Just because your car runs wide, low profile wheels and tyres, it doesn't mean it shouldn't work in the snow. Modern winter tyres are now made in extremely wide sizes, and can totally transform RWD cars such as a BMW 3 Series from an unusable drive way ordainment, to king of the roads in poor conditions.
To test this, Auto Bild took six of the sportiest winter tyres in 225/40 R18 and put them through the usual selection of tough tests. On test were three tyres we recommended in this years winter tyre buying guide, two of which had yet to be tested at the time of writing, so we're relived to see them finishing in the top three positions!
![]() | 1st: Goodyear UltraGrip 8 Performance Positive: Winter tires of the highest class with the best grip and excellent traction on snow-covered slopes, balanced safe handling qualities in all weather conditions, good directional stability and steering response, low road noise Negative: None Overall: Exemplary Read Reviews Buy from £89.40 |
2nd: Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 Positive: Wwinter tire with excellent performance on snow, stable handling qualities in both wet and dry conditions, precise steering response and good feedback, short wet braking distances, good ride comfort Negative: None Overall: Exemplary Read Reviews Buy from £111.00 | |
![]() | 3rd: Nokian WR A3 Positive: Good handling on snowy, wet and dry roads, stable cornering and precise steering response, short wet and dry braking distances , low fuel consumption Negative: Average comfort Overall: Exemplary Read Reviews Buy from £199.10 |
![]() | 4th: Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D Positive: Short stopping distances and stable running on snow, high safety reserves with aquaplaning, dynamic wet handling, low road noise Negative: Slightly prolonged wet and dry braking distances Overall: Satisfactory Read Reviews |
![]() | 5th: Pirelli Sottozero Serie II Positive: Winter professional with impressive driving on snowy path, good aquaplaning properties Negative: Slightly prolonged wet and dry braking distances, tendency to understeer on wet track, increased rolling resistance Overall: Satisfactory Read Reviews Buy from £97.90 |
![]() | 6th: Nankang SV2 Positive: Stable handling in dry conditions, quiet pass-by noise Negative: Poor understeering handling on wet and snow-covered track, dangerously extended braking distances on wet roads, poor comfort Overall: Not recommended Read Reviews Buy from £126.80 |