Auto Motor und Sport published it’s test for 2025 in 215/55 R17 dimension, and this time it took entirely new approach by evaluating each tire twice. First, they conducted their “classic summer tire test”, focusing on the usual disciplines like braking distances, cornering grip, and aquaplaning safety. Then they introduced a second score based on the classic test, but with sustainability criteria mixed in, such as manufacturing ecology, transportation distance and energy efficiency. Also, more weight was put on the rolling resistance and noise.
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Balancing Rolling Resistance and Grip
One of the more fascinating findings was how some âecoâ tires managed to reduce rolling resistance while still delivering reliable traction. Historically, lowering rolling resistance often led to weaker wet grip. Yet modern rubber mixtures showed that itâs possible to optimize for efficiency without forcing drivers to compromise on braking performanceâparticularly in the rain, where a few meters can make all the difference. The test also highlighted the growing demands that battery-heavy electric vehicles place on tires. Heavier weight and instant torque can accelerate wear, which is why manufacturers have developed sturdier carcasses and new compounds. By extending tire life, they not only help customers save money but also cut down on the environmental impact of frequent replacements.
Continentalâs UltraContact NXT: A Green Star
A real eye-catcher was Continentalâs UltraContact NXT, featured for the first time and immediately claiming victory in the sustainability-focused evaluation. It relies heavily on recycled and renewable materials, which helped it achieve a top score when the ecological aspect was given extra weight. However, for those who care primarily about traditional performance measures, Falkenâs e.Ziex slipped just ahead of the Continental, mainly because of better dry braking and handling.
The third place in the standard test goes to the Bridgestone Turanza 6 (â 77), a tire we already know well from many tests, which excels on wet roads. However, when sustainability aspects were factored in, it had to settle for fourth place, tied with the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2. This makes sense, as these are the only two tires in the test that were not primarily designed with sustainability in mind. The last two tyres we haven’t covered yet are the Michelin e.Primacy (â 71), which scored perfect 10’s in all the sustainability and ecology parts of the tests, but lacked a bit on the wet braking and handling to score higher in both tests.
Why Retreads Are Still a No-Go
Another attention-grabber was the attempt to see whether retreaded tiresâa mainstay in the trucking industryâmight also work for everyday passenger cars, which would improve ecology significantly. As it turned out, the retread sample showed pronounced weaknesses in grip and overall build quality, to the point where itâs not a realistic option for most drivers. The editors also decided to conduct the test with alternative fuelsâHVO 100 for diesel engines and synthetic e-fuels for gasoline vehiclesâto ensure every step was as low in emissions as possible.
Ultimately, this multi-layered approach demonstrates the bigger picture of sustainable tire technology. Itâs not enough just to deliver short braking distances on both wet and dry roads. Materials, transport, and production footprints all matterâand modern tire makers are already mixing more recycled content into their products while retaining strong safety margins. The test ends on a hopeful note: if the best of these new-generation tires can strike such a balance, thereâs every reason to expect further innovation in the years ahead.