend using them in summer.
    Helpful 19 - tyre reviewed on April 1, 2011
    Given 90% while driving a Rover 220sdi (165/70 R14 T) on a combination of roads for 12,000 spirited miles
    had these on since october now cant belive how much they transformed my car in the snow and ice. so good infact ive towed countless cars struggleing to clime the hill outside our house.
    Helpful 20 - tyre reviewed on February 3, 2011
    Given 93% while driving a Daewoo Leganza (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 10,000 spirited miles
    Superb handling on dry roads in winter. Very good behavior even on warmer weather. On highway, at high speeds (above 150km/h), the car seems to be equipped with premium summer tyres. There is almost no difference between these winter tyres and summer tyres. They also do a fantastic job on ice and snow. Very quiet at any speed, great stability and breaking performance. Definitely will buy again
    Helpful 15 - tyre reviewed on September 10, 2010