Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3: The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 faces a fresh challenger: the new Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3! Pirelli’s latest-generation winter tire promises impressive snow traction, confident wet grip, and improved winter performance. But can this newcomer outperform Michelin’s proven premium winter tire?
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Results: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3
Results below were taken from 2026 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test with a total of 12 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 vs Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about the middle European winter segment with both tires having the converted 3 peak mountain logo, snow performances was tested. The tire size of interest is 225/45 R18 which is a common tire size for BMW 3 Series & Audi A4. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupé and a BMW M240i.
Wet
In wet braking, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 takes the lead, stopping at 49.3 meters compared to 52.8 meters for the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5. That’s 3.5 meters shorter, or 7% better for Pirelli. However, Michelin fights back in wet handling, reaching 70.4 km/h versus 69.6 km/h, a 0.8 km/h advantage, or 1% better. Michelin also leads in straight aquaplaning at 77.4 km/h compared to 75.1 km/h, a 2.3 km/h advantage, or 3% better.
Overall, Pirelli delivers significantly better wet braking, while Michelin holds small advantages in wet handling and aquaplaning resistance. For me, Pirelli has the edge in wet performance thanks to its stronger braking result.
Cinturato Winter 3 :
- +7% in wet braking
- -1% in wet handling
- -3% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
In snow braking, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 takes the lead, stopping at 25.1 meters compared to 25.7 meters for the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3. That’s 0.6 meters shorter, or 2% better for Michelin. Michelin also leads in snow traction, producing 2,699 N compared to Pirelli’s 2,610 N, an advantage of 89 N, or 3% better. In snow handling, Michelin maintains its lead at 66.4 km/h versus 64.6 km/h, making it 1.8 km/h faster, or 3% better.
Overall, Michelin wins all three snow tests, showing a consistent advantage in braking, traction, and handling. While the differences are relatively small, Michelin is clearly the stronger tire on snow.
Cinturato Winter 3 :
- -2% in snow braking
- -3% in snow traction
- -3% in snow handling
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 takes the lead, stopping at 40.8 meters compared to 42.0 meters for the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3. That’s 1.2 meters shorter, or 3% better for Michelin. Michelin also leads in dry handling, reaching 98.8 km/h versus Pirelli’s 97.9 km/h, making it 0.9 km/h faster, or 1% better.
Cinturato Winter 3 :
- -3% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling
Noise & Comfort
In ride comfort, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 takes the lead, scoring 9.6 points compared to 8.8 for the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3, an advantage of 0.8 points, or 4% better based on subjective scaling. Michelin also performs better in noise, measuring 70.2 dB(A) compared to Pirelli’s 71.1 dB(A), making it 0.9 dB(A) quieter, or 1% better.
Cinturato Winter 3 :
- -4% in comfort (subj)
- -1% in exterior noise (+0.9 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 takes the lead, recording 8.1 kg/t compared to 8.6 kg/t for the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5. That’s 0.5 kg/t lower, or 6% better for Pirelli, potentially improving fuel efficiency.
Cinturato Winter 3 :
- +6% in Rolling resistance
Price
For tire size 225/45 R18, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 costs €178, while the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 is cheaper at €166. That’s a saving of €12, or 7%, making Pirelli the more affordable option.
Tire size: 225/45 R18
- Pilot Alpin 5 : € 178
- Cinturato Winter 3 : € 166
Difference: -7% more cheaper for Cinturato Winter 3
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
From my perspective as a tire expert, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is the better all-round winter tire, winning across all snow and dry tests while delivering superior comfort, lower noise, and slightly better wet handling and aquaplaning resistance. However, the new Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 makes a strong case, offering 7% better wet braking, 6% lower rolling resistance, and a 7% lower price.
My recommendation? I’d choose Michelin for its more balanced winter performance, especially on snow. But if wet braking, fuel efficiency, and value for money are your priorities, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 is an excellent alternative.
Dr Edwin Pang