2018 Auto Bild 19 inch Summer Tyre Test

Test Summary
Wet BrakingContinental Sport Contact 6
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
Dry BrakingFalken Azenis FK510
WearContinental Sport Contact 6
Rolling ResistanceHankook Ventus S1 evo2
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
NoiseHankook Ventus S1 evo2
Snow HandlingContinental Sport Contact 6
Toyo Proxes Sport
Nankang Noble Sport NS20
This year Auto Bild have covered both 19 and 20" UHP tyres, and while we've covered the 20" test already, we delayed covering the 19" test for a few weeks.

In those few weeks, Sport Auto Magazine released their 19" tyre test, and it uses exactly the same 245/35 R19 and 265/35 R19 tyres, on the same BMW M2, and tests the same six UHP tyres at the same location.

The logical question would be why publish this version of the test, as the results should be exactly the same? Well, they're not. Whether it be down to driving style, test parameters or just the weather on the day, Sport Auto and Auto Bild have managed to come up with two different test results using the same vehicle and tyres, proving just how close the very best tyres on the market are.

Below is the Auto Bild version of the test, be sure to check out Sport Autos results here.

Dry

In the dry the Continental was strongest, winning both the dry braking and dry handling tests. The Michelin was second fastest around the lap, but could only place fourth during the braking tests, stopping the car 0.6 meters after the Continental did.

Wet

The Falken continued its recent strong performance by dominating in both the shallow water wet tests, and being close enough during the aquaplaning results. The Michelin, Continental and Hankook were again all close with the Toyo and Nankang once again lagging behind.

Environment

While the Nankang was the cheapest to buy, it also used the most fuel. The Continental proved to have the best external noise levels.

Results

Full details below, and as always check out the Auto Bild website for all the glorious details (in German)

1st: Continental Sport Contact 6

Continental Sport Contact 6
  • 265/35 R19
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 39
  2. Dry: 8
  3. Wet: 7
  4. Comfort: 5
  5. Rolling Resistance: 5
  6. Noise: 6
  7. Overall: 8
An excellent all round tyre with the highest performance levels. Precise steering and dynamic driving behavior in the dry and wet.
Average rolling resistance.

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2nd: Hankook Ventus S1 evo2

Hankook Ventus S1 evo2
  • 265/35 R19
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 38
  2. Dry: 7
  3. Wet: 6
  4. Comfort: 7
  5. Rolling Resistance: 6
  6. Noise: 5
  7. Overall: 7
Excellent driving qualities with precise steering and good feedback. Short wet and dry braking distances, low rolling resistance, good price / performance ratio.
High noise.

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3rd: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S
  • 265/35 R19
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 38
  2. Dry: 8
  3. Wet: 6
  4. Comfort: 6
  5. Rolling Resistance: 6
  6. Noise: 5
  7. Overall: 7
Dry specialist with sporty dynamic handling, precise steering and good feedback. Balance performance on a wet track, short stopping distances, good ride comfort.
Expensive.

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4th: Falken Azenis FK510

Falken Azenis FK510
  • 265/35 R19
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 32
  2. Dry: 6
  3. Wet: 8
  4. Comfort: 3
  5. Rolling Resistance: 5
  6. Noise: 5
  7. Overall: 5
Sporty tyres with dynamic handling qualities in the wet, and short wet and dry braking distances. Good value.
Understeer in the dry, average comfort levels.

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5th: Toyo Proxes Sport

Toyo Proxes Sport
  • 265/35 R19
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 29
  2. Dry: 4
  3. Wet: 5
  4. Comfort: 5
  5. Rolling Resistance: 5
  6. Noise: 6
  7. Overall: 4
Good aquaplaning result, quiet pass by noise, cheap to buy.
Average grip in both the dry and wet with an understeer balance. Slow steering and long braking distances.

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6th: Nankang Noble Sport NS20

Nankang Noble Sport NS20
  • 265/35 R19
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 17
  2. Dry: 1
  3. Wet: 1
  4. Comfort: 2
  5. Rolling Resistance: 5
  6. Noise: 6
  7. Overall: 2
Good aquaplaning resistance, low price.
Poor balance, long braking distances in both the wet and dry, poor grip and spongy handling.

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