Linglong vs Sailun vs Chaoyang: The battle for the best Chinese Ultra-High Performance (UHP) tire is heating up as three major Chinese tire manufacturers go head-to-head: Linglong Sport Master vs Sailun Atrezzo ZSR2 vs Chaoyang ARISUN 1 SPORT-e. With Chinese tire brands increasingly challenging established premium manufacturers, the question is no longer just about affordability, but which brand can deliver the best performance.
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Results: Linglong vs Sailun vs Chaoyang
Results below were taken from the ABV’s 2026 Summer Tire Test. A total of 8 tires were tested this time around. The graph below shows the comparison between Linglong vs Sailun vs Chaoyang based on the relevant performance category. The Linglong Sport Master was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective evaluation, we equate 1 point as 10%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, A is better than B by 10%.
The tire size of interest is the 245/40R19 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the BMW 3 series & Audi A4. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a CUPRA Formentor as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Chaoyang ARISUN 1 SPORT-e takes a convincing lead at 44.04 m, stopping 3.80 m shorter than the Linglong Sport Master (47.84 m), a 9% advantage. The Sailun Atrezzo ZSR2 finishes last at 52.59 m, stopping 4.75 m further than Linglong (-9%). Wet handling follows the same trend, with Chaoyang leading at 80.59 km/h, 4.26 km/h faster than Linglong (76.33 km/h, +6%), while Sailun trails at 74.26 km/h, 2.07 km/h slower (-3%).
Straight aquaplaning is much closer, with Linglong narrowly leading at 69.2 km/h, just 0.2 km/h ahead of Chaoyang (69.0 km/h, 0% difference). Sailun again finishes last at 66.3 km/h, trailing Linglong by 2.9 km/h (-4%). Overall, Chaoyang is the clear wet performance winner, dominating braking and handling, while Linglong remains competitive in aquaplaning resistance. Sailun consistently finishes behind both rivals.
Wet braking :
- 100% Sport Master
- 91% Atrezzo ZSR2
- 109% ARISUN 1 SPORT-e
Wet handling (avg speed) :
- 100% Sport Master
- 97% Atrezzo ZSR2
- 106% ARISUN 1 SPORT-e
Aquplaning :
- 100% Sport Master
- 96% Atrezzo ZSR2
- 109% ARISUN 1 SPORT-e
Dry
In dry braking, the Chaoyang ARISUN 1 SPORT-e leads at 34.90 m, stopping 1.79 m shorter than the Linglong Sport Master (36.69 m), a 5% advantage. The Sailun Atrezzo ZSR2 is almost identical to Linglong at 36.64 m, just 0.05 m shorter (0% difference).
Dry handling follows a similar trend, with Chaoyang leading at 123.55 km/h, 2.59 km/h faster than Linglong (120.96 km/h, +2%). Sailun comes second at 121.43 km/h, just 0.47 km/h faster than Linglong (0% difference). Overall, Chaoyang is the clear dry performance winner, while Linglong and Sailun deliver nearly identical results.
Dry braking :
- 100% Sport Master
- 100% Atrezzo ZSR2
- 105% ARISUN 1 SPORT-e
Dry handling (avg speed) :
- 100% Sport Master
- 100% Atrezzo ZSR2
- 102% ARISUN 1 SPORT-e
Dry handling (subj) :
- 100% Sport Master
- 102% Atrezzo ZSR2
- 112% ARISUN 1 SPORT-e
Cabin Noise
In cabin noise, all three tires perform almost identically. The Chaoyang ARISUN 1 SPORT-e is the quietest at 65.6 dB(A), just 0.1 dB(A) quieter than the Linglong Sport Master (65.7 dB(A)) and 0.2 dB(A) quieter than the Sailun Atrezzo ZSR2 (65.8 dB(A)). All three are effectively tied at 0% difference.
Overall, there is no meaningful difference in cabin noise between these three Chinese UHP tires, making noise performance unlikely to influence the buying decision.
Cabin Noise :
- 100% Sport Master
- 100% Atrezzo ZSR2 (+0.1 dB)
- 100% ARISUN 1 SPORT-e (-0.1 dB)
Rolling Resistance
For 225/40 R18, the Linglong Sport Master is the cheapest at ¥759, followed by the Sailun Atrezzo ZSR2 at ¥852, which is ¥93 more expensive (+12%). The Chaoyang ARISUN 1 SPORT-e is the most expensive at ¥869, costing ¥110 more than Linglong (+14%) and just ¥17 more than Sailun (+2%).
Overall, Linglong offers the lowest price, but Chaoyang’s superior wet and dry performance makes its 14% premium worth considering. Sailun sits in the middle on price, with its strongest advantage being lower rolling resistance.
Rolling Resistance :
- 100% Sport Master
- 113% Atrezzo ZSR2
- 98% ARISUN 1 SPORT-e (-0.1 dB)
Price
For the popular LT265/70R17 size, the Discoverer Stronghold AT is priced at $281, making it $21 cheaper than the Rugged Trek at $302, or about 7% lower in price. This positions the Stronghold as the more affordable rugged all-terrain option between the two LT constructions.
The Discoverer Road+Trail AT, priced at $230 in a comparable non-LT size, sits significantly lower overall, coming in $72 cheaper than the Rugged Trek or roughly 31% lower, and $51 below the Stronghold AT, about 22% lower.
Tire size: 225/40R18
- Sport Master: ¥759
- Atrezzo ZSR2 : ¥852
- ARISUN 1 SPORT-e : ¥869
Summary
From my perspective as a tire expert, the Chaoyang ARISUN 1 SPORT-e is the clear overall winner, delivering the best wet braking (+9%), wet handling (+6%), dry braking (+5%), and dry handling (+2%) compared to Linglong. The Linglong Sport Master remains a strong value choice, offering competitive performance at the lowest price of ¥759. Meanwhile, the Sailun Atrezzo ZSR2 stands out for its 13% rolling resistance advantage, making it an attractive option for drivers prioritizing efficiency over outright grip.
My recommendation? I would choose the Chaoyang ARISUN 1 SPORT-e. At ¥869, it costs just 14% more than Linglong but delivers meaningful improvements in both wet and dry grip, especially where braking safety matters most. Linglong would be my budget pick, while Sailun is best suited to efficiency-focused drivers. For me, Chaoyang deserves the crown of Best Chinese UHP Tire in this test.
Dr Edwin Pang