You're viewing new Continental VikingContact 8 Tire | P235/60R17 | XL | Manufacturer Part No 03455150000.
Continental VikingContact 8 235/60R17 XL 106T — Nordic Winter Tire
Continental's response to the growing demand for a stud-free winter tire that performs without reservation, the Continental VikingContact 8 in 235/60R17 XL 106T brings the brand's Scandinavian winter expertise directly to your compact executive sedan or family tourer. Stud-free by design, it combines a purpose-built compound, intelligent tread architecture, and a refined carcass construction to deliver confident, safe performance across ice, packed snow, loose snow, slush, and cold wet asphalt — the full palette of winter road surfaces you will actually encounter.
Ice & Snow Performance
The VikingContact 8's tread pattern centres on a distinctive Nordic sipe network. Four circumferential grooves combined with cross-drainage channels protect against aquaplaning during winter rainstorms and rapid snowmelt. The pattern's V-shaped block layout channels snow and ice particles efficiently to the tire's outer edges, maintaining continuous contact between the rubber compound and the road surface. Continental's Arctic Compound keeps the tread flexible and grippy even at temperatures well below freezing, activating the micro-sipes that provide the micro-mechanical grip essential for short ice braking distances.
Wet Winter & Slush Safety
Transitional winter conditions — the rain, slush, and above-zero surfaces that occur between autumn and deep winter — are handled by four circumferential grooves that provide rapid water evacuation. Wide lateral channels assist in slush drainage under the contact patch, reducing the risk of slush planing that can catch drivers off guard in late autumn or during winter thaws. The compound's cold-temperature chemistry ensures traction doesn't drop off as soon as the road surface rises above zero.
Comfort & Low Noise
One of the key advances in the VikingContact 8 over previous generations is its noticeably lower noise signature. Continental's pitch-sequence engineering scatters tread noise energy across a wide frequency range, preventing the tonal hum associated with older winter tire designs. The 60-series sidewall absorbs road surface irregularities effectively — important in winter when roads are often in poorer condition — keeping cabin comfort high throughout the cold season.
Fuel Efficiency & EV Compatibility
The VikingContact 8 was developed with electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles as a priority. Its compound rolling resistance profile is optimized to minimize energy loss per revolution, supporting extended electric range in winter when battery efficiency naturally decreases due to cold temperatures. The carcass is also reinforced to handle the immediate high-torque delivery of electric motors without excessive tread deformation on slippery surfaces.
Size Specifications
- Size: 235/60R17
- Load Index: 106 (2095 lbs per tire)
- Speed Rating: T (up to 118 mph / 190 km/h)
- Construction: XL Extra Load
- Season: Winter (Nordic / Friction)
- Technology: Stud-Free, Arctic Compound, Nordic Sipe Network
XL Extra Load reinforcement increases the tire's structural capacity, making it suitable for heavier premium platforms, fully loaded family vehicles, and high-spec trims that add weight over base models.
Vehicle Compatibility
The 235/60R17 fitment is commonly used on a range of compact executive sedan or family tourer models across European and North American markets. Compatible vehicles include:
- BMW X3 xDrive20i (F25)
- Audi Q5 2.0 TDI quattro (8R)
- Mercedes-Benz GLK 200 (X204)
- Volvo XC60 D3 (156)
Always verify the correct tire size on your vehicle's door-jamb sticker or in the owner's manual before purchasing. If your vehicle uses a staggered fitment or has specific load/speed requirements, confirm the specification matches before installation.
