The new ContiWinterContact TS 850 for the compact and mid-range cars has triumphed over 41 other winter tyress to be crowned winner of the AutoBild winter tyre test.

In the overall evaluation, the editors praised the new well-balanced design: “Top marks in all winter categories, dynamic wet handling, good aquaplaning characteristics, low rolling resistance, and high comfort,” concluded their summary.

AutoBild had divided the test into two sections: The initial round of the test focused exclusively on the braking properties on wet and snow-covered roads, and 27 of the 42 models were ruled out at this stage.

The remaining 15 winter tyres were then tested in a further 14 categories. “The TS 850 sets a new benchmark on ice and snow. Going uphill is when it can convert its driving power into thrust most effectively,” writes the editorial team, describing the traction on snow.

The “snow king” was also a clear winner in the test evaluating braking properties on snow, requiring a whole 6 meters’ braking distance less than any other winter tire model and less than an all-season tyre.