Continental SportContact 7

The Continental Sport Contact 7 is a UUHP summer tire designed to have optimum grip in the dry and wet. Initially the Sport Contact 7 will be launched in 42 sizes covering 19" to 23", but further sizing in the future will include certain 18" sizes!

Tire review data from 59 tire reviews averaging 85% over 265,628 miles driven, and 10 tests with an average result of 1st.

Dry Grip 97%
Wet Grip 93%
Road Feedback 91%
Handling 92%
Wear 69%
Comfort 77%
Buy again 80%

First On MarketApril 2021
Wheel Size18 - 24"
Width215 - 335mm
Profile25 - 45
Rolling ResistanceA - D
Wet GripA - B
Noise (dB)70 - 75
Winter RatingNot Winter Rated

The SportContact 7 is ranked 15th of 77 Summer Max Performance tires.

This tire replaced the Continental Sport Contact 6.

In Depth Tire Comparisons

Tests Included

10

Best Result

1st

Worst Result

2nd

Average Result

1st

Latest Tire Test Results

2024 Sports Car Tire Test
1st of 7 tires
  • A convincing super sports car that hardly shows any weakness, precise steering response, dynamic handling on wet and dry tracks, excellent balance, short braking distances, good aquaplaning reserves.
  • Slightly increased rolling noise.
View Full Test >>
2023 AutoBild Sports Car Summer Tire Test
1st of 13 tires
  • The new SportContact 7 is completely convincing in its first test: dynamic cornering, stable cornering, precise steering behavior with very good feedback, convincingly safe braking performance on wet and dry slopes.
  • Moderate safety reserves for curve aquaplaning.
  • Exemplary.
View Full Test >>
2023 ACE / Gute Fahrt UHP Summer Tire Test
1st of 7 tires
  • Best wet performance on test, very short wet and dry braking, no other weaknesses.

    Test Winner.
View Full Test >>

SizeFuelWetNoise
20 inch
255/45 R 20 105 Y XLCA72
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Continental SportContact 7 >>

Questions and Answers for the Continental SportContact 7

2022-03-21 - Is this tire good for an audi rs3 sedan? if not, which one is? (except the ps4s)

This would be great on an RS3!

2022-03-22 - I am deciding between this and the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport. You praised the latter for having excellent steering response. How would you say it compares to these. For context I have an 2015 m235i RWD I drive on weekends. I like driving sideways from time to time but do not go on track days

They're fairly close, the Continental is the more rounded tire and is certainly better in the wet so if you use the car in the rain I would side with this tire.

2022-03-30 - I need a new set of tires for an R35 GTR running 660bhp. The MPS4S are tried and tested on the GTR but this tire seems to be better on paper. I have three questions: The first is what is the wear like on the SC7? Secondly, do you think the SC7 can handle the power and AWD capabilities of the GTR? Finally, what tire sizes would you recommend? (OEM 255/40/20 front and 285/35/20 rear)

The wear rate of the SC7 is as yet untested, Continental say it should be similar to the PS4S though. The tire will have no issues with the power of the GTR, and for sizes I can only recommend sticking with OE. The tire should have an advantage to the PS4S in the wet.

2022-05-20 - I am looking to upgrade my BMW star rated MPSS* on a 2021 Toyota Z4 M40I G29 (they often lose grip when not warm 100%). Initially I was thinking about the BMW star rated MPS4s* (saw your G80 M3 review), then the Sport Contact 7 came out and I’ve seen only great reviews about them. Which of these two would you recommend for best dry grip/handling with decent levels of noise/comfort? Not worried about wet caracteristics since I don’t push the car hard enough in the wet. 255/35/ZR19 front 275/35/ZR19 rear Thanks

As you won't be able to get the G80 version of the * 4S in your sizes and I've not tested the sizes you can get, the SC7 is a very safe option for excellent performance.

2022-08-08 - Just bought a GLC 43 SUV fitted with ContinenetalSport 235/55 R19 Y radial tubeless tires. It rides a little on the hard side and nationally we are limited to 120 Km/hr. What is the minimum safe tire pressure we can set them at to improve comfort?

Unfortunately we're unable to advise on tire pressures outside of stock as there are too many variations.

2022-09-05 - I’m deciding between the Continental sportcontact 7, the Goodyear eagleF1 supersport and the Pilot sport 4s which is what I currently have but I’ve run out of life in the tire, I drive a 350z 2008 and I do track events doing 3-4 15 minute sessions in a day which is fun but it can rain sometimes so need to handle the wet as well but it’s mainly driving when it’s dry I also drive it on most weekends but very much spirited driving so I need a tire that will last a long time but can handle the track and getting hot as I found on the hot day at JDM Combe on track the pilot sport 4s was getting too hot and the tire was switching off causing me to slide a lot more, what would you recommend?

That is a difficult question! The SportContact 7 is undoubtedly the best of the three in the wet on track and is very good in the dry, but I have a small concern if you're overheating the 4S you might do the same with the Conti. With this in mind I would suggest trying the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport as it has consistently been great in the dry during my testing.

2022-12-28 - Is the Continental Sport Contact 7 a run flat tire?

Continental call their runflat system SSR, so if there are runflat versions available for sale they will be marked as SportContact 7 SSR.

2023-01-11 - I currently have the Sport Contact 6 RO2 version on my Audi TTS. Are there AO/RO versions available or am I allowed to use of the shelf SC7 tires with the sane 93Y speed rating and size

I don't think Audi / Conti will re-OE for the latest generation. You definitely can use the SportContact 7 on your TTS as long as you match the correct load rating, and I'm sure you'll find it a good upgrade on the OE 6.

2023-04-04 - I currently have Pirelli P Zero on my AMG A35 which were factory fitted at the time of purchase. I have seen that the AMG A45 are now running on Michelin Polit Sport 4 S as factory fitted tires, which probably would have been my go to tire. However from watching a couple of the tests / reviews, I am trying to decide if the Continental SportContact 7 would be a better choice given the steering response and potential better wear level. What would you recommend for a A35.

In current tests the Conti SC7 is proving to be a better tire than the PS4S, however in tests we always test the aftermarket version of the tire, so if there's a MO (Mercedes) OE version of the PS4S that might suit the car better.

2023-04-16 - I currently have a FK8 with stock Sport Contact 6 (SC6) and going to replace 2 first with Sport Contact 7s (SC7) and place them at the back and move the older ones that still have tread to the front and in the next few months repeat the process until they are all SC7s, is that recommended?

Yep, that is the correct way of swapping from the SC6 to SC7 in pairs.

2023-09-11 - Hi, I own a 2022 G80 M3 Comp and am planning to swap out my Cup 2s with Continental Sport Contact 7. As the M3 wheel set up is staggered, are the Sport Contact 7 directional i.e. can I swap left to right and vice versa for the front and rear respectively?

The SC7 is an asymmetric tire so you can mount it either side, meaning you can swap the tires left to right. As you have wider rears, you can't swap them front to back.

2023-09-13 - How do these SC7 stack up for track days? They seem to be #1 on the road, but how they handle heat and a heavy car like a mustang? Compared to say a Yoko AD09 or Nankang CR-S. Would be an interesting comparison review

Not as well, but then no road focused tire does. There's a lot of variables in track endurance, but if you're on a high grip track and you can actually drive, any road bias product will struggle with the extreme heat.

2023-12-30 - I have just put Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on my 2014 RS5 and don’t like the way they have now made the front feel light and floaty. I prefer a more direct feel with the road like it was with the discontinued Bridgestones. Does anyone know how these Continentals feel ?

The SC7 is a little more direct, but the Bridgestone Potenza Sport is probably the best replacement. Just remember that a new tire will feel more floaty than a very worn on due to the much higher tread depth.

2024-02-13 - Looking at getting either these or Potenza Sport for an FK8 Type R. Only fast road and no track work. The Potenza Sport is 1.2kg heavier for my size (245/35/19) so worried that extra unsprung mass in the tire will affect acceleration and just make the car feel heavier even if outright dry pace once up to speed is similar.

I wouldn't worry about 1.2kg, I know there's a lot of discussion on it online but I don't think it has a huge effect. I will be testing this later this year to find out though!

That said, the Potenza Sport would be a great match if you don't mind a tire that wears a little quicker.

2024-03-12 - Hi, been watching lot of your reviews which help but can’t decide between a 3, I love country roads/spirited driving but also daily use. Looking at either the conti SC7, Bridgestone PS or Michelin PS5 , BMW f30 330, also what’s the wear like on the SC7. Thanks

Wear should be close to the PS4S, the PS5 will have a slight wear advantage. The SC7 is still the best all round tire.

2024-04-30 - Hi, I just switched to the Conti ContactSport 7 and noticed a slight drop in pickup power. Specs: 245/40/18 Is this normal for this Tire?

I'm not sure what you mean by pickup power, but assuming the tire size is the same as previous you should notice no difference other than improved grip and handling if you were coming from a lower rated tire.

2024-07-28 - Hello. Thanks for your reviews. They are great. I am trying to decide on new tires for my 350z, I had GY assy 5 and they gave crazy understeer to the car and they havent lasted that long either. Considering Conti Sport Contact 7. However I can only find the fronts in 225/45/R18 in 95Y while the rears 245/45/R18 are 100Y. Can I mix different load ratings? How do the SC7 wear? I am considering my alternative is Falken FK520. What do you think? Thank you!

Yes, you can mix load ratings. The SC7 should wear around the same as the Asym 5. The 350z is setup for understeer, the Conti should help a little but also more right foot might help ;)

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YouTube Review

Top 3 Continental SportContact 7 Reviews

Given 93% while driving a Porsche 997 911 Carrera 4s (305/35 R19) on a combination of roads for 2,500 spirited miles
Bought these based on the group test results and was not disappointed. The wet grip is at a new level! I've tracked them several times both in dry and wet and they didn't fail. I was especially impressed with how they held up during the day and the tread that was left afterwards. These tires transformed the driving experience both on the road and track.
Helpful 250 - tire reviewed on August 19, 2022
Given 81% while driving a Audi A6 Avant 3.0 TDI Quattro (245/40 R18) on mostly country roads for 4,000 spirited miles
Bought these tires because of the lack of wet grip and quick wear on my previous GoodYear Eagle F1 SuperSport, to which the new ones were driven straight back-to-back.
First off the bat, the SC7s are way quieter, way more comfortable, the small bumps and imperfections don't make as much noise as they did on the SSs. The steering feel was more direct - the SSs had a slightly longer delay in response to steering wheel inputs compared to the SC7s, the Contis still have a delay, but just a little shorter one. Dry grip was lacking on the SC7s, but that was at first thought to have been just due to the tire being brand new and not being run-in yet. On the wet, I've taken it easy for the first thousand miles to not have an incident on the road.
After about 4000 miles, I can say that the SC7s are a straight dream in the wet. Where the SS would start to understeer on tight corners, the SC7 would show not even a hint of deviation from the wheels' direction. Where on the SSs the car would laterally slide out of the corner on hard acceleration, the SC7s would allow for as much acceleration after the apex as the puny 240HP allow the car to at a slight steering angle. So a complete dream to drive in the wet. Even after the tires were definitely run-in, the SC7s would leave much to be desired in the dry. The dry grip is good, but the SSs edge the SC7s. Where SSs were driven hard with some safety reserve, the SC7s would already lose grip and slide, bringing the comfortable cornering speeds down significantly. Where on quick alternating turns and changes of input the SSs wouldn't even flinch, the SC7s start sliding and shift the car laterally. Pre corner lift from accelerator pedal to braking pedal while already turning in the corner would shift the entire car outwards. Mid corner change from acc to braking because of a bad corner length estimate does the same on the SC7s. The SSs didn't care for abrupt imput and transfers, they would just stick to the asphalt.
The conclusion on the tires is still, that these SC7s are the best tires in the wet so far, but for the improved wet performance, noise and comfort over the SSs, the sacrifice on dry performance was made. That leaves me somewhat disappointed, as the SSs were so bad in the wet they weren't really fun at such low corner forces, but the SC7s shine in that area. So the only current solution is to have a dry set of tires for my car - Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport, and a set of wet tires - Continental SportContact 7.
I really can not comment on the wear, because the both tires are awful in that regard, but that's not a problem, as it's way better to be safe and glued to the asphalt for the 8000 miles I got from a set of 4 SSs with rotations and maybe 9000ish I expect to get from the SC7s, than to have tires perform badly and last for 13000 miles or even more.
Helpful 150 - tire reviewed on June 22, 2023
Given 93% while driving a Mazda 3 Astina M Hybrid Sedan (235/40 R18) on mostly motorways for 3,728 average miles
This review is coming from Singapore. With either Rainy or Sunny tropical weather ranging from ambient temperature 25-35 degC daily. Summer type tires are sold here mainly.

My ride is a 1.5L NA Mazda 3 sedan comes with stock touring tires Bridgestone Turanza T005A 215/45R18 89W.

I changed out my rims to flow formed Japanese rims along with these Continental SportContact 7 235/40ZR18 95Y tires and here's my observations

Advantages:
- Grip levels greatly improves.
- No more difference in Grip levels between Dry & Wet road conditions.
- Braking distance greatly shorten & becomes easily predictable.
- When cornering, the handling feels planted due to stiff sidewalls. You will feel there is this eagerness of the car to want to 'point-in' and the understeer on my FWD car reduces.
- Subjective comfort "improves". For me, this is an improvement from my previous touring tires due to more road feedback I received through the steering wheel. However, for comfort-biased friends, they might see this as increase in ride harshness. In a way, you will feel that the sidewall is stiff but yet the contact patch is comfortable in a way for most Continental tires.

Disadvantages:
- Going from touring tires to UUHP tires, my FC does decrease by about 0.5 to 1.0 km/L.
- Slightly slower pick up / acceleration but luckily this is assisted by my car's mild hybrid battery system.
- Slight increase in noise levels when cruising on expressways.

Conclusion:
- Most reviews I saw here on TireReview using these Continental SC7 tires are mainly cars with high horsepower or torque. Initially, I have reservations about using these tires on my 1.5L NA car. But I am glad I made the decision to go for it. When driving a bread & butter car for daily commute to work, it is not just about how fast you can drive in busy traffic conditions, but how fast or early you can stop or brake in time to avoid bumping into others. Hence, I recommend buying this tire if you looking also at the safety aspects of daily driving.

Approximate distance travelled as of 23rd May 2023: ~6,000 km.
Original thread depth: Between 7.50 to 7.99 mm.
Current thread depth: Between 7.20 to 7.50 mm.
Helpful 96 - tire reviewed on May 30, 2023
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Latest Continental SportContact 7 Reviews

Given 86% while driving a Audi TT MK2 TFSI (245/40 R18) on a combination of roads for 3,000 spirited miles
I really push my car to the extreme during the summer, so these tires have been seriously tested, but they’re still in good condition and will definitely serve you well!
These tires have decent durability, but I'm not entirely satisfied with the wear or their appearance. The sidewalls are rounded, and the tire markings are plain, lacking the sporty, aggressive look you'd find with brands like Michelin.
In terms of performance, the dry grip is excellent when the tires are properly warmed up, which significantly enhances their traction. Braking on dry surfaces is very strong. On wet surfaces, while braking performance does drop, they still maintain solid grip.
I had PS3 and PS4 tires on the same car. Next time, I plan to buy the PS5 tires, even though I think Continental tires have better performance on dry surfaces. However, I’m unsure about how long they’ll last.
Helpful 0 - tire reviewed on October 30, 2024
Given 90% while driving a Volvo V60 D3 (235/40 R18) on mostly country roads for 17,398 spirited miles
Grip is fantastic couldn’t get them to slip or aquaplane before temperatures fell below 10c in the wet
Helpful 0 - tire reviewed on October 16, 2024
What to know the BEST All Season Tires for 2024? Click to find out!
Given 94% while driving a Opel Astra H OPC (245/40 R19) on mostly motorways for 1,000 spirited miles
Hi there,
I was testing the brand-new Conti Sport 7 against worn-out Conti Sport 6. In my opinion, tires should serve far below 3-mm groove depth. I finally discarded my previous Continentals with slightly below 1.6-mm groove depth in the rear and slightly over in the front. When driving the tires in this condition on the wet road through the rain, some amount of caution is always needed, but, in my experience, you can easily afford speeds in excess of 100 km/h as long as no sharp turns are expected. I love confident grip and do my best to avoid losing it. I mean, I'm not a racer. Also, tires with shallower groove are sportier to drive, which was especially the case with Conti Sport 6 which I found comfort-leaning a bit too much.
Unlike their predecessors, the Conti Sport 7 feels much like the good old Michelin Super Sport. The Sport 7 feels stiff with no delay as you push the throttle. The Conti Sport 6 sort of told me every time I tried to push them harder: wait a second, do not rush things, comfort comes first! After a while, they would come to their senses and begin to deliver on their sportiness. There is no such thing with Continental Sport 7. They accelerate immediately and are much sportier than the previous generation.
Helpful 1 - tire reviewed on October 3, 2024
Given 66% while driving a Ford Mustang gt (275/35 R19) on a combination of roads for 5,000 spirited miles
I had these tires replacing some ovation vi 388, the have far far bettee handling dry and wet, no complain except the wear barely after 5,000 miles tires are below 50% life, not worth at all after the cost.
Helpful 3 - tire reviewed on August 14, 2024
Given 93% while driving a Porsche TAYCAN (305/30 R21) on a combination of roads for 5,000 spirited miles
Do not be fooled. This is the best UUHP tire in the market at the moment. It is astonishing that a tire can be so excellent in the dry and in the wet at the same time. Very high limits, very good braking, great balance, sporty and friendly at the same time. It really does not give away anything at all. Comfort level is very decent, noise is ok. But what has really blown me away is the wear. After obliterating a handful of Pirellis, my tire abusing Taycan has finally met its match. In a sentence it is the best road tire I have ever driven.
Helpful 3 - tire reviewed on August 6, 2024
Given 90% while driving a Mazda RX8 (235/40 R18) on mostly country roads for 6,000 spirited miles
Best tire I've ever use. Incredible grip, even in the rain. The picture represents the wear after a trackday.
Helpful 0 - tire reviewed on August 5, 2024
Given 67% while driving a Audi Q3 (265/35 R20) on mostly town for 3,800 average miles
I bought these ‘Conti 7s’ as they were touted as the new ‘ants pants of tires’ to replace my original from new car tires - Hankooks, which beautifully wore for almost 52,000kms.
Kms now today 19th June - 55,800.
Set of four (4) XL SportContact 7 Continental tires fitted 10th of April = $2380!
In 3,800kms, I’ve had 2 punctured tires and a split beading on another requiring replacement!!
NEVER have I EVER had such crap tires!!
Not cheap at $605 per tire either!
If I could I’d replace them in a heartbeat.
Latest puncture fixed today.
I’m driving no where different to where I have in the life of this car and driving style is no different.
So you know - I’m a female driver in my early 50s.
I love driving and my car, but am now honestly; literally paranoid driving on these Conti 7 tires - If I drive out tomorrow, what are my chances of getting home without ANOTHER puncture!?
Do yourself a favor- DONT waste your money on SportContact 7 Continentals!
Helpful 13 - tire reviewed on July 19, 2024
Given 96% while driving a Audi Q3 (255/40 R19) on a combination of roads for 15,000 average miles
Very very good tire, sportly but comfortable too.
Excellent handling both in dry and wet, precise steering and road feedback.
They go in temperature immediately and let enjoy the driving experience.
Very recommended
Helpful 15 - tire reviewed on May 27, 2024
Given 97% while driving a BMW M4 (275/45 R19) on mostly country roads for 10,000 spirited miles
I'm on my second set of Continental Sport Contact 7s on my (non competition) BMW M4. They are by far the best tires I've ever had. Sublime grip (wet and dry), feedback and handling.
Helpful 21 - tire reviewed on April 2, 2024
Given 100% while driving a BMW Z4 (275/35 R19) on a combination of roads for 20,000 spirited miles
Simply perfection!
Helpful 15 - tire reviewed on March 29, 2024
Given 76% while driving a Honda Civic Type R (245/30 R20) on mostly country roads for 3,000 spirited miles
SportContact 6 we're pretty shocking for the price, especially with their awful wear, but these 7's are a HUGE upgrade and rightly place them alongside PS4 / 5 and the new Potenza's.

Wet performance is the best I've ever had on ANY car with similar tread width and suspension setup, feels super safe and I'm not ashamed to say they've been above 100 mph in pouring rain (safely) with only the slightest of floaty-ness beginning. They're so planted even in multiple mm of water. Cannot believe how good they are in the wet, I've never experienced this performance before even from RainSports (admittedly at 215, not 245). Cannot rightly put into words how safe these feel in the wet, just for that alone it's tempting to get another set.

In the dry they're up there with the PS4S in my opinion, never tried the PS5 though. Cornering is rigid and tight, doesn't feel squishy at any point with stiff dampers. Very responsive, but they do make my torque steer more pronounced, probably related. The SC6 had wheel spin all the way through 3rd but in the warm these have NONE! That's 320hp to a 245 tire, in cold England, with short gearing and 1.8d camber, extremely impressive from a "street" tire. Launch could be better, the PS4's had better slow cornering I think, not entirely sure what that translates too as these are better for fast cornering?

The only downside to these imo is the wear isn't great, not as terrible as SC6 but they've still lost about 2mm in 3k miles on the front, barely any lost on the back though (FWD gang). I think with rotation these could last 15k miles spirited street, compared to the circa 9k miles I got on the old version.

Cold driving is decent, not the best but it's a summer tire, after 10min of driving they're warmed up enough to be pushed. Friends say the new Potenza's are awful in the cold but I wouldn't say these are noticeably bad. Not the best comparison but the Potenza's are supposed to be the new king of wet, not too sure about that >:)

Overall, best wet tires available imo. And up there with the best UHP tires for dry. Stable, stiff and a good feel. Wear is a bit mehhh.
Helpful 20 - tire reviewed on March 5, 2024
Given 63% while driving a BMW 330e (255/35 R19) on mostly country roads for 5,000 spirited miles
After removing Michelin PS4 tires from the rear wheels. I noticed the sidewall was stiffer on the Michelin compared to the continental. And once fitted to the rim. The rim protector was noticeable smaller on the Continental. I felt after the initial 400kms or so that the Conti didn't provide as much grip in the dry as the previous PS4. You could feel the sidewall was that much more forgiving. So I was expecting more initial grip. It didn't, but it was more comfortable. Wet grip was about 85%-90% of that off the PS4. And when the conti broke traction it was less progressive. And it gives little on the way of warning.
After 5,000 miles and with the weather now a fair bit cooler at 8 degrees Celsius. The Conti now breaks traction more suddenly under acceleration, either through a corner or when driving straight. My BMW F30 330e is running a stage 2 tune and it's putting out around 380bhp and 640 lb/ft of torque. Plus the weight of the batteries directly over the rear axle adds another challenge to the tires. So the car can be hard on tires. But the PS4 and previous to that, the Good Year F1 Super Sport coped better and were superior to the Conti Sport Contact in both the wet and dry conditions. Also they both provided better feedback when traction became limited.
Maybe they work better on other cars. But would i recommend them for a BMW 330e. I would give a firm no!
I'll either go to a PS4 / PS5 or Good Year Super Sport for my next tire.
Helpful 48 - tire reviewed on December 4, 2023