When it comes to tyres, the tests speak for themselves. And in the latest independent European comparative tests, the Pirelli range has delivered leading results. Over the past two years, Pirelli has completely renewed its range for the colder season: Cinturato Winter 3 for saloons and crossovers, Scorpion Winter 3 for SUVs and P Zero Winter 2 for high-performance cars. Three different products, united by the results achieved in the latest European comparative tests. The range is also available with Pirelli Elect technology, developed for EVs, a rapidly growing segment in Europe. This extensive renewal has been validated by independent comparative tests carried out by leading European organisations and publications, in which Pirelli winter tyres have secured victories and top positions¹.
This success extends to all-season tyres too: Cinturato All Season SF3, the most awarded all-season tyre², has recorded four wins and a further six podium places in the latest European comparative tests.
Cinturato Winter 3: six podiums from seven tests, including three wins
Cinturato Winter 3, the winter tyre for saloons and crossovers, took first place in ADAC's 2026 winter tyre test (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) which is Europe's largest automobile club. Tested in size 225/50 R17 against 15 other models, it received a “highly recommended” rating thanks to the best score in the wet and the highest rating for driving safety. Described as very well-balanced, it also achieved good results for efficiency and wear. It also won the AvD (Automobilclub von Deutschland) test: in size 225/45 R17, against 14 other tyres, it was named Testsieger (test winner) with a “very good” rating, thanks to the best scores in wet and dry conditions. The test also highlighted its balanced stability, steering precision and benchmark braking performance. The Cinturato Winter 3 also took first place in Auto Bild's latest comparative test, conducted in size 205/55 R16 on a Volkswagen Golf and featuring 14 different tyres competing for the title. It received an “exemplary” rating and the best overall score, standing out as a benchmark in the wet thanks to the best aquaplaning results, short braking distances and precise handling. It also reached the podium in tests by Auto Express and Auto Bild Allrad, which praised its very low noise levels, wet handling and braking, as well as 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 has therefore achieved six podium places from seven tests, including three victories.
Scorpion Winter 3 wins on its debut in alVolante's comparative test
The new Scorpion Winter 3 made a winning debut. In alVolante's comparative test, conducted in size 235/60 R18 on an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, it finished first among six winter tyres. Its wet performance and shortest braking distance made the difference, together with the fastest lap time and progressive responses to changes of direction.
On snow, it was judged consistent and predictable, while on dry roads it proved well-balanced. According to the publication, the tyre “has no real weaknesses and shines in the wet”.
P Zero Winter 2 on the podium in Auto Bild's comparative test
In German magazine Auto Bild's annual major comparative test, P Zero Winter 2 reached the podium with an “exemplary” rating, thanks to precise driving characteristics 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 provide safety and driving pleasure for high-performance cars in challenging winter conditions.
Getting ready for the seasonal tyre change
As every year, from 15 November to 15 April, motorists are required to drive with winter tyres or carry suitable equipment on board³. Thinking of a winter tyre as something useful only on snow, however, is too limiting. Reliability across different road surfaces is key when choosing a tyre, not just performance on snow: for much of the distance covered during winter, drivers are travelling on dry or wet roads. Below 7°C, winter compounds, specifically developed for cold conditions, provide more grip than summer compounds, while the tread pattern helps reduce the risk of aquaplaning and generates traction on snow. The markings on the sidewall also deserve attention: M+S (Mud + Snow) indicates a product designed for challenging road conditions, while 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) certifies that the tyre has passed stringent tests in severe winter conditions. Adopting an appropriate winter driving style is equally important: leave a greater safety distance, avoid sudden acceleration and use the brakes less, relying more on engine braking.
For electric cars too: Pirelli ELECT technology
Cinturato Winter 3, Scorpion Winter 3 and P Zero Winter 2 are also available with Pirelli Elect technology, in dedicated fitments for Europe's growing EV fleet. Elect is Pirelli technology for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and addresses their specific requirements: greater range⁴ thanks to low rolling resistance, enhanced acoustic comfort and increased tyre life. Safety remains central, particularly in winter. Electric motors deliver high and immediate torque, which can put traction to the test in cold, wet and snowy conditions. For this reason, Elect also focuses on grip, with specially developed compounds and tread patterns designed to transfer power to the road while reducing potential loss of grip, together with a reinforced structure to support the weight of the battery. Drivers of electric cars can therefore face the colder season with a winter tyre offering balanced performance across different conditions, without compromising efficiency.
Winter or All-Season tyres?
All-season tyres are the ideal choice for drivers who mainly use their cars in urban areas, cover on average up to 20,000 km a year and do not frequently encounter heavy snowfall. Drivers who exceed this mileage, regularly travel in mountain areas or drive high-performance cars, however, will find winter tyres the more suitable solution.
Pirelli offers an advanced all-season range with the 3PMSF marking certifying its suitability for winter conditions, starting with Cinturato All Season SF3, the most awarded all-season tyre in independent tests⁵ .
The latest European tests have confirmed its benchmark status: four victories, in comparative tests by Auto Zeitung, Reifentester, Auto Express and Que Choisir, together with a further six podium places. Auto Express rated it the best both in objective assessments and for driving pleasure, while Auto Zeitung identified it as a benchmark in the segment, recognising its performance in wet and dry conditions. It also reached the podium in tests conducted 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 across different sizes and testing methodologies, confirms the product's overall balance in the conditions typically encountered throughout the year. The All Season family is completed by the new Scorpion All Season SF3, developed for SUVs based on the experience gained with Cinturato All Season SF3 and bringing the same design approach to the segment.
1. Which tyres are included in Pirelli's winter range?
Pirelli's winter range has been completely renewed and comprises three products designed for different types of vehicle: Cinturato Winter 3, developed for saloons and crossovers; Scorpion Winter 3, developed for SUVs; and P Zero Winter 2, designed for high-performance cars. Their results in independent European tests confirm the performance of the range, with victories and top positions in leading comparative tests.
2. What results have Pirelli winter tyres achieved in independent tests?
Pirelli winter tyres have received major recognition in European comparative tests. Cinturato Winter 3 achieved six podium places from seven tests, including three victories in tests by ADAC, AvD and Auto Bild. Scorpion Winter 3 won alVolante's comparative test on its debut, while P Zero Winter 2 reached the podium in Auto Bild's test.
3. What is the difference between Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3, Scorpion Winter 3 and P Zero Winter 2?
The three tyres are designed to meet the needs of different categories of car. Cinturato Winter 3 is intended for saloons and crossovers, with a focus on balance, safety and performance in dry, wet and snowy conditions. Scorpion Winter 3 is specifically designed for SUVs, while P Zero Winter 2 is developed for sports and high-performance cars, delivering driving precision and braking performance even in winter conditions.
4. When are winter tyres compulsory in Italy?
In Italy, the standard period during which vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres or carry suitable anti-skid equipment on board runs from 15 November to 15 April, unless local regulations state otherwise. It is therefore important to check the requirements applying to the roads you intend to travel on and ensure that your tyres comply with the relevant regulations.
5. Why is it important to use winter tyres when temperatures fall below 7°C?
When temperatures fall below 7°C, winter tyre compounds retain elasticity and grip characteristics that are better suited to cold conditions than those of summer tyres. The tread pattern also helps improve traction on snow and reduce the risk of aquaplaning, providing greater safety not only on snow-covered surfaces but also on cold and wet roads.
6. Are Pirelli winter tyres also available for electric cars?
Yes. Cinturato Winter 3, Scorpion Winter 3 and P Zero Winter 2 are also available with Pirelli Elect technology, with dedicated fitments for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. This technology has been developed to meet the specific requirements of these vehicles, improving range, acoustic comfort and tyre life. Particular attention is also paid to traction, torque management and battery weight.
7. Is it better to choose Pirelli winter or all-season tyres?
The choice depends primarily on driving habits and the climatic conditions encountered. Winter tyres are recommended for drivers who cover high mileages, regularly travel in mountain areas, frequently encounter heavy snowfall or drive high-performance cars.
All-season tyres, meanwhile, provide a versatile solution for those who mainly drive in urban areas, cover on average less than 20,000 km a year and do not frequently encounter particularly severe winter conditions. Among Pirelli's products, Cinturato All Season SF3 stands out for its multiple awards in independent tests.
8. What are the main characteristics of Cinturato All Season SF3?
Cinturato All Season SF3 is the most awarded all-season tyre in independent tests. In the latest European comparative tests, it achieved four victories, in tests by Auto Zeitung, Reifentester, Auto Express and Que Choisir, as well as a further six podium places.
It stands out for its balanced performance on dry, wet and snowy surfaces, resistance to aquaplaning and driving comfort. The Pirelli All Season range also includes the new Scorpion All Season SF3, specifically developed for SUVs.
