Summer 2025: Continental Dominates Europe's Independent Press Tests
- Continental continues its success story in summer tire tests in 2025 with a total of ten test wins and four second places
- The SportContact 7 won seven out of eight tests, demonstrating its strong performance for sporty vehicles
- With the UltraContact NXT, Continental demonstrates that high safety and sustainability can coexist
Hanover, Germany, June, 12, 2025. Continental has once again confirmed its leading position in independent tire tests for the 2025 summer season. Of the comparative tests published thus far, the premium brand's summer tires have taken first place ten times and second place four times. Continental is thus continuing its successful streak of recent years.
The SportContact 7 has been in the spotlight often, winning seven out of eight tests, including those conducted by ADAC and the trade magazines sport auto and AUTO BILD sportscars. The SportContact 7 was developed for sporty and powerful vehicles, whether they have a combustion or electric engine. Tire experts particularly praise its successful combination of driving dynamics, control, and safety.
The PremiumContact 7 also performed well this season. The British magazine Tyre Reviews named it the winner of its summer tire test. AUTO BILD was doubly impressed by the tire: second place in the test for electric vehicles and the “VorBILDlich” rating in the large summer tire test. It also placed second in the Swedish magazine Aftonbladet. Designed as a balanced all-rounder, the PremiumContact 7 is aimed at drivers who value safety and comfort. Its strengths include excellent wet grip, low rolling resistance, and high mileage.
The UltraContact NXT, Continental's most sustainable volume car tire had a strong debut in testing. In tests conducted by the Polish magazine Motor and the German magazine Auto, Motor und Sport, the UltraContact NXT impressed with its high safety reserves while focusing on sustainability. The UltraContact NXT has a share of up to 65 percent renewable, recycled, or mass balance-certified materials, and it received the top "A" rating on the EU tire label for rolling resistance, wet braking, and exterior noise in all 19 dimensions.
Strong presence throughout Europe
"Our tires consistently perform well in independent tests — a result that speaks for itself," says Andreas Schlenke, tire expert at Continental. “Last year alone, we won 39 tests across Europe. Our continued success in 2025 confirms the excellence of our development work."
Independent tire tests play a key role for many drivers. According to a 2023 study, over two-thirds of European tire buyers pay particular attention to test results when choosing a model. These tests evaluate criteria such as wet and dry grip, handling, safety, rolling resistance, and noise development, providing a solid foundation for informed decision-making that goes beyond the EU tire label.
