Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 vs Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus — it’s a clash of new ambition versus proven dominance in the ultra high performance all-season segment. The AS Plus 3 is Pirelli’s latest answer for year-round grip, blending sharper handling with daily comfort. But standing in its way is the benchmark DWS 06 Plus, a tire that’s set the standard for UHP all-season performance. Can the newcomer shake the throne, or will the Continental remain untouchable? Let the battle begin.
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Results: Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 vs Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
Results below were taken from the Tire Rack’s “Ultra High Performance All-Season: The Search for Balance” test. A total of 9 tires were tested this time around in Tire Rack’s own proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 vs Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plusbased on the relevant performance category. The Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, A is better than B by 5%.
As both tires are categorized as all season tires, Tire Rack has included snow & ice in its testing portfolio. The tire size of interest is 225/45R18 which is a common tire size for BMW 3 series & Audi A3. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a 2024 BMW 330i xDrive.
Wet
In wet braking from 60 to 0 mph, the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 stops in 136 feet, 3 feet shorter than the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, which takes 139 feet. That’s a 2% shorter braking distance. In subjective wet handling, the AS Plus 3 scores slightly higher at 7.81 versus the DWS 06 Plus at 7.69, showing a small 1% advantage. On the wet handling lap, the Pirelli finishes in 32.08 seconds, edging out the Continental’s 32.16 seconds by 0.08 seconds, or a negligible 0% difference.
Overall, the P Zero AS Plus 3 shows marginal but consistent gains across all wet performance categories, making it the better performer in the rain.
DWS 06 Plus :
- -2% in wet braking
- -1% in wet handling (subj)
- ~0% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry braking, the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 stops in 114 feet, 2 feet shorter than the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus at 116 feet — a 2% improvement. For subjective dry handling, the AS Plus 3 scores 7.75 compared to 7.13 for the DWS 06 Plus, giving it an 3% higher rating. On the dry handling track, the Pirelli completes the lap in 29.93 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than the Continental’s 30.13 seconds, translating to a 1% advantage.
Overall, the AS Plus 3 clearly leads in dry performance, delivering better stopping power, sharper feel, and quicker lap times.
DWS 06 Plus :
- -2% in dry braking
- -3% in dry handling (subj)
- -1% in dry handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In terms of noise, comfort, and ride quality, the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 scores 8.00 while the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus comes in at 7.33. That’s a 9% improvement in overall ride refinement for the Pirelli, indicating a noticeably quieter and more comfortable driving experience.
DWS 06 Plus :
- -3% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Snow
In snow braking from 25 to 0 mph, the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 stops in 97.1 feet, 7.2 feet longer than the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus at 89.9 feet — an 8% disadvantage. For snow acceleration from 0 to 12 mph, the AS Plus 3 takes 23.0 feet while the DWS 06 Plus needs only 20.8 feet, making the Continental 11% quicker off the line. Subjective snow handling also favors the DWS 06 Plus, which scores 5.58 compared to 4.33 for the Pirelli — a 6% difference. On the snow handling lap, the Pirelli trails again with a 59.4-second time versus 55.2 seconds for the Continental, a 4.2-second or 8% gap.
Clearly, in snowy conditions, the DWS 06 Plus is the superior tire, delivering shorter stops, faster starts, and more confident handling.
DWS 06 Plus :
- +8% in Snow braking
- +11% in Snow Acceleration
- +6% in Snow handling (subj)
- +8% in Snow handling(lap time)
Ice
In ice braking from 12 to 0 mph, the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 stops in 45.4 feet, which is 2.2 feet longer than the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus at 43.2 feet — a 5% disadvantage for the Pirelli.
DWS 06 Plus :
- +5% in Ice braking
Wear/UTQG rating
Both the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 and the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus share the same UTQG treadwear rating of 560 and identical traction (AA) and temperature (A) grades. Each also comes with a 50,000-mile warranty.
On paper, they’re evenly matched in durability expectations — it’ll come down to how each performs over time in real-world driving.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pirelli | P Zero AS Plus 3 | All | 560 | AA | A |
| Continental | ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus | All | 560 | AA | A |
Price
For size 225/45R18, the Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 is priced at $189, while the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus costs $181 — making the Continental 4% cheaper.
Tire size: 225/45R18
- P Zero AS Plus 3 : $ 189
- DWS 06 Plus : $ 181
Difference: -4% more cheaper for DWS 06 Plus
Summary
As a tire expert, I see strengths on both sides. The Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 delivers sharper dry and wet performance with better braking, quicker lap times, and a more refined ride — ideal for drivers focused on comfort and handling. On the other hand, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus shines in winter conditions, offering stronger snow and ice traction along with slightly better value. If your priority is year-round performance with winter confidence, go Continental. If you lean toward sporty feel and everyday refinement, Pirelli takes the edge.
Dr Edwin Pang