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Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Winter Tire Reviews

Winter tires can keep your ride feeling smooth and safe during the winter season. Continue reading to find out the best winter tires for your Mercedes-Benz C-Class w205.

By Piyush Kayastha - April 28, 2015

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300/C400 w205 (2014-Present).

When it comes to your cars handling, safety, and performance, tires are obviously one of the main factors. A good tire makes the difference in braking distance, handling on rough or wet roads, and most of all, safety for you as well as your passengers. With so many options available on the market today, it may be difficult to pick the best tires for your vehicle. Luckily, this product review article will give you an in depth look at some of the most common winter tires available today.

Winter Tires
Michelin X-Ice
Bridgestone Blizzak WS80
Pirelli Sottozero Serie II Runflat
Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D
Price
 $204 for each $175-$181 $189-$280 $184-$203
Size
 Varies Varies Varies; one of two tires offered in 19" size Varies; one of two tires offered in 19" size
Performance
 Excellent snow and ice traction; superb dry handling Superior snow and ice traction Great handling in cold, dry, wet, and wintry roads Good balance of wet and dry handling
Tread Life
 2/32" 1/32" 2/32" 2/32"
Warranty
 6 years/40, 000 miles None None None
Best Quality: Michelin X-Ice

Best Value: Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D

Michelin X-Ice

Price – $204

Size – Varies

Performance – Excellent snow and ice traction; superb dry handling

Tread Life – 2/32"

Warranty – 6 years/40, 000 miles

Several forum members have elected the Michelin X-Ice winter tires over the popular Bridgestone Blizzaks. While sharing many of the similar characteristics to handling on ice and snow, these tires are nearly identical in performance to all of the season tires when used on dry roads. Recommended for drivers in search of winter tires with all-season performance.

Bridgestone Blizzak WS80

Price – $175-$181

Size – Varies

Performance – Superior snow and ice traction

Tread Life – 1/32"

Warranty – None

These winter tires are a favorite among car owners across the country. This is mainly because they have remarkable handling in snow and icy conditions. Also, it is proven to last season after season. While they are long-lasting snow/ice tires and handle with great control, they don't fare as well in dry conditions. Other competing tire brands double up as being able to handle just as well on icy and dry roads. Recommended for drivers in areas of high snowfall and icier roads.

Pirelli Sottozero Serie II Runflat

Price – $189-$280

Size – Varies

Performance – Great handling in cold, dry, wet, and wintry roads

Tread Life – 2/32"

Warranty – None

Forum members and TireRack reviews have nothing but positive words to say about Pirelli tires. These are only one of two brands with 19" tires, meaning C-Class owners only have two options for winter tires of this size. The downside to these tires is that the combination of ultra-low profile and high width of the tires limits their performance in deep snow. Recommended for all-around performance with a 19" wheel size.

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D

Price – $184-$203

Size – Varies

Performance – Good balance of dry and wet handling; enhanced compound offers fuel economy

Tread Life – 2/32"

Warranty – None

These Dunlop tires are chosen by several forum members as their winter tire setup. Traditional tires were built with a compound called carbon-black, but these tires are built with a compound called Silica. The added bonus of using this compound is an increase in fuel economy when compared to standard carbon-black built tires; this is due to a lower tire rolling resistance. Recommended for C-Class owners wanting dependable tires for all driving conditions coupled with an increase in fuel economy.

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