ADAC winter tyre test 2026: a score of 3.1 and a result among the leaders
ADAC tested 16 winter tyre models in size 185/65 R15. Linglong Sport Master Winter received a score of 3.1 – the same overall rating as Hankook Winter i*cept RS3. Only Continental WinterContact TS 870 and Michelin Alpin 7 achieved a better overall result.
This places Linglong joint third by overall score. In the official ADAC table, Hankook appears in the third row and Linglong in the fourth. On the ADAC scale, a lower number means a better result; a score of 3.1 corresponds to a “satisfactory” rating (befriedigend).
| Tyre model | Overall score |
|---|---|
| Continental WinterContact TS 870 | 2.2 |
| Michelin Alpin 7 | 2.5 |
| Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 | 3.1 |
| Linglong Sport Master Winter | 3.1 |
| Optimo Winter Touring OW41 | 3.2 |
| Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 | 3.3 |
| GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo | 3.5 |
| Bridgestone Blizzak LM 005 | 3.8 |
| Nokian Tyres Snowproof 2 | 3.8 |
| Vredestein Wintrac | 3.8 |
| Barum Polaris 6 | 3.8 |
| Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ | 3.9 |
| Viking WinTech NewGen | 3.9 |
| Sunny Winter-max NW611 | 4.8 |
| Atlas Polarbear HP | 5.5 |
| Rockblade Rock 868S | 5.5 |
Source: ADAC winter tyre test 2026. This comparison applies to these tested models and this tyre size.
Linglong’s overall score was better than the results of the Goodyear, Bridgestone, Nokian Tyres and Vredestein models included in this test. This is useful information for buyers: when assessing tyres, it is worth comparing tests of the specific model rather than relying solely on brand recognition or price category.
What do the tests tell us about Linglong’s performance?
ADAC highlights short braking distances on dry, wet and snow-covered roads among the strengths of Sport Master Winter. At the same time, the testers note shortcomings in steering precision and handling. The overall result is therefore useful when comparing alternatives, but your routes and winter conditions also matter when choosing tyres.
AvD: best price-performance ratio
In the separate 2026 AvD winter tyre test, 15 models were tested in size 225/45 R17. Linglong Sport Master Winter received a score of 4.20 out of 5, a “good” rating (Gut) and the price-performance winner award (Preis-Leistungs-Sieger).
AvD singled out this model as an attractive alternative for price-conscious drivers: its test performance and relatively low price made a compelling combination. This is specifically an AvD award; ADAC and AvD use different methodologies, so their scores cannot be compared directly.
View the official AvD test results and commentary on Linglong →
Linglong tyres are also manufactured in Europe
Linglong is an international tyre manufacturer of Chinese origin with a factory in Zrenjanin, Serbia. This is geographically in Europe; Serbia is not a member of the European Union. The manufacturer announced the start of mass production at this factory in September 2024.
Egzotika represents Linglong in the Baltic countries and will soon begin receiving tyres manufactured in Serbia. We will expand our range for both wholesale and retail customers. This will provide another option for those looking for tyres made in Europe.
Class A wet grip: the specific tyre size matters
The Sport Master Winter range includes versions with wet grip class A. For example, the official EPREL product information sheet for Linglong Sport Master Winter 205/60 R16 92H, tyre type identifier 872493, lists wet grip class A and fuel efficiency class D.
The 185/65 R15 version tested by ADAC had wet grip class B. Always check the label information for the specific product. The EU label and independent testing complement each other: a single letter does not describe all the characteristics of a winter tyre.
View the EPREL product information sheet for the 205/60 R16 92H version →
Where can you buy Linglong tyres?
New deliveries will soon expand the Linglong tyre range at Egzotika. Contact our team about the size you need, pricing and expected availability. We will prepare offers for wholesale customers and help drivers choose tyres suited to their vehicle and driving conditions.
Browse winter tyres · Wholesale · Contact Egzotika
Test results and sources
- ADAC: winter tyre test 2026, 185/65 R15.
- AvD: winter tyre test 2026, 225/45 R17.
- Linglong information about the factory in Serbia.
- Linglong announcement of the start of mass production.
- EPREL: Sport Master Winter 205/60 R16 92H product information sheet.
Open the full copy of the ADAC results table →
Test ratings apply to the models and sizes tested. The characteristics of other sizes and other brands may differ.
