There has been a lot of talk about this tire and its capabilities in various road conditions. Forums and review stores highlight it for its phenomenal hydroplaning control and wet braking abilities. It is about the Continental PremiumContact 7 summer tire that we will talk about in this article.
It would be useful to compile this model's characteristics in one post. Thus, those interested in this model can find all the information centralized here, without running between different sources to form an opinion.
For starters, it's worth mentioning that the PremiumContact 7 is always found at the top whenever it's tested. If it is not the first, then for sure it is among the first in the test results of various aspects of performance.
Below you will find a general description of the PremiumContact 7 tire and the conclusions of various tire performance tests. We want you to know that we used reliable sources in this post, such as ADAC magazine, Consumer Reports, and other unbiased reliable sources. Also, we will make some comparisons with other competitive models to help you decide if the PremiumContact 7 summer tire is a good option for you this summer.
PremiumContact 7 Quick Overview
Continental launched the PremiumContact 7 line in 2022 in several sizes, after which it expanded its variety. The brand sought to improve the capabilities of the PremiumContact 6 tire by increasing the degree of comfort and safety. This is precisely what was designed in the PremiumContact 7 product, which is the successor of the 6th generation.
The new technologies that Continental has integrated into the PremiumContact 7 line have significantly increased handling, braking capabilities, and the degree of comfort compared to other models in the brand's portfolio. In addition, the manufacturer sought to craft this universal tire line maximally. As a result, PremiumContact 7 is compatible with any type of vehicle including hybrid, electric vehicles, and ICE.
While the PremiumContact 7 surpassed the braking and handling capabilities of its predecessor, the PremiumContact 6 remains a representative model. For the record, PremiumContact 6 tires won various titles and victories in the 2020s - its heyday.
With that said, both PremiumContact 6 and 7 seem to be notable lines for the Continental brand. Now let's get into the details, as the devil is hiding in them.
Specific Features of Continental PremiumContact 7
This tire has a wide variety of attributes to provide better driving skills than its competitors. The practical tests will show if these attributes indeed make the tire better than other rival models. In the meantime, let's see what is so special about it.
Let's start with the construction of the PremiumContact 7 tire. Continental has integrated the RedChili compound into it. This, along with the specific tire design, helps to distribute the heat during rolling. In addition, the structure and formula of the tire allow it to grip extremely efficiently in the braking maneuver. This tire provides one of the most agile brakes of all proposed by the industry.
Architecturally, the tire has continuous center ribs and wide shoulders. They bring substantial input in managing wet conditions. It is not for nothing that this tire is highly appreciated for its wet braking capabilities in particular.
Apart from that, the PremiumContact 7 ensures a high level of comfort and safety. Thanks to its optimized pattern, its handling is precise and responsive both wet and dry. The 4 straight grooves combined with special sipes ensure balance and stability in hydroplaning conditions.
The variety of PremiumContact 7 sizes is huge. According to statistics, this is one of the popular summer tires that justifies its price through performance and reliability. The 3 main aspects shown below make it special compared to its competitors:
How Good is Continental PremiumContact 7?
We can talk endlessly about the theoretical capabilities of this tire. But the practical tests are the ones that demonstrate its skills in the real world. So, let's see what they look like. First of all, let's see how the PremiumContact 7 is better than its predecessor PremiumContact 6.
According to Continental statistical data, the newer model performs much better in braking capabilities. Both on the dry and on the wet you can expect a shorter braking distance. More precisely, it is about a reduction of 6% and 8% respectively, which translates into an increased degree of safety.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the better MPG and life expectancy of the newer 7th-generation tire compared to its predecessor. As such, you can expect a product that will last 17% longer than the PremiumContact 6 thanks to the improved formula. As for the tire rolling resistance, the PremiumContact 7 is proven to consume less energy. This translates into up to 10% increase in mileage.
From what it seems, the PremiumContact 7 is a more promising model than its predecessor. That's what tire evolution looks like.
PremiumContact 7 Performance Tests
Many agencies, stores, and independent testers evaluate various products from the automotive industry. Tyre Reviews is one of them and it ranked this tire at the top of the performance tests it ran.
The PremiumContact 7 was compared with 5 other rival summer models. The strongest asset of the PremiumContact 7 proved to be its extremely reliable behavior on wet roads. In particular, this product showed excellent braking and handling capabilities in wet conditions with superb hydroplaning control included. In addition, the tester noted the fuel efficiency provided by this model in relation to the stress it was subjected to.
The PC7 proved to be very resistant to load changes, which makes it remarkable compared to its previous model. On the whole, it seems that the wet environment is the most favorable for this product where it simply shines eclipsing its rivals.
PremiumContact 7 Shortcomings
Long-term tests have shown that PC7's superb braking and wet characteristics decrease a little bit with tire wear and tear. It's a common thing for tires to lose some performance over time with tire wear. The problem is that this phenomenon occurs a little earlier in PC7 tires than in competitive models.
The conclusion is that on the whole, the PC7 is an exceptional product in terms of wet handling and braking. It resists impressively well at high temperatures and withstands additional stress without losing its agility and tenacity.
This model proved to be slightly inferior to Michelin summer tires from a wear perspective. However, the PC7 remains an option of choice anyway due to its lower price.
Which Is The Best Summer Tire?
Another test performed by Tyre Reviews targeted several summer models to decide which is the best tire in this category. 13 models participated in this test, from which the PremiumContact came out victorious in several aspects.
The attributes that made it victorious in this test are the impressive grip on wet roads, absolute leadership in wet braking, as well as the most impressive wet handling. In addition, the PC7 shows the best results in hydroplaning control through exceptionally efficient water evacuation. As such, we observe again the exceptional capabilities of PremiumContact 7 in a wet environment.
It is worth mentioning that Continental PremiumContact 7 won the tire test in German Auto Zeitung, a German newspaper. In the tests, the tire demonstrated a braking distance on wet roads of 5.1 meters away from the worst-performing tire. The handling and braking capabilities on dry roads were not much lower.
Shortcomings
Some statistical data indicate that the PC7 dry handling would be more of a disadvantage than a benefit compared to other premium products. Also, the AutoBild considers this product a bit pricey. At the same time, it qualifies this product as sporty, and dynamic, with generous wet handling characteristics, accurate steering, and pretty good mileage. Honestly, I don't think the tire's price is too high for such a spectrum of benefits. But, in the end, it is up to each driver to decide. Either way, AutoBild classifies this tire in third place out of 21 on the list of best summer tires.
PremiumContact 6 VS PremiumContact 7
We shall admit that the PremiumContact is a remarkable line in the Continental portfolio. Both the 6th and 7th generation were embraced by experts and consumers, including drivers of luxury and sports class vehicles. On the whole, these tires are described as providing excellent handling, high comfort, and great braking efficiency.
AutoExpress named the PremiumContact 6 model as the best summer tire in 2019. German magazines named it the best high-performance tire in the same year. However, Continental found room for improvement despite wide recognition from industry experts.
Thus, the PremiumContact 7 brings higher technical characteristics and capabilities. Given that the PC 6 tire is still available for sale, many drivers face the question: which still suits me better?
Below you have some statistics that we were able to obtain from unbiased experts in tire testing and comparing. It is about AutoBild and ADAC, who helped us to better understand what is the real difference between the 2 models.
Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Bridgestone Potenza Sport
Of course, drivers and motorists are curious about the performance difference between these 2 models. How could it be otherwise if it is about 2 titans of the tire industry? So, let's wrap up for a deep analysis of these 2 models that probably arouse more curiosity than the battle between PC7 and PC6.
By the way, the tests were conducted between 2 models of 225/40 R18 size. Bridgestone has set a solid position in the industry with its Potenza Sport model since its launch in 2020. The brand crafted it for stability at high speeds and precise handling. In addition, it brought a superb harmony between dry and wet potential, which is rarely found in a summer tire.
This tire, known for its stability, is embraced by many driving enthusiasts. Developed to provide exceptional performance both in dry and wet conditions, Potenza Sport offers drivers exciting and lightning-fast driving.
On the other hand, Continental launched its PremiumContact 7 in 2022, threatening the position of Potenza Sport. Here is what the test numbers show between these 2 rivals and direct competitors.
The Conclusion After Performance Tests
After analyzing plenty of sources and statistics, we can conclude that the PremiumContact 7 is an exceptional universal tire. It shines both on the wet and on the dry while providing a quiet, balanced, and comfortable ride. It is worth mentioning that its rolling resistance is quite low for the capacities it delivers. As such, you can expect rational fuel consumption along with its superb capabilities.
In addition, I think that its price, even if high in the opinion of many, fully justifies its attributes. As you saw in the test figures, this tire is not perfect. In comparison, this tire might lose in certain aspects of performance. A good example is the slightly lower handling in dry conditions compared to the rival Potenza Sport.
Comparing the PC7 with other products gives you a better understanding of the capabilities of this product. Also, you can clearly see what are its advantages and disadvantages. If you have this product for the benefits it offers, there is little chance that you will be dissatisfied with its behavior. Whatever you choose, Continental PremiumContact 7 and Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires are designed to give you exceptional driving pleasure.
It is important to remember that the choice between tires will depend on the pricing policy and availability of the required size. Individual preference, type of transport, driving style, and operating conditions will also determine the product that suits you the best.
Continental PremiumContact 7: FAQs
What is The Difference Between PremiumContact 6 and 7?
The PremiumContact 7 line is the extension of the PremiumContact 6 line. Even if the PC7 is an improved version, the PC 6 is still available for sale for its appreciable attributes. On the whole, Continental has improved the braking and handling capabilities of the PremiumContact 7 product. In addition, the new model is more capable in hydroplaning conditions and provides improved mileage life.
What Size Is The Premium Contact 7 Line?
Continental produces 59 sizes for the Premium Contact 7 line. They start with the size of 205/55 R16 and finish at 315/35 R21.
Is Potenza Sport Better Than PremiumContact 7?
Both models provide exceptional performance. The tests suggest that the dry handling is slightly better in the Bridgestone Potenza Sport model. Conversely, the PremiumContact 7 excels in its wet capabilities, being the absolute leader in many tests by various experts in the field. The wet braking, wet handling, and hydroplaning control are the strong assets of the PremiumContact 7 tire.
Why Trust Us?
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Secondly, we have a team of professionals in the field with extensive experience in this industry. Mechanics, testers, assistants, and our content writers all have extensive backgrounds in this field. Thus you can rely on our qualifications and professionalism.
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You are very welcome at NeoTires when you need assistance, guidance, products, or tips regarding tires. We cannot change the roads or the conditions in which you drive. But we can find you the right tires for them to drive through performance, comfort, and safety. Drive safe and choose your tires wisely!