AutoBild winter tire test 245/45 R19 2026

The biggest winter tire test of the year ended in a tie. The German magazine AUTO BILD started with 50 tires in the 245/45 R19 size, selected the twenty best from them, and subjected them to a full test on snow, wet, and dry surfaces. In first place, Continental and Michelin share an equal grade. However, more affordable brands also made it into the top ten.

What cars is the 245/45 R19 size for

The 245/45 R19 size is a premium format for upper-middle-class cars, such as the BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Volvo S90, or Polestar 2. For such cars, tires are not bought cheaply, which makes it all the more important to choose correctly.

Before buying, check the size in the vehicle registration certificate.

1. Round 1: qualification. All 50 tires underwent braking tests on wet surfaces and on snow, and both braking distances were added together. The 20 tires with the shortest combined total advanced to the final. Twelve tires braked so poorly on wet surfaces that the testers didn't even let them onto the snow and labeled them as not recommended.
2. Round 2: full test. The twenty finalists went through tests on snow, wet, and dry surfaces. The evaluation also included expected mileage, rolling resistance, and purchase price.

Both tires received a grade of 1.3 ("very good") and, according to the testers, delivered an almost flawless performance. On dry roads, both are strong and without any significant weaknesses. They differ in where they excel.

Continental had the best results on wet roads, high resistance to aquaplaning, and the best handling in the entire test. It lost points for the price-to-mileage ratio: for its price, it doesn't last as long as the competition.

Who it's for: for drivers who drive mainly on wet roads and highways during winter, which, under our conditions, is most of the winter.

Michelin is the strongest in snow and has the highest estimated mileage in the test. The downsides are a high price and minor weaknesses in aquaplaning in corners.

Who it's for: for those who drive in mountains or in areas with frequent snow and want their tires to last as long as possible.

Just behind the winners, with a grade of 1.4 ("very good"):

• Hankook Winter i*cept evo 4 is the most cost-effective tire among the top four. For a lower price, it offers performance at the level of the premium elite.
• Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 had the best braking on wet surfaces in qualification out of all 50 tires and had the shortest combined braking distance.

The remaining places in the top ten were taken by:

• Kleber Krisalp HP3 (5th place),
• Bridgestone Blizzak 6 (6th place),
• Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 (7th place),
• Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ (8th place),
• Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ (9th place), which had the shortest braking distance on snow in qualification out of all 50 tires,
• Barum Polaris 6 (10th place).

Interestingly, Kleber and Kumho finished ahead of some premium brands, and Barum made it into the top ten. Anyone looking for a quality winter tire in the 245/45 R19 size at a more reasonable price should take a look at these.

• At the top, it's extremely close. The top ten are separated by only half a grade point, and all the tires in it are "good" or "very good".
• Choose your winner based on your winter. For wet roads, Continental is better; for snow and long life, Michelin.
• Cheaper doesn't mean worse, but… Hankook, Kleber, Kumho, and Barum showed that quality doesn't have to cost the most. The twelve not-recommended tires from qualification, on the other hand, serve as a reminder that the cheapest models often save money at the expense of safety.