Home » Summer

Continental PremiumContact 7: the Definitive Analysis Review

Reading 6 min Modified by
Continental sets the standard in dry and wet braking, significantly outperforming most competitors . However, we analyzed 18+ tests and found one major performance compromise: unusually high noise levels.

Continental PremiumContact 7 photo, test, review, ratings

Contents
  1. Tire summary
  2. Key performance
  3. Continental PremiumContact 7 vs. Competitors
  4. Analytical review
  5. Key Strengths
  6. Verdict
  7. Continental PremiumContact 7 Test History
  8. Continental PremiumContact 7 vs. Market

Tire summary

Category Details
General Premium Touring summer tire with an asymmetrical tread pattern. It was released in 2022, is available in sizes from 16 to 21 rim diameter, and is suitable for Passenger cars, SUVs, and Crossovers. The tire replaced the Continental PremiumContact 6.
Testing History

1.9

Average
place

1

Best
place

5

Worst
place

18

times
tested

2023-2025

test
years
✅ Key Strengths Exceptional Wet Grip, setting the standard in braking for its class.
Benchmark Dry Performance, best-in-class braking and handling
Surprising Durability, placing leader groups in most tests.
⚠️ Compromises Unpredictable Fuel Efficiency varies widely from best-in-class to bottom-tier.
Aquaplaning Resistance, mostly below-average performance in deep water.
❌ Weaknesses High Noise: A significant weakness. In two-thirds of tests, it ranked among the noisiest tires in its class.
Market Positioning Above Median: Dominates nearly every category, especially Wet braking (+7.18%), Wear resistance (+10.13%), and Dry braking (+3.28%).
Below Median: Only one area: Noise (-0.6%)*.
Value Highly high to safety-conscious drivers.
Verdict This tire is the ideal choice for demanding drivers who prioritize maximum safety and a sharp, responsive driving feel above all else. It is perfect for those willing to accept higher noise levels and reduced deep-water stability in exchange for class-leading grip and control.

Key performance

Overall rating: 95.6% (141 measurements from 18 independent tests)
ⓘ The overall rating is calculated as the arithmetic average of the average scores for each discipline, to eliminate bias towards disciplines with a large number of tests.

Dry Performance

  • Dry braking

    (4.5/5)
    Exemplary
    Based on 18 tests|9 wins|Avg. pos. 2.6th|1-12th range|Rating: 99%
    Performance Chart
    • Exemplary: 3 (17%) i Outstanding result, significantly better than the test average.
    • Good: 11 (61%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 4 (22%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    Detailed Test Results: 18 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 83.4% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 9 of 18
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 13 of 18
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 3 of 18
    • ✅ No worst-3 finishes
    • ✅ No last-place finishes
    Results in numbers
    • Best result:21.88 m (2023 Teknikens Varld)
    • Worst result:42.9 m (2025 Vi Bilagare)
    • Average result:34.4 m
    • Typical gap to leader:+0.31 – +0.9 m
    • Max gap to leader:+2 m (2025 Auto Bild)

  • Dry handling

    (5/5)
    Elite
    Based on 15 tests|7 wins|Avg. pos. 2.5th|1-7th range|Rating: 99.6%
    Performance Chart
    • Exemplary: 3 (20%) i Outstanding result, significantly better than the test average.
    • Good: 10 (67%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 2 (13%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    Detailed Test Results: 15 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 85.5% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 7 of 15
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 11 of 15
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 1 of 15
    • ✅ No worst-3 finishes
    • ✅ No last-place finishes

Wet Performance

  • Wet braking

    (5/5)
    Elite
    Based on 18 tests|13 wins|Avg. pos. 2th|1-6th range|Rating: 98.7%
    Performance Chart
    • Exemplary: 7 (39%) i Outstanding result, significantly better than the test average.
    • Good: 9 (50%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 1 (6%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    • Weak: 1 (6%) i The result is noticeably below the average.
    Detailed Test Results: 18 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 88.8% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 13 of 18
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 14 of 18
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 2 of 18
    • ⚠️ Worst-3 finishes: 1 of 18
    • ✅ No last-place finishes
    Results in numbers
    • Best result:24.61 m (2025 Tyre Reviews)
    • Worst result:51.1 m (2023 Motor)
    • Average result:35.8 m
    • Typical gap to leader:+0.6 – +2.52 m
    • Max gap to leader:+2.74 m (2023 Teknikens Varld)

  • Wet handling

    (5/5)
    Elite
    Based on 18 tests|5 wins|Avg. pos. 2.7th|1-7th range|Rating: 99%
    Performance Chart
    • Exemplary: 2 (11%) i Outstanding result, significantly better than the test average.
    • Good: 13 (72%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 3 (17%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    Detailed Test Results: 18 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 80.1% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 5 of 18
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 13 of 18
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 1 of 18
    • ✅ No worst-3 finishes
    • ✅ No last-place finishes

  • Wet lateral handling

    (4.5/5)
    Exemplary
    Based on 7 tests|3 wins|Avg. pos. 3.6th|1-11th range|Rating: 98.8%
    Performance Chart
    • Exemplary: 1 (14%) i Outstanding result, significantly better than the test average.
    • Good: 3 (43%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 3 (43%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    Detailed Test Results: 7 tests analyzed (2024-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 78.1% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 3 of 7
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 5 of 7
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 2 of 7
    • ✅ No worst-3 finishes
    • ✅ No last-place finishes

Aquaplaning resistance

  • Straight aqua

    (2.5/5)
    Average
    Based on 18 tests|3 wins|Avg. pos. 5.5th|1-12th range|Rating: 95.4%
    Performance Chart
    • Exemplary: 1 (6%) i Outstanding result, significantly better than the test average.
    • Good: 4 (22%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 8 (44%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    • Weak: 4 (22%) i The result is noticeably below the average.
    • Poor: 1 (6%) i A poor result, significantly worse than the test average.
    Detailed Test Results: 18 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 48.4% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 3 of 18
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 6 of 18
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 11 of 18
    • ⚠️ Worst-3 finishes: 7 of 18
    • ❌ Last-place finish: 2 of 18
    Results in numbers
    • Best result:104 km/h (2023 Auto Bild)
    • Worst result:69.3 km/h (2025 Auto Bild EV)
    • Average result:81.7 km/h
    • Typical gap to leader:-7.1 – -2.1 km/h
    • Max gap to leader:-10.8 km/h (2025 Auto Bild EV)

  • Lateral aqua

    (3.5/5)
    Good
    Based on 8 tests|1 wins|Avg. pos. 5.4th|1-11th range|Rating: 94.1%
    Performance Chart
    • Exemplary: 1 (13%) i Outstanding result, significantly better than the test average.
    • Good: 2 (25%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 4 (50%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    • Weak: 1 (13%) i The result is noticeably below the average.
    Detailed Test Results: 8 tests analyzed (2024-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 53.4% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 1 of 8
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 3 of 8
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 5 of 8
    • ⚠️ Worst-3 finishes: 3 of 8
    • ✅ No last-place finishes

Secondary

  • Rolling resistance

    (2.5/5)
    Average
    Based on 17 tests|1 wins|Avg. pos. 5.6th|1-11th range|Rating: 89.1%
    Performance Chart
    • Good: 4 (24%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 7 (41%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    • Weak: 5 (29%) i The result is noticeably below the average.
    • Poor: 1 (6%) i A poor result, significantly worse than the test average.
    Detailed Test Results: 17 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 45.7% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 1 of 17
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 5 of 17
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 11 of 17
    • ⚠️ Worst-3 finishes: 6 of 17
    • ❌ Last-place finish: 2 of 17
    Results in numbers
    • Best result:0.83 kg/t (2023 Motor)
    • Worst result:8.6 kg/t (2024 Auto Zeitung)
    • Average result:7.5 kg/t
    • Typical gap to leader:+0.43 – +1.1 kg/t
    • Max gap to leader:+1.8 kg/t (2025 Auto Bild EV)

  • Noise

    (2.5/5)
    Average
    Based on 15 tests|1 wins|Avg. pos. 7.7th|1-19th range|Rating: 97.6%
    Performance Chart
    • Good: 2 (13%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 4 (27%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    • Weak: 8 (53%) i The result is noticeably below the average.
    • Poor: 1 (7%) i A poor result, significantly worse than the test average.
    Detailed Test Results: 15 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 33% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 1 of 15
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 2 of 15
    • ⚠️ Bottom-half finishes: 11 of 15
    • ⚠️ Worst-3 finishes: 8 of 15
    • ❌ Last-place finish: 3 of 15
    Results in numbers
    • Best result:64.6 dB (2023 Motor)
    • Worst result:74.1 dB (2024 Auto Bild)
    • Average result:71.7 dB
    • Typical gap to leader:+1.1 – +2.3 dB
    • Max gap to leader:+3.9 dB (2024 AMS)

  • Wear resistance

    (4.5/5)
    Exemplary
    Based on 7 tests|1 wins|Avg. pos. 3.1th|1-5th range|Rating: 84.7%
    Performance Chart
    • Exemplary: 1 (14%) i Outstanding result, significantly better than the test average.
    • Good: 3 (43%) i A solid performance, clearly above the average.
    • Average: 3 (43%) i A typical result, close to the test average.
    Detailed Test Results: 7 tests analyzed (2023-2025)
    Key statistics
    • Typically outperforms 79% of competitors per test
    • 🏆 Victories (1st place): 1 of 7
    • ✅ Podium finishes (TOP-3): 5 of 7
    • ✅ No bottom-half finishes
    • ✅ No worst-3 finishes
    • ✅ No last-place finishes
    Results in numbers
    • Best result:54600km (2023 Auto Bild)
    • Worst result:25802km (2023 Tyre Reviews UHP)
    • Average result:39668.1km
    • Typical gap to leader:-8600 – -7500km
    • Max gap to leader:-14500km (2024 Auto Bild)

Continental PremiumContact 7 vs. Competitors

Compared to most similar competitors, Continental sets a benchmark for performance, excelling across critical metrics. It dominates in dry and wet conditions, securing top braking, handling, and lateral control positions, delivering exceptional grip and responsiveness. Aquaplaning resistance is strong, with excellent straight-line stability and decent lateral resistance. Rolling resistance is moderate, striking a balance between efficiency and performance. Wear resistance ranks highly, indicating durability over time, though noise levels are slightly higher, which could affect comfort.

Key Statistics

  • 🏆 Dry braking #1 of 10
  • 🏆 Dry handling #1 of 10
  • 🏆 Wet braking #1 of 10
  • ✅ Wet handling #3 of 10
  • 🏆 Wet lateral handling #1 of 9
  • ✅ Straight aqua #3 of 10
  • ✅ Lateral aqua #4 of 9
  • ❌ Noise #10 of 10
  • ⚠️ Rolling resistance #6 of 10
  • ✅ Wear resistance #3 of 10
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Continental PremiumContact 7
99.03%
—
—
2
Nokian WetProof 0.7%
98.29%
0.7%
+0.26 m
3
Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2) 0.8%
98.23%
0.8%
+0.28 m
4
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 K135 1.6%
97.44%
1.6%
+0.56 m
5
Bridgestone Turanza T005 2.0%
97.01%
2.0%
+0.71 m
6
Michelin Primacy 4+ 2.2%
96.84%
2.2%
+0.77 m
7
Toyo Proxes Comfort 2.3%
96.69%
2.3%
+0.82 m
8
Vredestein Ultrac 2.4%
96.68%
2.4%
+0.82 m
9
Dunlop Sport BluResponse 3.3%
95.73%
3.3%
+1.16 m
10
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 3.5%
95.52%
3.5%
+1.23 m
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Continental PremiumContact 7
99.64%
—
—
2
Nokian WetProof 0.5%
99.17%
0.5%
-0.56 km/h
3
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 0.5%
99.13%
0.5%
-0.61 km/h
4
Toyo Proxes Comfort 0.7%
98.90%
0.7%
-0.89 km/h
5
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 K135 0.8%
98.83%
0.8%
-0.97 km/h
6
Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2) 0.9%
98.76%
0.9%
-1.06 km/h
7
Vredestein Ultrac 0.9%
98.75%
0.9%
-1.06 km/h
8
Michelin Primacy 4+ 1.0%
98.69%
1.0%
-1.14 km/h
9
Dunlop Sport BluResponse 1.1%
98.52%
1.1%
-1.34 km/h
10
Bridgestone Turanza T005 1.2%
98.41%
1.2%
-1.47 km/h
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Continental PremiumContact 7
98.73%
—
—
2
Nokian WetProof 3.4%
95.38%
3.4%
+1.41 m
3
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 K135 3.7%
95.08%
3.7%
+1.53 m
4
Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2) 4.6%
94.10%
4.6%
+1.95 m
5
Bridgestone Turanza T005 4.9%
93.81%
4.9%
+2.07 m
6
Vredestein Ultrac 5.9%
92.80%
5.9%
+2.49 m
7
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 6.4%
92.34%
6.4%
+2.68 m
8
Michelin Primacy 4+ 6.6%
92.15%
6.6%
+2.76 m
9
Toyo Proxes Comfort 8.9%
89.84%
8.9%
+3.73 m
10
Dunlop Sport BluResponse 8.9%
89.79%
8.9%
+3.76 m
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Nokian WetProof 0.2%
99.14%
0.2%
+0.14 km/h
2
Vredestein Ultrac 0.1%
99.10%
0.1%
+0.11 km/h
3
Continental PremiumContact 7
98.96%
—
—
4
Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2) 0.1%
98.90%
0.1%
-0.05 km/h
5
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 0.4%
98.59%
0.4%
-0.28 km/h
6
Bridgestone Turanza T005 0.5%
98.49%
0.5%
-0.35 km/h
7
Toyo Proxes Comfort 0.8%
98.17%
0.8%
-0.59 km/h
8
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 K135 1.1%
97.86%
1.1%
-0.82 km/h
9
Dunlop Sport BluResponse 2.0%
96.98%
2.0%
-1.49 km/h
10
Michelin Primacy 4+ 2.4%
96.52%
2.4%
-1.83 km/h
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Continental PremiumContact 7
98.83%
—
—
2
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 K135 1.1%
97.77%
1.1%
—
3
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 1.1%
97.70%
1.1%
—
4
Bridgestone Turanza T005 1.4%
97.43%
1.4%
—
5
Vredestein Ultrac 1.6%
97.21%
1.6%
—
6
Toyo Proxes Comfort 2.1%
96.72%
2.1%
—
7
Dunlop Sport BluResponse 2.9%
95.94%
2.9%
—
8
Michelin Primacy 4+ 3.1%
95.74%
3.1%
—
9
Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2) 3.5%
95.35%
3.5%
—
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Vredestein Ultrac 3.2%
98.57%
3.2%
+2.53 km/h
2
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 K135 0.0%
95.42%
0.0%
+0.01 km/h
3
Continental PremiumContact 7
95.41%
—
—
4
Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2) 0.0%
95.37%
0.0%
-0.03 km/h
5
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 0.8%
94.57%
0.8%
-0.67 km/h
6
Toyo Proxes Comfort 0.9%
94.55%
0.9%
-0.69 km/h
7
Bridgestone Turanza T005 0.9%
94.53%
0.9%
-0.70 km/h
8
Dunlop Sport BluResponse 1.0%
94.37%
1.0%
-0.83 km/h
9
Michelin Primacy 4+ 1.6%
93.85%
1.6%
-1.25 km/h
10
Nokian WetProof 2.6%
92.80%
2.6%
-2.08 km/h
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Vredestein Ultrac 4.0%
98.12%
4.0%
—
2
Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2) 2.6%
96.70%
2.6%
—
3
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 1.0%
95.10%
1.0%
—
4
Continental PremiumContact 7
94.07%
—
—
5
Bridgestone Turanza T005 0.3%
93.81%
0.3%
—
6
Dunlop Sport BluResponse 3.2%
90.89%
3.2%
—
7
Michelin Primacy 4+ 4.8%
89.31%
4.8%
—
8
Toyo Proxes Comfort 5.3%
88.79%
5.3%
—
9
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 K135 6.6%
87.45%
6.6%
—
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Nokian WetProof 1.8%
99.34%
1.8%
-1.27 dB
2
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 1.7%
99.30%
1.7%
-1.25 dB
3
Michelin Primacy 4+ 1.5%
99.06%
1.5%
-1.08 dB
4
Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2) 1.4%
99.02%
1.4%
-1.04 dB
5
Vredestein Ultrac 0.8%
98.35%
0.8%
-0.57 dB
6
Toyo Proxes Comfort 0.5%
98.08%
0.5%
-0.37 dB
7
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 K135 0.4%
97.95%
0.4%
-0.28 dB
8
Dunlop Sport BluResponse 0.1%
97.72%
0.1%
-0.11 dB
9
Bridgestone Turanza T005 0.0%
97.59%
0.0%
-0.01 dB
10
Continental PremiumContact 7
97.57%
—
—
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Bridgestone Turanza T005 6.9%
96.04%
6.9%
-0.52 kg/t
2
Dunlop Sport BluResponse 4.9%
94.00%
4.9%
-0.36 kg/t
3
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 3.5%
92.69%
3.5%
-0.27 kg/t
4
Michelin Primacy 4+ 3.5%
92.62%
3.5%
-0.26 kg/t
5
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 K135 0.8%
89.98%
0.8%
-0.06 kg/t
6
Continental PremiumContact 7
89.14%
—
—
7
Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2) 2.1%
87.03%
2.1%
+0.16 kg/t
8
Toyo Proxes Comfort 3.8%
85.32%
3.8%
+0.29 kg/t
9
Nokian WetProof 4.8%
84.34%
4.8%
+0.36 kg/t
10
Vredestein Ultrac 5.2%
83.99%
5.2%
+0.39 kg/t
#
Model
Performance ⓘ
% ⓘ
Abs. ⓘ
1
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 15.3%
100.00%
15.3%
+6900 km
2
Michelin Primacy 4+ 4.2%
88.83%
4.2%
+1873 km
3
Continental PremiumContact 7
84.67%
—
—
4
Hankook Ventus Prime 4 K135 15.9%
68.74%
15.9%
-7166 km
5
Bridgestone Turanza T005 16.0%
68.69%
16.0%
-7189 km
6
Toyo Proxes Comfort 21.3%
63.37%
21.3%
-9581 km
7
Dunlop Sport BluResponse 21.5%
63.15%
21.5%
-9680 km
8
Nokian WetProof 22.8%
61.84%
22.8%
-10273 km
9
Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2) 25.2%
59.43%
25.2%
-11357 km
10
Vredestein Ultrac 41.2%
43.51%
41.2%
-18522 km

Head-to-head comparison

Analytical review

The PremiumContact 7 is a benchmark of modern engineering, designed with a single mission: to deliver maximum grip on asphalt. It feels as if this tire has outgrown its “touring” category and leans more toward the character of a UHP tire, offering many of the same strengths — and trade-offs.

It is a class leader in both dry and wet performance, setting new safety standards. But this phenomenal grip comes at a cost, with two key compromises: limited aquaplaning resistance and elevated road noise — both critical metrics for touring tires.

This tire is built for demanding drivers who prioritize confidence and control in 99% of driving scenarios, even if it means sacrificing some comfort or behavior in extreme conditions.

Key Strengths

  • Exceptional wet grip.
    This is the tire’s standout feature, taken to the extreme. With 13 test wins in 18 wet braking tests, the PremiumContact 7 has earned its crown as the “Wet King.” It brings vehicles to a stop several meters sooner than most competitors — a critical advantage in emergencies. Its wet handling is equally elite, with no poor results and consistent placement among top performers.
  • Benchmark dry performance.
    The dominance continues on dry pavement. In both braking and handling, the tire frequently tops the charts — including 9 test wins in 18 dry braking evaluations. It delivers not only the shortest stopping distances but also sharp steering and a connected, confident driving feel.
  • Surprising durability.
    Despite the usual rule that “more grip equals faster wear,” this tire defies expectations. Test data show it combines dynamic handling with longevity comparable to leading touring models. It even won wear tests for heavy electric vehicles (Auto Bild EV), proving the compound is built to last — making it a substantial long-term investment as well as a safety asset.

Compromises (strong, but not always)

  • Unpredictable fuel efficiency.
    This is the tire’s most inconsistent trait. Rolling resistance results vary widely: in some tests (Tyre Reviews UHP, Auto Bild), it ranks among the most efficient; in others (Auto Bild EV, Teknikens Värld), it finishes at the bottom. On average, it lags behind class leaders by +0.4 to +1.1 kg/t, which translates to roughly 70–190 ml more fuel per 100 km. It’s a trade-off likely made to prioritize grip and safety over economy.
  • Aquaplaning resistance.
    This is the tire’s main compromise — and likely a conscious design decision. The tread pattern, optimized for grip, isn’t as effective at dispersing large volumes of water. While it occasionally posts excellent results (e.g., 3 out of 20 in Auto Bild 2025, 1st out of 7 in Tyre Reviews 2025, 1 out of 10 in Auto Bild 2024), most tests place it below average or near the bottom. On average, it begins to aquaplane 2.1–7.1 km/h earlier than top-performing rivals.

Weaknesses

  • High noise.
    In two-thirds of group tests, the PremiumContact 7 ranked among the noisiest tires in its class. While it occasionally performs well, it also has multiple last-place finishes. It appears that engineers have prioritized grip over acoustic comfort. In most cases, the tire was 1.1 to 2.3 dB louder than the quietest rivals, which can be perceived as 10–30% louder in real-world driving.

Verdict

The Continental PremiumContact 7 is an ideal tire for drivers who place maximum value on safety and grip, and who are willing to accept some compromises in comfort and aquaplaning resistance.

The best for

  • Safety is your top priority, and you want the shortest possible braking distances in all conditions.
  • You enjoy spirited driving and want your vehicle to feel sharp, precise, and composed.
  • You can tolerate higher noise levels in exchange for elite grip.
  • You drive primarily on well-maintained roads with good drainage and are mindful of slowing down in heavy rain or standing water.

Continental PremiumContact 7 Test History

Independent magazines and organizations have tested the tire multiple times in various sizes. The detailed results from each test are below.

Year
Magazine
Size
Place
Score
2025
Al Volante
225/55 R18
3 (7)
2025
Aftonbladet
225/45 R17
2 (10)
2025
Vi Bilagare
235/55 R19
5 (6)
2025
Auto Zeitung
225/45 R18
2 (10)
2025
Auto Bild EV
215/55 R18
2 (8)
2025
Auto Bild
225/40 R18
4 (20)
2025
Tyre Reviews
225/50 R17
1 (7)
2024
Auto Bild R17
225/55 R17
1 (10)
2024
Auto Bild EV
235/55 R19
2 (9)
2024
AMS
235/55 R18
1 (8)
2024
Auto Bild
205/55 R16
2 (20)
Exemplary
2024
Auto Zeitung
225/45 R17
1 (8)
2024
Sport Auto
215/40 R18
1 (5)
2023
Tyre Reviews
205/55 R16
1 (13)
Test Winner
2023
Auto Bild
225/45 R18
3 (20)
2023
Motor
205/55 R16
1 (8)
2023
Teknikens Varld
225/50 R17
1 (8)
2023
Tyre Reviews UHP
225/40 R18
1 (6)
Test Winner

Continental PremiumContact 7 vs. Market

Comparison of key tire indicators with average market values.

The tire performs above the median in 9 testing areas while showing lower results in 1 areas. Notable advantages are observed in wear resistance (+10.13%) and wet braking (+7.18%). Most performance characteristics remain close to the market median.
9 areas above the median
Dry braking (+3.28%)
Dry handling (+1.02%)
Wet braking (+7.18%)
Wet handling (+1.96%)
Wet lateral handling (+3.09%)
Straight aqua (+0.02%)
Lateral aqua (+3.18%)
Rolling resistance (+4.8%)
Wear resistance (+10.13%)
1 areas below the median
Noise (-0.6%)
continental
alltyretests
AllTyreTests.com
Add a comment