The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ranks as the best overall tire for Audi performance driving, delivering exceptional dry and wet grip with 99% customer recommendation rates[1]. For year-round versatility, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus leads ultra-high-performance all-season testing with superior wet and snow capability[2]. Audi Original Tires (AO) marked with distinctive sidewall markings are engineered in collaboration with leading manufacturers specifically for Audi vehicles to optimize driving experience[3].
Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system amplifies whatever traction the tires provide. Premium tires transform quattro's torque distribution into confident acceleration, shorter braking distances, and precise cornering. Conversely, budget tires limit the system's potential regardless of conditions.
Audi works with some of the best tire brands in the business, including Pirelli, Michelin, Goodyear, Continental, and more[4]. Audi Original Tires feature distinctive AO or RO1 sidewall markings indicating they were engineered specifically for Audi vehicles[3]. More than 200 different materials go into making an Audi Original Tire, with optimized tread compounds, steel belt packages, and cord body inserts designed for each model's specific requirements[3].
| Category | Best Overall | Runner-Up | Best Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Performance | Michelin Pilot Sport 4S | Continental SportContact 7 | Vredestein Ultrac Vorti |
| All-Season | Continental DWS 06+ | Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 | Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+ |
| All-Weather | Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive | Michelin CrossClimate2 | Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady |
| Winter | Continental VikingContact 8 | Michelin X-Ice Snow | Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 |
The Pilot Sport 4S is Michelin's Max Performance Summer tire developed in cooperation with demanding vehicle manufacturers including Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche[1]. It was designed for serious drivers looking to maximize the performance potential of their sports cars, performance sedans, and powerful luxury vehicles[1].
Key Specifications:
The asymmetric tread pattern features 24 Hours of Le Mans-derived compounds with a low-void outer shoulder utilizing dry-focused hybrid tread rubber for improved handling[1]. The center ribs and inboard shoulder feature silica-infused wet compound designed to increase wet braking performance[1].
An Audi owner on Ferrari Portofino and Aston Martin Vantage noted the Pilot Sport 4S works much better as a three-season tire than P Zeros and can build tire temperature reasonably quickly even on 45-degree days[1]. Select sizes are available with Michelin Acoustic Technology featuring sound-absorbing foam to reduce cabin noise.
Trade-offs include summer-only capability—tires must not be exposed to temperatures below 20°F to prevent compound cracking[1]. For Audi S-line and RS models seeking maximum warm-weather performance, the Pilot Sport 4S remains the benchmark. If you own an Audi SQ5 or S4, this tire delivers the grip these performance variants deserve.
The DWS 06+ led Tire Rack testing in dry average lap times, wet average lap times, and 50-0 mph braking across all conditions[2]. Audi S5 owners consistently recommend this tire alongside the Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 as the two best all-season options available[2].
Key Specifications:
The DWS indicator system features molded letters that wear away as tread depth decreases, alerting drivers when the tire transitions from all-condition capability to dry-only performance[2]. An Audi S6 owner noted the tire provides sure-footed confidence in dry, deep snow, highway, and rain conditions[2].
Audi Club members with 600+ WHP vehicles recommend the Continentals for their excellent tread life and performance across conditions[5]. The flat-spotting issue some owners mention—where tires develop temporary flat spots after sitting several days—typically resolves within 5-10 minutes of driving[5].
The DWS06+ performs slightly better in rain and snow, while the Michelin Pilot Sport AS4 edges ahead in dry handling[2]. For Audi A4 and A6 owners seeking year-round capability without seasonal swapping, this tire offers the best balance. Explore our detailed all-season tire guide for Audi for additional options.
The Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive emerged as the top performer in Car and Driver comprehensive all-weather testing, delivering the best dry performance while earning 3PMSF winter certification[6]. Audi Club members describe it as very quiet, good in wet conditions, and wearing well[7].
Key Strengths:
The V-formation directional tread channels water effectively while maintaining dry grip. Ride quality stands out as the Pirelli absorbs road imperfections without transmitting harshness to the cabin[6]. For Audi owners who cannot easily swap seasonal tires and need winter certification for regions like Quebec, the WeatherActive delivers year-round confidence.
See our complete all-weather tire recommendations for Audi for additional 3PMSF-certified options.
The VikingContact 8 dominated winter tire testing as the most consistent performer across snow, ice, wet conditions while simultaneously achieving the quietest cabin measurements and lowest rolling resistance[8]. Audi dealers recommend this tire for factory winter packages across Q5, A5, and A6 models[9].
Audi Kitchener-Waterloo offers Q5/SQ5 winter packages featuring VikingContact 8 in various sizes on genuine Audi alloy wheels[9]. Complete winter packages range from $2,399 to $4,699 CAD depending on wheel size and model fitment[9].
For maximum ice grip, the Michelin X-Ice Snow leads smooth-ice braking and traction with 40,000-mile warranty coverage. Audi Q5/SQ5 20-inch winter packages featuring Michelin X-Ice Snow in 255/45R20 size cost $4,699 at Audi dealers[9]. Find more options in our winter tire guide for Audi.
For Audi Q5, Q7, and Q8 owners prioritizing daily versatility and comfort, the Pirelli Scorpion Verde All Season Plus II sets the bar[10]. Testing revealed excellent dry grip, sure-footed rain performance, and surprisingly strong capability in light snow[10].
Key Features:
Pirelli's PNCS technology works—the tires are barely audible even on rough asphalt[10]. The tread wears evenly, and fuel efficiency improves compared to other SUV all-season options. For Audi Q5 and Q7 owners with long commutes who value cabin refinement, this tire delivers luxury-appropriate NVH characteristics.
Audi Original Tires are engineered with specific features optimized for each model[3]:
Purchasing through Audi Tire Centers includes Road Hazard Coverage for 24 months or until 2/32" tread remains—100% coverage the first year and 50% the second year[3]. Factory-trained technicians use equipment calibrated to Audi specifications for mounting, balancing, and alignment[3].
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