Pirelli’s New Winter Range Excels in European Tests

With the launch of the new Scorpion Winter 3 tyre, Pirelli is approaching the seasonal tyre changeover with a winter range that has been completely renewed in the past two years, featuring products designed to optimise performance and safety on premium vehicles.

Alongside the Scorpion Winter 3, developed for SUVs, the range includes the P Zero Winter 2 for high-performance cars and the Cinturato Winter 3 for saloons and crossovers. The range is also available with Pirelli Elect technology, designed for EVs, a fast-growing segment in Europe.

This extensive renewal is confirmed by independent comparative tests conducted by leading European organisations and publications, in which Pirelli winter tyres have achieved victories and top positions thanks to benchmark performance in areas that matter most for safety. The success also extends to all-season tyres. The Cinturato All Season SF3 has captured the most awards in independent tests, recording four victories and six additional podium finishes in the latest European comparisons.

Cinturato Winter 3, the winter tyre for saloons and crossovers, took first place in the 2026 winter tyre test by ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club), Europe’s largest automobile club. Tested in size 225/50 R17, it earned a “highly recommended” rating thanks to the best score in the wet and the highest assessment for driving safety. Described as very well balanced, it also delivered strong results in efficiency and wear.

It also won the AvD (Automobilclub von Deutschland) test in size 225/45 R17. It was named Testsieger (test winner) with a “very good” rating, thanks to the best score in both wet and dry conditions; the test highlighted its balanced stability, steering precision and benchmark braking performance.

Cinturato Winter 3 also took first place in the new Auto Bild comparison, conducted in size 205/55 R16 on a Volkswagen Golf with 14 tyres competing. It received an “exemplary” rating and the best overall score, standing out as the benchmark in the wet thanks to top aquaplaning results, short wet braking distances and precise handling.

Additionally, it finished on the podium in tests by Auto Express, Auto Bild Allrad, which praised its very low noise levels as well as its wet-road behaviour and braking, and Tyre Reviews, where it achieved the best result in dry conditions, with consistent braking grip, effective handling and good resistance to aquaplaning in the wet. Cinturato Winter 3 consequently achieved six podium finishes in seven tests, including three victories.

The new Scorpion Winter 3 debuted with a victory. In the alVolante comparison, conducted in size 235/60 R18 on an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, it ranked first among six winter tyres. The difference was made by its wet performance and shortest braking distance, as well as the fastest lap time and progressive reactions to changes of direction. On snow it was judged consistent and predictable, while on dry roads it proved balanced. According to the publication, the tyre ‘has no real weaknesses and shines in the wet.’

In the annual super comparative test by German magazine Auto Bild, P Zero Winter 2 finished on the podium with an “exemplary” rating, thanks to precise driving behaviour in both wet and dry conditions and outstanding braking performance on wet and dry roads. The result confirms the effectiveness of a product designed to deliver safety and driving pleasure for high-performance cars in challenging winter conditions.

Cinturato Winter 3, Scorpion Winter 3 and P Zero Winter 2 are also available with Pirelli Elect technology on dedicated fitments for Europe’s growing EV fleet. Elect is the Pirelli technology for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and addresses their specific requirements: greater range thanks to low rolling resistance, enhanced acoustic comfort and longer tyre life.

Safety remains central, especially in winter: electric motors deliver high and immediate torque, putting traction to the test in cold, wet and snowy conditions. Elect therefore also focuses on grip, with compounds and tread patterns designed to transfer power to the road while reducing potential loss of traction, together with a reinforced structure to support the weight of the batteries. This enables drivers of electric vehicles to tackle the cold season with a balanced winter tyre across different conditions without compromising efficiency.

The latest European tests have also confirmed the Cinturato All Season SF3’s benchmark position, with four victories in comparisons by Auto Zeitung, Reifentester, Auto Express and Que Choisir, plus six additional podium finishes. Auto Express judged it the best both in objective assessments and driving enjoyment, whilst Auto Zeitung identified it as the segment benchmark, rewarding its performance in wet and dry conditions.

The tyre also reached the podium in tests by ADAC, Auto Bild (in sizes 215/55 R18 and 225/45 R17), auto motor und sport, AvD and Tyre Reviews, standing out for wet safety, snow performance, aquaplaning resistance, dry braking, comfort and efficiency. The consistency of these results, achieved with different sizes and test methodologies, confirms the product’s overall balance in typical year-round driving conditions.

The all-season Pirelli range is completed by the new Scorpion All Season SF3, developed for SUVs and based on the Cinturato All Season SF3 experience, bringing the same design approach to the segment.