Die Reifentester tested 5 summer tyres in size 235/55 R18 on an Audi Q3 and VW Tiguan at the Bridgestone proving ground in Aprilia, Italy. An additional Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 (★90) was included as a direct summer-vs-all-season comparison. The result: all five summer tyres earned a “good” rating, but with very different character profiles.
The headline: Continental PremiumContact 7 (★97) takes first place with a tiny margin, thanks to its dominant wet braking performance (33.94 m from 80 km/h — the shortest in the test). Falken Ziex ZE 320 and Nokian Powerproof 2 (★82) share second place with complementary strengths — Falken excels in dry braking and comfort, Nokian in all wet disciplines.
☰
Top 3 comparison
Full rankings
1. Continental PremiumContact 7 (★97) — good (test winner)
The Continental takes first place with the best wet braking in the test (33.94 m) and secure, responsive wet handling. Dry braking is also strong at 34.2 m (2nd place). The trade-off: the highest rolling resistance among the five summer tyres (7.3 kg/t) and somewhat louder interior noise. A safety-focused tyre that dominates where it matters most.
2. Falken Ziex ZE 320 — good (tied 2nd)
The Falken shares second place and delivers the shortest dry braking distance in the entire test (33.6 m from 100 km/h). It also earns the best comfort rating (“very good”) and the highest longitudinal aquaplaning speed (80.8 km/h). Its only notable weakness: the lowest lateral aquaplaning score. A sporty, comfortable tyre that combines performance with everyday refinement.
2. Nokian Powerproof 2 (★82) — good (tied 2nd)
The surprise performer of the test. The Nokian earned four “very good” ratings across all wet disciplines, including a remarkable 10% advantage in lateral aquaplaning over all competitors. Wet handling is the best in the test. The downside: weaker dry braking (35.7 m), noticeably louder interior noise, and reduced comfort with after-vibration on poor road surfaces. The clear choice for drivers who prioritize wet-weather safety.
4. Michelin Primacy 5 (★84) — good
The Michelin is the efficiency champion, tying with Bridgestone for the best rolling resistance at 6.3 kg/t. It offers dependable, even-tempered performance and good wet braking (34.9 m). The weakness: the longest dry braking distance among the summer tyres (37.23 m) and a tendency to understeer in both wet and dry handling. A solid, predictable choice for everyday comfort driving.
5. Bridgestone Turanza 6 (★78) — good
The Bridgestone rounds out the field with strengths in efficiency and refinement — it matches Michelin for the best rolling resistance (6.3 kg/t) and records the quietest interior noise among the summer tyres. However, it lacks standout performance in any safety-critical discipline: wet handling feels indifferent, and it wins no braking or aquaplaning category. A quiet, efficient tyre that trades dynamic performance for comfort.
Summer vs all-season: the gap is clear
The comparative Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 (★90) exposed the compromises of running an all-season tyre in summer. Dry braking required 38.98 m — over 5 m more than the best summer tyre (Falken, 33.6 m). Wet braking stretched to 37.7 m versus Continental’s 33.94 m. In tight wet corners, the soft compound and numerous sipes caused the tyre to feel overloaded. The all-season did excel in one area: it recorded the lowest noise levels of all tyres tested. But for pure summer performance, dedicated summer tyres clearly outperform.
Key measured values
Dry braking (100-0 km/h): Falken 33.6 m, Continental 34.2 m, Bridgestone 35.6 m, Nokian 35.7 m, Michelin 37.23 m. All-season: 38.98 m.
Wet braking (80-0 km/h): Continental 33.94 m, Nokian 34.0 m, Michelin 34.9 m, Falken 36.1 m, Bridgestone 36.5 m. All-season: 37.7 m.
Longitudinal aquaplaning (7 mm water): Falken 80.8 km/h, All-season 78.6 km/h, Bridgestone 76.8 km/h.
Rolling resistance: Bridgestone 6.3 kg/t, Michelin 6.3 kg/t, Falken 6.7 kg/t, Nokian 6.8 kg/t, All-season 7.2 kg/t, Continental 7.3 kg/t.
Test winner
Continental PremiumContact 7
Dimensions: 205/35R16 - 315/65R21
Number of sizes: 62
Number of tests: 5
Best dry braking & comfort
Falken ZIEX ZE320
Dimensions: 185/40R15 - 245/70R18
Number of sizes: 49
Number of tests: 5
Wet weather specialist
Nokian Powerproof 2
Dimensions: 205/30R16 - 315/65R21
Number of sizes: 75
Number of tests: 5