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Continental CrossContact UHP 285/50R18 FR 109W
You're viewing new Continental CrossContact UHP Tire | 285/50R18 | SL | Manufacturer Part No 03520700000.
Continental CrossContact UHP 285/50R18 109W — Ultra High Performance SUV Tire
A wide-footprint UHP summer tire for premium midsize SUVs that demand both payload capacity and high-speed performance. The Continental CrossContact UHP brings the brand's motorsport compound expertise to the premium SUV segment — delivering the confident high-speed dynamics, short wet stopping distances, and consistent dry grip that drivers of performance-oriented luxury SUVs increasingly expect from a tire that must also carry a full family and their gear in everyday use.
Ultra High Performance Handling
The 285mm wide contact patch delivers a large braking and traction surface on a platform where vehicle weight demands maximum rubber-to-road contact. Continental's asymmetric tread positions rigid outer shoulder blocks for lateral stability during aggressive lane changes and canyon road cornering. Continental's asymmetric tread pattern positions its highest-rigidity block geometry on the outer shoulder, resisting lateral deformation during cornering and maintaining a consistent contact patch shape at high lateral g-loads. The result is steering feedback that remains precise and informative throughout the full cornering arc — from initial turn-in to apex and exit.
Wet Weather Safety
At the speeds performance SUVs travel on US interstates and expressways, wet-road safety margins are critical. The CrossContact UHP's four circumferential grooves create high-volume water evacuation channels that pump water continuously away from the contact patch. Wide angled lateral channels assist in slush and spray management, while the inner tread zone's sipe architecture provides micro-grip on damp and rain-covered pavement. The compound's silica formulation maintains wet friction even as temperatures rise during sustained high-speed driving.
Ride Comfort & NVH
Continental's pitch-sequence noise engineering minimizes tread pattern resonance at highway speeds, keeping interior noise levels appropriate for the premium cabin environments of luxury SUVs. The tire's carcass compliance is tuned to absorb road surface imperfections without transmitting harshness into the cabin — preserving the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) standards that define vehicles in this segment.
Tire Specifications
- Size: 285/50R18
- Load Index: 109 — 2270 lbs per tire
- Speed Rating: W — up to 168 mph
- Construction: Standard Load
- OE / Special Markings: None
- Type: Ultra High Performance (UHP) — Summer / All-Season
Standard construction delivers reliable high-speed performance within the load parameters of this vehicle category.
Compatible US Vehicles
The 285/50R18 fitment is used on a range of premium performance SUVs. Compatible models include:
- Mercedes-Benz ML 500 4MATIC (W163)
- Mercedes-Benz GL 450 4MATIC (X164)
- Porsche Cayenne S (9PA)
- Volkswagen Touareg V8 (7L)
- BMW X5 4.8is (E53)
- Audi Q7 4.2 FSI (4L)
Always verify your vehicle's correct tire size on the door-jamb sticker or owner's manual. For vehicles with OE or N-marked tire requirements, confirm the correct approval marking before purchasing a replacement.
Continental CrossContact UHP 285/50R18 109W — Ultra High Performance SUV Tire
A wide-footprint UHP summer tire for premium midsize SUVs that demand both payload capacity and high-speed performance. The Continental CrossContact UHP brings the brand's motorsport compound expertise to the premium SUV segment — delivering the confident high-speed dynamics, short wet stopping distances, and consistent dry grip that drivers of performance-oriented luxury SUVs increasingly expect from a tire that must also carry a full family and their gear in everyday use.
Ultra High Performance Handling
The 285mm wide contact patch delivers a large braking and traction surface on a platform where vehicle weight demands maximum rubber-to-road contact. Continental's asymmetric tread positions rigid outer shoulder blocks for lateral stability during aggressive lane changes and canyon road cornering. Continental's asymmetric tread pattern positions its highest-rigidity block geometry on the outer shoulder, resisting lateral deformation during cornering and maintaining a consistent contact patch shape at high lateral g-loads. The result is steering feedback that remains precise and informative throughout the full cornering arc — from initial turn-in to apex and exit.
Wet Weather Safety
At the speeds performance SUVs travel on US interstates and expressways, wet-road safety margins are critical. The CrossContact UHP's four circumferential grooves create high-volume water evacuation channels that pump water continuously away from the contact patch. Wide angled lateral channels assist in slush and spray management, while the inner tread zone's sipe architecture provides micro-grip on damp and rain-covered pavement. The compound's silica formulation maintains wet friction even as temperatures rise during sustained high-speed driving.
Ride Comfort & NVH
Continental's pitch-sequence noise engineering minimizes tread pattern resonance at highway speeds, keeping interior noise levels appropriate for the premium cabin environments of luxury SUVs. The tire's carcass compliance is tuned to absorb road surface imperfections without transmitting harshness into the cabin — preserving the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) standards that define vehicles in this segment.
Tire Specifications
- Size: 285/50R18
- Load Index: 109 — 2270 lbs per tire
- Speed Rating: W — up to 168 mph
- Construction: Standard Load
- OE / Special Markings: None
- Type: Ultra High Performance (UHP) — Summer / All-Season
Standard construction delivers reliable high-speed performance within the load parameters of this vehicle category.
Compatible US Vehicles
The 285/50R18 fitment is used on a range of premium performance SUVs. Compatible models include:
- Mercedes-Benz ML 500 4MATIC (W163)
- Mercedes-Benz GL 450 4MATIC (X164)
- Porsche Cayenne S (9PA)
- Volkswagen Touareg V8 (7L)
- BMW X5 4.8is (E53)
- Audi Q7 4.2 FSI (4L)
Always verify your vehicle's correct tire size on the door-jamb sticker or owner's manual. For vehicles with OE or N-marked tire requirements, confirm the correct approval marking before purchasing a replacement.
Do you have a question about CrossContact UHP 285/50R18 FR 109W?
No. The CrossContact UHP is a summer ultra-high-performance tire for warm, dry and wet roads, and its compound hardens in cold weather, reducing grip. It is not intended for snow or ice. If your area sees winter conditions, or when temps regularly fall near 45 F/7 C, switch to dedicated winter tires. For year-round use without seasonal changeovers, consider an appropriate all-season alternative.
Check the tire placard on the driver side door jamb or your owner's manual for the correct size, load index, and speed rating. Many performance vehicles use staggered setups with wider rear tires, so front and rear sizes may differ. Match or exceed the original load and speed ratings, and confirm whether your vehicle requires SSR runflat tires. Do not mix runflat and non-runflat tires on the same axle, and consult a qualified installer if you are unsure.
SSR denotes a runflat construction that can support limited driving at reduced speeds after a pressure loss, when used on vehicles engineered for runflats. Choose SSR only if your vehicle specifies runflat tires and wheels, and avoid mixing runflat and non-runflat tires on the same axle. Runflats can feel firmer due to reinforced sidewalls, and repair or replacement policies may differ. Review your vehicle requirements and discuss service options with your installer.
Yes, the Continental CrossContact UHP offers a comfortable driving experience thanks to its advanced tread compound and carefully engineered asymmetric tread design. These features work together to provide a smooth ride by reducing vibrations and absorbing minor road imperfections.
Tread life depends on driving style, climate, roads, and maintenance. As a UHP summer tire, many drivers see 20,000 to 40,000 miles under normal use, though aggressive driving, misalignment, or skipped rotations can shorten lifespan. Rotate every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, maintain door jamb pressures, and keep alignment in spec to promote even wear. Inspect regularly and replace before the tread reaches the legal minimum.
The tire is covered by a manufacturer limited warranty for defects in materials and workmanship. Mileage warranties can vary by size and region, and many UHP summer tires do not include a treadwear mileage guarantee. Keep proof of purchase and follow rotation, inflation, and alignment guidelines to maintain coverage. Road-hazard protection is usually not included unless purchased through a retailer, so review the current warranty booklet for full terms and exclusions.
