Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Hankook Ventus Evo: The all-new 2025 Hankook Ventus Evo is here, ready to take on the established Continental PremiumContact 7 in the ultra-high performance segment! With Hankook aiming to challenge Continental’s dominance, this battle will test whether the newcomer has what it takes to dethrone one of the most well-rounded UHP tires on the market. Will the Ventus Evo’s wet grip and handling edge be enough, or will the PremiumContact 7’s durability and efficiency keep it ahead? Let’s find out!
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Results: Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Hankook Ventus Evo
The results presented here are from the 2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tire Test, where 20 of the best tire models were selected from an initial pool of 50. Given the high cost and extensive nature of wear testing, we were delighted to have it included. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Hankook Ventus Evo across various performance categories, with the Continental PremiumContact 7 serving as the benchmark at 100%.
The tire size of interest is the 225/40R18 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 standard BMW 1 series as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Hankook Ventus Evo stops 1.5 meters earlier than the Continental PremiumContact 7, a 4% advantage. On wet handling, the Ventus Evo maintains a speed of 73.5 km/h, edging out the PremiumContact 7 by 0.3 km/h, an almost 0% difference. However, in straight-line aquaplaning, the PremiumContact 7 regains ground with a limit of 81.1 km/h, just 0.4 km/h higher than the Ventus Evo, close to 0% advantage. The once dominant wet performance of the PremiumContact 7 has finally found its match!
Ventus Evo:
- +4% in wet braking
- ~0% in wet handling
- ~0% in aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Hankook Ventus Evo stops 0.6 meters earlier than the Continental PremiumContact 7, a 2% advantage. In dry handling, the Ventus Evo maintains a speed of 120.9 km/h, just 1.1 km/h faster than the PremiumContact 7, a 1% difference.
Ventus Evo:
- +2% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling
Wear
In wear performance, the Continental PremiumContact 7 lasts 4,810 km longer than the Hankook Ventus Evo, giving it a 12% advantage. This highlights the classic trade-off between wet grip and mileage, as the Ventus Evo, which outperforms in wet braking and handling, sacrifices longevity, while the PremiumContact 7 prioritizes durability at the cost of slightly reduced wet performance.
Ventus Evo:
- -10% in mileage
Comfort & Noise
In subjective comfort, both the Continental PremiumContact 7 and Hankook Ventus Evo are rated equally at 5 points, showing no difference in ride quality. In noise levels, the PremiumContact 7 measures 73.0 dB, just 0.1 dB quieter than the Ventus Evo, a negligible difference.
Ventus Evo:
- 0% in subjective comfort
- ~0% in exterior noise (+0.1 dB)
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Continental PremiumContact 7 registers 8.41 N/kN, which is 0.27 N/kN lower than the Hankook Ventus Evo, giving it a 3% advantage. This suggests that the PremiumContact 7 is slightly more efficient, potentially contributing to better fuel economy.
Ventus Evo:
- -3% in rolling resistance
Price
For the 225/40 R18 size, both the Continental PremiumContact 7 and Hankook Ventus Evo are priced at €105, making them evenly matched in cost.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- PremiumContact 7 : € 105
- Ventus Evo : € 105
Difference: Prices are the same.
Summary
As a tire expert, I see a clear trade-off between the Continental PremiumContact 7 and the Hankook Ventus Evo. The Hankook Ventus Evo impresses with its superior wet grip, stopping 3% shorter in wet braking and offering slightly better wet handling, making it the choice for drivers prioritizing wet safety. On the other hand, the Continental PremiumContact 7 fights back with a 12% longer tread life and 3% lower rolling resistance, making it the better option for those seeking durability and fuel efficiency. With both tires priced the same, the decision comes down to whether wet grip or longevity matters more to you.
Dr Edwin Pang