You may also like:
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus ranks as the best all-season tire for Audi vehicles, delivering test-leading dry and wet performance with impressive light snow capability[1]. The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 offers nearly identical high-performance grip with category-best snow traction for drivers prioritizing winter capability[1]. Both tires receive consistent praise from Audi A4, Q5, and Arteon owners for their handling, ride quality, and durability[2].
Overview: Why All-Season Tires Matter for Audi
All-season tires provide year-round versatility without seasonal swapping, making them the practical choice for most Audi owners. The ultra-high-performance all-season (UHPAS) category specifically targets drivers seeking maximum grip while maintaining four-season usability[1]. Modern UHPAS tires have evolved dramatically in light snow capability, closing much of the gap with dedicated winter tires in mild winter conditions.
Audi’s quattro system amplifies tire performance by distributing torque efficiently, but the tires themselves determine ultimate grip levels. Owners running Continental DWS06+ or Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 on various Audis and VWs report excellent satisfaction with ride quality, handling, NVH characteristics, and durability[2].
Comparison Table
| Tire | Price Range | Dry Grip | Wet Grip | Snow Grip | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06+ | $160–$280 | Best-in-class | Best-in-class | Excellent | Excellent | Overall best |
| Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 | $170–$310 | Excellent | Excellent | Best-in-class | Good | Snow-focused performance |
| Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus | $180–$300 | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Excellent (PNCS) | Luxury sedans |
| Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ | $150–$260 | Very Good | Good | Excellent | Very Good | Sporty handling feel |
| Vredestein Hypertrac All Season | $140–$240 | Good | Very Good | Excellent | Best-in-class | Comfort priority |
Prices vary by tire size; ranges shown for common Audi fitments[3]
Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus (Best Overall)
The ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus led Tire Rack testing in dry average lap times, wet average lap times, and 50-0 mph braking distances across all conditions[1]. The tire features Continental’s SPORTPLUS+ Technology with performance-tuned all-season compound and an asymmetric tread design that delivers skillful handling and high-speed capability[3].
Key Specifications:
- UTQG Rating: 560 AA A
- Tread Warranty: 50,000 miles
- Speed Rating: W (168 mph)
- DWS Indicator System: Yes
Consumer ratings reflect exceptional satisfaction: 9.1 out of 10 for dry traction, 8.9 for wet traction, and 7.6 for snow performance[3]. The DWS indicator system—molded letters that wear away as tread depth decreases—alerts drivers when the tire transitions from all-condition capability to dry-only performance[3].
An Audi S6 owner noted the DWS06+ provides sure-footed confidence in dry, deep snow, highway, and rain conditions[3]. Trade-offs include road noise that some owners describe as louder than expected for a premium tire, particularly on smooth asphalt[3].
Audi owners consistently recommend this tire alongside the Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 as the best all-season options available[2]. The DWS06+ performs slightly better in rain and snow, while the Michelin edges ahead in dry handling[2].
Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 (Best Snow Performance)
The Pilot Sport All Season 4 led every objective metric in light snow testing and tied for the highest subjective score from test drivers[1]. Michelin’s advanced compound formulation maintains grip and responsiveness throughout the year while remaining flexible in colder temperatures[4].
Key Specifications:
- UTQG Rating: 500 AA A
- Tread Warranty: 45,000 miles
- Speed Rating: Y (186 mph)
- Helio+ Technology: Yes
The directional tread pattern channels water quickly, reducing hydroplaning risk and enhancing wet-weather performance[4]. Michelin’s Flex-Ice technology allows the compound to remain pliable below 45°F, providing better grip during cooler conditions than standard all-season compounds[4].
During comprehensive testing, the Pilot Sport AS4 outperformed every all-weather tire in dry and wet conditions, though it suffered wheelspin in deeper snow due to its performance-oriented tread design[5]. This tire excels in regions with mild winters and occasional light snow rather than heavy winter conditions.
Audi Q5 owners praise the Pilot Sport All Season 4 for exceptional wet performance and impressive dry grip[2]. If you’re comparing tire types for your Audi Q5, this remains the enthusiast’s choice for spirited driving with year-round capability.
Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus (Best for Luxury Comfort)
The P Zero All Season Plus stands out for Audi sedan owners prioritizing cabin refinement. Pirelli’s PNCS (Pirelli Noise Cancelling System) technology significantly reduces road noise, making the tire barely audible even on rough asphalt[6].
Testing confirmed excellent dry grip, sure-footed wet traction, and surprisingly strong performance in light snow[6]. The tread wears evenly, and fuel efficiency improves noticeably compared to other ultra-high-performance all-season options[6].
For Audi A6 and A8 owners who value quiet operation alongside performance, the P Zero All Season Plus delivers luxury-appropriate NVH characteristics without sacrificing grip.
Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ (Best Steering Feel)
The Potenza RE980AS+ earned the highest subjective handling score in Tire Rack testing thanks to crisp steering that provides quick, precise response to inputs[1]. Bridgestone’s updated compound—denoted by the “+” designation—delivers significant improvement in light snow traction compared to its predecessor while maintaining the sporty handling character[1].
Key Specifications:
- UTQG Rating: 500 AA A
- Speed Rating: W (168 mph)
- Compound: Updated RE980AS+ formula
The steering feels solid on-center with alertness and precision that enthusiast drivers appreciate[1]. Trade-offs include wet traction that trails category leaders and slightly lower outright grip levels than the Continental and Michelin options[1].
For Audi S-line and performance-oriented drivers who prioritize steering feedback over maximum wet grip, the Potenza RE980AS+ offers engaging handling characteristics at a more accessible price point than competitors.
Vredestein Hypertrac All Season (Best Ride Quality)
The Hypertrac All Season delivered test-leading ride quality in Tire Rack evaluation, with composed, cushioned comfort that exceeded even premium competitors[1]. The updated compound—available in tires manufactured week 27 of 2021 or later—improved wet and snow traction significantly[1].
Lateral traction led the test group in skidpad testing, and wet grip places solidly mid-pack among these top-tier competitors[1]. The tire’s balance leans toward slight, controllable oversteer, which serves as a useful cornering tool in snow by helping eliminate frustrating understeer[1].
For Audi owners with long commutes who prioritize comfort over maximum performance, the Hypertrac All Season offers surprisingly good ride and noise characteristics at a lower price than category leaders.
All-Season vs. Dedicated Summer and Winter Tires
Testing confirms that dedicated summer and winter tires still outperform even the best all-season options in their respective conditions[5]. The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 outperformed every all-weather tire in dry and wet testing, but a dedicated summer tire maintains an edge[5]. Similarly, winter tires offer significantly better grip on ice and packed snow.
For Audi owners in moderate climates who cannot easily store and swap seasonal tires, premium all-season options provide an excellent year-round compromise. Those in harsh winter regions should consider dedicated snow tires for Audi or all-weather tires with 3PMSF certification.
Sizing Recommendations for Popular Audi Models
| Audi Model | Common All-Season Size | Performance Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| A3/S3 | 225/40R18 or 235/35R19 | DWS06+ or Pilot Sport AS4 |
| A4/S4 | 245/40R18 or 255/35R19 | DWS06+ for wet priority |
| A6/S6 | 245/45R18 or 255/40R19 | P Zero AS Plus for comfort |
| Q5/SQ5 | 235/55R19 or 255/45R20 | DWS06+ or Alenza AS Ultra |
| Q7 | 255/55R19 or 285/45R21 | Alenza AS Ultra for SUV optimization |
Key Takeaways
- The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus wins overall with test-leading dry and wet performance plus excellent snow capability and a 50,000-mile warranty
- The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 leads light snow testing and offers the sharpest dry handling for enthusiast drivers
- The Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus delivers the quietest ride for luxury-focused Audi sedan owners
- Premium all-season tires handle light snow effectively but cannot match dedicated winter tires in severe conditions
- Audi owners consistently recommend DWS06+ and Pilot Sport AS4 as the two best options, with the Continental favoring wet performance and Michelin favoring snow
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all-season tires good enough for Audi quattro in snow?
Premium ultra-high-performance all-season tires like the Continental DWS06+ and Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 handle light snow effectively, with testing showing all four top-tier competitors within two feet of each other in acceleration and braking[1]. However, they cannot match dedicated winter tire performance on ice or in deep snow. For regions with severe winters, consider dedicated winter tires.
How long do all-season tires last on an Audi?
Premium all-season tires offer warranties ranging from 45,000 to 50,000 miles. The Continental DWS06+ carries a 50,000-mile warranty, while the Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 covers 45,000 miles[3]. Real-world treadwear receives strong consumer ratings of 8.5 out of 10, with many owners reporting 35,000-40,000 miles of spirited use[3].
Which all-season tire is quietest for Audi sedans?
The Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus with PNCS noise-cancelling technology delivers the quietest cabin experience[6]. The Vredestein Hypertrac All Season also excels in noise comfort[1]. The Continental DWS06+ receives mixed feedback on noise, with some Audi S6 owners noting it runs louder than expected[3].
Should I choose Continental DWS06+ or Michelin Pilot Sport AS4?
References
- Tire Rack. (2021). Testing Premium Ultra High Performance All-Season Tires 2021. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=280
- Reddit r/Audi. (2025). Need to get some new all season tires for my Q5.
Need to get some new all season tires for my Q5. Torn between a few choices. Any feedback to share?
byu/CasualDisastering inAudi - Tire Rack. (2025). Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus Reviews and Specifications. https://www.tirerack.com/tires/continental-extremecontact-dws-06-plus
- YouTube – New Day New Product. (2025). Continental ExtremeContact DWS06+ vs Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4.
- Car and Driver. (2025). Tested: Best All-Weather Tires for 2025. https://www.caranddriver.com/car-accessories/a64432470/best-all-weather-tires/
- YouTube. (2025). 5 Best Tires for Audi Q5 2025.
- Discounted Wheel Warehouse. (2025). Best Tires for Audi Q5. https://www.discountedwheelwarehouse.com/blog/post/tire-reviews/best-tires-for-audi-q5
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
