Continental

We have selected just a few Continental summer tyres from the many available, based on recent independent tests. Below you will find a concise, evidence‑based summary of how these models performed in the latest lab and road trials, their main strengths and weaknesses, where they are produced and—where applicable—which older models they replace.

Continental PremiumContact 7 (rating 97) — touring, made in FR/ SK/ DE/ CZ
The PremiumContact 7 is the well‑rounded choice for drivers who prioritise short braking distances and confident wet handling. In Netzwelt’s 2026 205/55 R16 test it was the overall winner, recording the shortest measured braking distances in the group (wet 47.1 m, dry 35.2 m) and the best wet‑handling score. Other testers (Autozeitung, Aftonbladet, Vibilagare, Autobild) also rated it highly across a range of sizes. Drawbacks reported in tests include the highest price in Netzwelt’s comparison (about €317 per set) and a below‑average result in corner‑aquaplaning resistance. Note: the PremiumContact 7 is the successor to the PremiumContact 6 (and earlier ContiPremiumContact 5), offering improved overall performance over those previous generations.

Continental SportContact 7 (rating 100) — UUHP, made in CZ/ SK/ PT
If you demand maximum dynamic performance, the SportContact 7 is clearly aimed at high‑performance cars. Across multiple independent tests it delivered outstanding stopping power and precise handling: ADAC and ACE highlighted class‑leading wet braking (ACE recorded the best wet braking distance in its 225/40 R18 test at 24.51 m) and top dry handling. Autobild reports exemplary behaviour on larger sizes, and reviewers praise its steering stability and balance at the limit. Trade‑offs seen in tests include slightly increased rolling resistance on some sizes and a tendency toward light oversteer in wet conditions; ACE also noted it was the weakest in lateral aquaplaning among the tyres they tested. The SportContact 7 continues Continental’s SportContact lineage (successor to SportContact 6, 5 and earlier SportContact 3).

Continental UltraContact NXT (rating 95) — new model, made in PT
The UltraContact NXT is a newer Continental summer tyre that appears in multiple 2025 tests and already collected strong marks. In Motor’s 205/55 R16 test it was named test winner, and Automotorsport’s 215/55 R17 trial rated it “excellent.” Testers praised short braking distances and secure, balanced behaviour on wet roads, as well as low rolling resistance. On dry asphalt it shows pronounced understeer paired with very high cornering stability; the only minor criticism noted was a small weakness in dry braking. The UltraContact NXT represents Continental’s latest focus on combining safety in wet conditions with efficiency and long‑distance stability.

How to choose between them
- Choose PremiumContact 7 if you want the best compromise for everyday driving: exceptional wet and dry braking and comfortable touring manners, accepting a premium price.
- Choose SportContact 7 if you drive a powerful car and prioritise ultimate grip, steering precision and braking performance at higher speeds.
- Choose UltraContact NXT if you want a recent Continental design with strong wet performance and low rolling resistance, especially for mixed driving where efficiency matters.

All summaries above are based on the most recent independent tests available for the sizes shown; actual behaviour can vary with tyre size, vehicle, load and road conditions. Where noted, models are successors to earlier Continental generations.