Performance profile: PremiumContact 7 wins Auto Express tyre test

Continental’s PremiumContact 7 tyre scoops up first place in the Auto Express 2023 Summer Tyre Test. The PremiumContact 7 notably stood out for its wet and dry braking, plus handing in the wet.

The tests focused on five key elements of tyre performance; cornering and braking in the wet, dry braking, tyre noise, fuel economy and price as listed on Blackcircles.com.

Continental's PremiumContact 7 was tested alongside 11 other brands including new tyres from Michelin, plus returning favourites from brands such as Bridgestone, Hankook, and Kumho.

All brand tyres were tested on a Volkswagen Golf – in 16-inch design – at Continental’s Contidrom proving ground near Hanover, Germany – where we recently tested the relationship between tyre and EV efficiency.

Podium-topping PremiumContact 7

The PremiumContact 7 won out in braking and handling, regaining Continental's ‘best in braking’ title as the tyre won in the wet braking by over a metre – while other brands were separated by mere centimetres. Continental’s in-house comparison testing with the PremiumContact 6 showed that the newer tyre has improved wet handling by 5% and wet braking by an even more impressive 7%.

Fortunately, the PremiumContact 7 comes in 46 different variants with rim sizes ranging from 16 to 21 inch – serving a wide selection of vehicles. From electric and traditional combustion engine cars and SUVs.

To better support the EV community, all of Continental’s EV-compatible tyres are now marked with a logo on the sidewall.

For the PremiumContact 7 summer tyre, Continental has introduced a size-specific design, innovative RedChili compound for the tread, and an adaptive tread design.

First-class family traits

These accolades should come as no surprise. The PremiumContact 7 is the seventh generation of the multi award-winning PremiumContact range. Tyres known for their excellent braking performance on wet and dry roads, outstanding protection against aquaplaning and improved grip when cornering. These features come from the use of bionic engineering. Based on the natural mechanisms of the leopard's paw and combining with the new generation silica rubber to provide low rolling resistance, better grip, and shorter braking distances.

Following in family footsteps of the PremiumContact 6 which is rated 4.6/5 overall out 1143 reviews by Blackcircles’ customers, PremiumContact 7 is rated 4.9/5 for would buy again.

Time to upgrade your tyres? Why not try an award-winning performer?