Pirelli Sottozero Serie II Reviews - Page 2

Given 80% while driving a Subaru Legacy 3.0R Spec.B 6MT Sedan (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 12,000 spirited miles
Excellent in snow, somewhat acceptable performance on pure glass-like ice, regardless of the fact that a studded tire would have been an entirely different story. On dry and warm they are of course soft, however still perform nicely, predictably let go, on wet, especially during winter temperatures they perform greatly. Next winter I'm gonna get these again.
Helpful 42 - tire reviewed on March 5, 2014
Given 89% while driving a Porsche BOXSTER 2.7 (235/35 R20 W) on a combination of roads for 1,000 average miles
Early days yet, but these are really impressing me. They are extremely expensive, but arguably the best tires I've ever used. I love them so much I just wish I could keep them on when the summer comes back.

Amazingly - these are winter tires but hard to tell as they also perform well in dry and warmer conditions to.

A particularly amazing feature is the levels of comfort and noise, which for this 35 profile example are nothing short of amazing.

Massive prices, but the value is there. Recommended if you have a high-performance car and you want to use it in the UK winter.
Helpful 37 - tire reviewed on October 24, 2013
Given 97% while driving a Opel vectra c (215/50 R17) on a combination of roads for 0 average miles
The best tires i have ever bought 10 out of 10.Great on wet roads.
Helpful 31 - tire reviewed on December 26, 2012
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Given 94% while driving a Maserati Granturismo (235/45 R19 W) on mostly town for 11,000 spirited miles
Installed these tires on my Maserati GranTurismo one year ago. They are so good that I decided to keep it all year long and not only during winter. Great wet/light snow traction, great performance also on dry pavement and since in Seattle temperatures are always in the low side and it rains every other day, this seems an excellent choice for us in the PNW. 11,000 miles so far and still great condition
Helpful 37 - tire reviewed on July 15, 2012
Given 80% while driving a Mercedes Benz E250 CDI (245/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 3,000 average miles
I have just fitted these tires on a Mercedes E Class estate. As you may know this car has one common feature with many BMW's in that it has rear wheel drive and is like a sledge on snow. Well I can say without any doubt that this is one of the best investments I have ever made. On both snow and ice this car has been transformed into a relitive Pussycat. You still need to remember to allow for others behind who may not be able to stop so quickly and in bad conditions you still have to take care, however, at least you are still mobile.
Helpful 22 - tire reviewed on December 15, 2011
Given 94% while driving a Subaru Legacy (225/50 R17) on a combination of roads for 5,000 spirited miles
These tires blew me away. In my opinion, they are best for 'cooler' winter climates (-30C to 0C), although they still work completely acceptably above freezing (they just soften up a bit and seem a bit noisier). Their second strength is wet, especially things like puddles and slush or damp roads.

The snow and ice performance was good - much better than an excellent all-season, and even slightly better than some mid-range snows, but these weren't exceptional in deeper snow (they were better in packed snow than fluffy snow) or ice. But not bad at all.

But when you are on very cold roads, or in slushy environments or with plentiful puddles of salty water (likely super-cooled), these tires actually let you drive like on a summer day. I'm not kidding. I'm so happy with these. If you live in a city and don't do too much commuting to the back country, and live somewhere where it can get fairly cool, and the roads get reasonably plowed within a few hours to a day, and you if you like spirited driving in the winter, these are positively joyous.

Strangely, tire wire (at least for the first season) is almost undetectable, and the ride was very nice, and no noisier than my stock all-seasons (however, my stock all-seasons are a bit on the noisier side, so its a relative comparison). I honestly hope they don't mess with this formula at all, because I will definitely buy this again.
Helpful 15 - tire reviewed on October 20, 2011
Given 87% while driving a BMW 320D (225/45 R17) on mostly motorways for 11,000 average miles
Simply an outstanding transformation occured to my 320d. Going from an absolutely appalling and down right terrifying drive on even a flat road with one inch of snow, to a car which felt like I had 4 wheel drive. Better even than my disco in the snow and ice. Definitely buy these again. Did 11000 miles and the rear ones wore down quite a bit, but will still get another winter out of them. Worth every penny, for safety and peace of mind.
Helpful 13 - tire reviewed on September 24, 2011
Given 87% while driving a BMW (205/55 R16) on a combination of roads for 1,500 average miles
Fitted in December and transforms car from sit in the drive vehicle during snow to one which can be driven on any road. In snow grip, steering and braking are totally transformed and car feels safe and sure footed.
These tires are comfortable with no appreciable increase in road noise over summer continentals. In summary I was a bit sceptical about merits and cost of winter tires but have been totally won over, especially for Rear wheel Drive vehicles.
Helpful 13 - tire reviewed on February 17, 2011
Given 90% while driving a Rover 75 (215/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 3,000 average miles
Put these on just before Christmas 2010, a very, very cold December and January. Stuck to the road in some very icy conditions. So glad I fitted these.
Helpful 12 - tire reviewed on January 20, 2011
Given 99% while driving a Porsche 997 911 (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 2,000 spirited miles
I have just fitted these tires to my carrera to replace Michelin Pilot sport for the winter. I live in Beijing, cold dry winters. The morning temp in winter is usually minus 10 - 15. The Michelins are great in summer but in winter the car is almost undriveable, a lot of wheel spin braking terrible, ABS engaged as soon as you start to brake, even at low speeds.

The Pirellis are magic, awesome in all respects, braking is as good now as the summer and I haven't as yet managed to get them to lose traction and as well very quiet. I would highly recommend them to anyone, who has to drive in temps below 7 degrees C.
Helpful 12 - tire reviewed on January 19, 2011
Given 96% while driving a BMW Z4 (225/35 R18 W) on a combination of roads for 2,500 average miles
Chosen as a runflat winter tire for 4 months expecting 4 months of cold weather and a couple of days of snow. Turned out the snow lasted for 5 weeks so I got a good show of this tires capabilitys. I am a big fan of this tire, handling of car in damp or icy conditions was predictable and safe and always controllable. The weeks we had snow/slush meant I was on an inch of snow on motorways a few times and could cross between clear/snow laden lanes with no heart attacks. All in all a great looking tire thats worth buying to give you 365 access to your favourite toy. As the weather has got warmer the last few weeks I would say the car is bogging down a bit with too much grip at the rear, definetly be worth changing them soon for Summer tires.
Helpful 16 - tire reviewed on March 22, 2010
Given 84% while driving a Skoda Octavia vRS (225/40 R18 V) on a combination of roads for 2,000 spirited miles
Excellent grip on snow and ice, good control with FWD and 200 BHP even without ESP/ASR in use. Responds well on wet surfaces. Braking on dry surfaces (and above 7 degrees celzius) a little bit longer then with summer tires. Deffinetly top 5 winter tire.
Helpful 14 - tire reviewed on December 21, 2009