Chinese tyre manufacturer Linglong Tire has emerged as the winner of the latest all-season tyre test conducted by the Automobile Club of Germany for the first time. In the 2025 price-performance category, the company took first place in the tested 205/45 R17 tyre size. With 4.1 out of a maximum possible 5 points, the “Sport Master 4S” tyre prevailed against eight models from other well-known manufacturers and won the test in the price-performance category for the first time.
The Chinese manufacturer, currently ranked fourteenth among the world’s largest tyre manufacturers is sending a clear signal to the European market that tyres from Chinese manufacturers have reached the highest international standards. The AvD also writes: “This shows once again that Chinese manufacturers are quickly catching up in terms of quality, not only in the automotive sector, but also in the tyre sector.” In the test, the tyres had to prove themselves in various disciplines, on snow as well as on dry and wet roads.
Linglong Tire is one of the largest tyre manufacturers in the world. With over 90 million tyres produced per year, Linglong is represented in almost 180 countries. The company manufactures primarily in China, while in Europe, its state-of-the-art plant in Zrenjanin, Serbia, is part of its international manufacturing network, with an annual capacity of over 14 million tyres per year. Linglong supplies more than 60 international car manufacturers with original equipment tyres. Last year, Linglong supplied the most original equipment tyres for NEVs worldwide.
“This test victory proves the high quality of our products, confirms our excellent development work in Europe and China, and underlines that high quality and an attractive price are very compatible,” says Wolf Fuder, Head of Marketing at Linglong in Europe.
With the Sport Master 4S, Linglong Tire is setting new standards in the all-season tyre segment. The tyre is aimed at drivers of small cars as well as compact, mid-range, and luxury vehicles and impresses with its safety, comfort, and economy. Its directional V-shaped tread pattern with special 3D sipes ensures high grip on wet and snowy roads, while wide grooves effectively disperse water and slush, preventing aquaplaning. At the same time, the elastic rubber compound ensures reliable road contact even in cold weather.
On dry roads, the Sport Master 4S scores with short braking distances, precise handling, and stable cornering, made possible by a newly developed tread compound, an optimised carcass construction, and a larger contact patch. At the same time, the innovative silica tread compound minimises abrasion, noise, and rolling resistance, guaranteeing both comfort and high mileage.
The Sport Master 4S was developed by the European development center in Hanover and tested in Spain, China, and under winter conditions in Ivalo, Finland. The tyre is produced in China and at the European plant in Serbia. It is currently available in 60 sizes from 13 to 19 inches, with further sizes in the pipeline.
