In last article, we checked the new Continental winter tyre for performance vehicles and now let’s dive into another premium manufacturer – Michelin. This time, however, we’re looking at a more mainstream model designed for the majority of vehicles on the market. It builds on the 6th model, introduced back in 2019, and offers notable improvements: 6% better braking on snow, 1.5% faster acceleration on snow, and a 9% reduction in rolling resistance, which will have a direct impact on the range of electric vehicles.
In this new generation, Michelin continues to rely on a directional V-shaped tread pattern, similar to their popular all-season model, the CrossClimate 2. However, the new winter tyre boasts more sipes, not only compared to the CrossClimate but also to its predecessor.
What makes Michelin tyres truly unique is their evolving tread design. As the tyre wears down, the sipes expand to maintain optimal traction, even with reduced tread depth. This technology, known as the Evolving Tread Pattern, is definitely something to consider because most tests only evaluate new tyres, leaving out performance across the tyre’s lifespan. Michelin even had tests conducted to demonstrate that the Alpin 7 meets EU wet grip standards, even when worn down.
Now, let’s take a look at what the tests revealed about the Alpin 6 and what we can expect from the new model. Wet performance was frequently cited as a weakness, which is expected to be improved in the new version through an adapted tread design that more effectively evacuates water. However, unlike other aspects, Michelin did not provide any measurement data to support this claim.
Another commonly mentioned flaw of the previous model was snow braking, which, as we noted earlier, has been improved by 6%. While this may not sound significant, even small improvements can make a noticeable difference in modern winter tires. Handling at high speeds was also criticized, but we don’t anticipate much improvement here, as this isn’t the primary focus of the Alpin 7. Instead, high-speed performance is more aligned with the Pilot Alpin 5, a performance-oriented model.
Finally, high rolling resistance was a concern, but this has seen significant improvement, particularly to accommodate electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids. This is increasingly important for test results, as the focus shifts more toward efficiency and sustainability.
We are eagerly awaiting the first winter tests of the Alpin 7, especially since, while the Pilot Alpin 5 ranks at the top of our winter tire list, the Alpin 6 didn’t achieve the same success and didn’t even make the top 10. This is primarily because its higher-than-premium price wasn’t justified by its performance. We’re hopeful that the Alpin 7 will change that, as Michelin has a strong track record of delivering innovations.
