Auto Bild’s latest comparison for the 2025 season puts twelve winter tyres in the popular 215/55 R17 size through a full-scale examination — a dimension widely used by compact SUVs such as the VW T-Roc, Skoda Karoq, Seat Ateca, Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai Kona Electric or Fiat 500X.
After last month’s test of all-season tyres in the same size, the editors returned to their proving grounds to see how dedicated winter specialists perform. The focus: safety, traction and braking distances on snow, wet and dry roads — measured with precision on multiple test tracks in Finland and Germany.
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Testing Conditions and Methodology
Snow testing took place at Hankook’s Technotrac proving ground in Ivalo, Finland, including braking, traction, slalom, and full lap handling.
Wet and dry performance was measured at Triwo Test Center in Pferdsfeld, Rhineland-Palatinate, where Auto Bild used high-precision irrigation systems and instrumented vehicles.
Rolling resistance was determined separately on a certified test bench.
All tyres were mounted on a VW T-Roc and compared against a reference summer tyre. The weather data during testing was closely monitored to eliminate bias from wind or temperature changes.
Results at a Glance
The test revealed wide gaps in performance, despite all models being EU-approved.
The cheapest contenders cost less than half of the premium brands, yet the difference in grip, braking and aquaplaning control was striking.
Hankook’s Winter i*cept RS3 impressed with the shortest braking distance on snow and wet roads, while Goodyear’s UltraGrip Performance 3 set the tone in wet handling.
Bridgestone’s Blizzak 6 and Pirelli’s Cinturato Winter 2 proved extremely balanced, combining secure winter traction with predictable handling on all surfaces.
Continental’s WinterContact TS 870 P and Vredestein’s Wintrac Pro+ also received top marks, making up a premium field of “exemplary” tyres.
The Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ (★87) followed as a solid “good” option for value seekers, while budget tyres from Leao, Linglong and Tomket clearly lagged behind in braking and control — in some cases taking several car lengths longer to stop.
Key Takeaways from the Test
Winter tyres remain the safest option for those who frequently drive in cold, wet, or snowy conditions. Their softer compounds and finely cut sipes deliver shorter braking distances and more reliable traction than most all-season tyres can match.
Auto Bild’s 2025 test once again highlights the clear hierarchy between premium and budget tyres. On slippery roads, the difference between first and last place can mean several meters — the length of an intersection.
Final Verdict
Four tyres earned the magazine’s highest “exemplary” rating:
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, Hankook Winter i*cept RS3, Continental WinterContact TS 870 P (★93), and Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ (★67).
The Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ (★87) was rated “good” and praised for its short dry-braking distances.
Further down, Falken, Pirelli, and Bridgestone delivered strong but slightly less consistent performances across the board.
At the bottom of the table, Leao Winter Defender UHP and Tomket Snowroad Pro 3 demonstrated major weaknesses in wet braking and stability, reminding drivers why investing in quality rubber is worth every euro.
Legal and Safety Notes
Every winter tyre tested carries the Alpine symbol (mountain with snowflake), which has been mandatory across the EU since 2018. Simple M+S markings are no longer sufficient.
In Germany, driving with non-compliant tyres can result in a €60 fine and one penalty point — or up to €120 if others are endangered. In Austria, penalties can reach €5,000 and even vehicle impoundment if tread depth falls below 4 mm.