How Continental PremiumContact 7 broke the UHP market: Launched quietly in 2022, five years after its predecessor, the Continental PremiumContact 7 has made a subtle yet impactful entrance into the tire market. Primarily focused on enhancing performance on wet surfaces, this tire might not have debuted with much fanfare, but its capabilities suggest that a beast has indeed been unleashed. Let’s delve into what makes the PremiumContact 7 stand out in its category.
Table of Contents
Press Test Performance
The Continental PremiumContact 7 has demonstrated outstanding performance across a variety of tire tests, firmly establishing its superiority in the ultra-high performance (UHP) category. The graph below shows the overall test position of PremiumContact 7 over every single press test is has competed in.
Here’s an overview of its achievements based on the provided data:
Test Wins Overview:
2024 Tire Tests
- ADAC Summer Tire Test: Achieved 1st place with 215/55 R17, showcasing its superior braking and handling.
- AZ Summer Tire Test: Took 1st place with 225/45 R17, underlining its excellence in both wet and dry conditions.
- Sport Auto Summer Tire Test: Dominated with 1st place in 215/40 R18, excelling particularly in dynamic driving scenarios.
- AMS Summer SUV Tire Test: Secured 1st place with 235/55 R18, proving its robust performance for larger vehicles.
- Motorhome Summer Tire Test: Claimed 1st place with 225/55 R17, indicating strong performance in varied vehicle applications.
- AutoBild Summer Tire Test: Placed 2nd with 205/55 R16, closely competing with the best.
- EV Tire Test: Also took 2nd place with 235/55 R19, highlighting its suitability for electric vehicles.
2023 Tire Tests
- Tire Reviews Best Summer Tires: Emerged on top with 205/55 R16, noted for superior wet and dry traction.
- Motor Summer Tire Test: Won 1st place with 205/55 R16, excelling across all tested parameters.
- Are Budget Tires Finally Good Enough? 8 Cheap Tires VS 1 Premium Tire: Demonstrated its premium quality by securing 1st place with 205/55 R16.
- Tire Reviews Performance Tire Test: Achieved 1st place with 225/40 R18, excelling in performance driving conditions.
- AutoBild UHP Summer Tire Test: Placed 3rd with 225/45 R18, showing strong competition even in tightly contested categories.
Dominance in the UHP Category:
The Continental PremiumContact 7’s consistent top-tier rankings in rigorous and diverse tests confirm its absolute dominance in the UHP category.
Summary of Test Outcomes:
- 1st Place Wins: 9 times across various conditions and vehicle types.
- 2nd Place Finishes: 2 times, showing competitive performance close to the leaders.
- 3rd Place Finish: 1 time in a highly competitive test.
With a total combine of 9 wins out of 12 at different tire sizes and vehicle categories reflect its versatile and reliable performance in varying road conditions and for different types of vehicles. The tire’s ability to consistently place first or near the top in a competitive field speaks volumes about its design, engineering, and the technology behind its development. Whether it’s standard passenger cars, SUVs, or even motorhomes, the PremiumContact 7 continues to outperform its competitors, solidifying its status as a leader in the tire industry.
Wet Braking
The Continental PremiumContact 7 has established its dominance in the ultra-high performance (UHP) tire category primarily through its exceptional and consistent wet braking performance. By consistently securing the top spot in multiple rigorous tire tests such as the ADAC, Auto Zeitung, Sport Auto, and Motorhome Summer Tire Tests, it has proven its superior handling and safety in wet conditions.
This tire’s ability to achieve remarkable wet braking distances without a single lost in all 12 test proves its safety first design approach with prioritize wet performances. These metrics are not just numbers; they reflect the tire’s reliable performance under challenging wet road conditions, ensuring minimal stopping distances and enhanced safety for drivers.
The consistent first-place finishes in wet braking are crucial because they directly impact driver safety during rain and on slick surfaces, where braking performance is critical to prevent accidents. The PremiumContact 7’s ability to excel in these conditions is what sets it apart in the UHP category, making it a standout choice for drivers who prioritize safety and performance, especially on wet roads. This focus on mastering wet conditions is a key reason why the PremiumContact 7 outperforms competitors and leads the field in tire tests worldwide.
EV Ready vs EV Specific
Not to be outdone by its EV-Specific tires counterpart, the Continental PremiumContact 7 with its EV Ready tag stands out against the EV-specific Hankook iON evo SUV. It showcases exceptional performance in essential areas for electric vehicles:
- Rolling Resistance: The PremiumContact 7 has lower rolling resistance than the Hankook, improving energy efficiency and vehicle range.
- Wet Braking: It surpasses the Hankook in wet braking, ensuring better safety in adverse conditions.
These attributes highlight that an “EV Ready” tire like the PremiumContact 7 can compete effectively with EV-specific tires, providing EV owners with a flexible, high-performing tire option without compromising on critical features.
Conclusion
As a tire expert closely monitoring the ultra-high performance (UHP) category, I firmly believe the Continental PremiumContact 7 stands as the best summer UHP tire on the market. Here’s why:
Exceptional Track Record
The PremiumContact 7 boasts nine first-place finishes in rigorous tests across various conditions, showcasing its dominance in handling and braking, especially under wet conditions. This consistent performance highlights its superior design and engineering.
Unmatched Wet Braking
The tire’s outstanding wet braking capability sets it apart, consistently achieving the shortest stopping distances. This performance is crucial for safety and demonstrates Continental’s commitment to superior functionality in challenging conditions.
Versatility and Efficiency
Additionally, its “EV Ready” status allows it to compete with and often outperform EV-specific tires. It offers lower rolling resistance, enhancing energy efficiency and vehicle range, crucial for both traditional and electric vehicles.
The Continental PremiumContact 7 merges safety, efficiency, and versatility, making it a top choice in the UHP tire market. It’s an excellent choice for those prioritizing performance and safety, particularly on wet roads.
Dr Edwin Pang