Continental

We have chosen just a few of the Continental summer tyres available based on the most recent independent tests — the selection below highlights models that stood out in 2025–2026 test programmes and that have multiple, recent test results.

Continental PremiumContact 7 — Touring, rating 98
The PremiumContact 7 is consistently highly rated across a range of 2026 tests (ADAC, Netzwelt, Autozeitung and others). Test verdicts emphasise its excellent wet and dry braking, very good handling and high reserves at the limit: ADAC and Netzwelt both list it among the winners, with Netzwelt recording the shortest wet and dry braking distances in its comparison (47.1 m wet, 35.2 m dry). Strengths are balanced grip, short stopping distances and generally good environmental/efficiency characteristics. Drawbacks reported include a relatively high purchase price and somewhat below‑average performance in corner aquaplaning in one test. Manufactured in several European plants (FR, SK, DE, CZ), the PremiumContact 7 is positioned as a premium touring tyre for drivers who prioritise safety and comfort over outright price.

Continental SportContact 7 — UUHP, rating 100
The SportContact 7 is the high‑performance choice and appears repeatedly at the top of recent performance tests (ACE, Autobild, ADAC and others). It delivers class‑leading wet braking (ACE recorded the best wet braking distance in the test) and top dry handling, with generally good rolling resistance for its class. Reported compromises are a relative weakness in lateral aquaplaning resistance in some test conditions and a tendency toward light oversteer on wet surfaces in a few reports. Built primarily in CZ, SK and PT, the SportContact 7 is aimed at drivers who demand the highest grip and precision from a summer tyre.

Continental UltraContact NXT — Summer, rating 95
The UltraContact NXT is a newer addition with strong early test showings (2025 results from motor and Automotorsport). Independent testers praised its short braking distances and safe, well‑balanced behaviour on wet roads; on dry surfaces it shows pronounced understeer combined with high cornering stability, and it benefits from a low rolling resistance. Test summaries note only a minimal weakness in dry braking. Made in Portugal, the UltraContact NXT is a modern, efficiency‑minded tyre that already proves competitive in wet braking and overall balance.

Replacement and lineage notes
- The PremiumContact 7 is the successor to the PremiumContact 6 and the earlier ContiPremiumContact 5 — it replaces those generations in Continental’s touring range.
- The SportContact 7 continues the SportContact lineage (following SportContact 6, 5 and earlier SportContact 3 models).
- The UltraContact NXT is presented as a new model line rather than a direct one‑for‑one replacement of a single previous generation.

How to choose
If you prioritise all‑round safety, short braking distances and a comfortable ride for everyday driving, the PremiumContact 7 is an excellent all‑round choice. For maximum grip, precision and track‑biased performance in summer conditions, the SportContact 7 is the specialist option. If low rolling resistance combined with very good wet performance and a modern compound/design is your goal, consider the UltraContact NXT. Always pick the tyre size and specification that match your vehicle and driving style; consult size‑specific test results where available, because behaviour can vary by tyre dimension and vehicle.