Pirelli: introducing the new 2026 range of winter tyres

With just a few days to go before the launch of the new Scorpion Winter 3, Pirelli is gearing up for the change of season, due to begin on 15 November, with a new winter range designed to optimise performance and safety on premium models. In addition to the Scorpion Winter 3 for SUVs, the range includes the P Zero Winter 2 for high-performance cars and the Cinturato Winter 3 for saloons and crossovers, also available with Pirelli Elect technology for electric vehicles. Pirelli’s winter tyres have once again proved themselves to be among the very best in the market in tests carried out by European organisations and publications, securing both victories and top placings.

The Cinturato Winter 3, designed for saloons and crossovers, took first place in the ADAC’s 2026 winter test: in the 225/50 R17 size, out of 16 models compared, it was rated ‘highly recommended’ thanks to its top marks on wet roads and the best score for driving safety, whilst also proving well-balanced in terms of both efficiency and wear. It also triumphed in the AvD test: in the 225/45 R17 size, out of 15 tyres, it emerged as the test winner with a ‘very good’ rating, thanks to top marks on both wet and dry surfaces, as well as balanced stability and benchmark performance, including in braking.

The Cinturato Winter 3 also took first place in another European comparison test based on the 205/55 R16 size and on a Volkswagen Golf, with 14 tyres taking part in the test, distinguishing itself as a benchmark tyre in wet conditions thanks to its excellent aquaplaning performance and short braking distances. It also secured a podium finish in three other independent European comparative tests, which praised its low noise levels, braking performance on wet roads and consistent grip on dry surfaces. In total, the Cinturato Winter 3 has achieved six podium finishes out of seven tests, as well as three victories.

The new Pirelli Scorpion Winter 3, on the other hand, made its debut with a victory in an independent comparison test carried out in the 235/60 R18 size on an Alfa Romeo Stelvio, coming top of six winter tyres in the same category thanks to excellent performance in wet conditions, as well as shorter braking distances and the fastest lap time, complemented by progressive handling during direction changes. To round off its performance, the new Scorpion Winter 3 proved to be very consistent and entirely predictable on snow, whilst on dry surfaces it was judged to be a well-balanced tyre.

It is also worth noting that, in the annual super-comparison carried out by one of Germany’s leading specialist magazines, the P Zero Winter 2 secured a place on the podium with a particularly noteworthy rating – namely ‘exemplary’ – thanks to precise handling on both wet and dry surfaces, as well as outstanding braking performance in both conditions: a very positive result that confirms the effectiveness of a tyre which Pirelli has designed specifically to ensure not only the safety of the vehicle but also driving pleasure – a traditional hallmark of all high-performance cars, even in winter.