The tires went on about eight weeks ago just before we had snow in the Czech Rep. I previously had Nokian G2's on the car and they did an admiral job until recently when the wear got closer to the legal 4mm and they really deteriorated drastically and made for very precarious driving even with Quattro.
Having heard about how good the new Nokian G3's were, I went to the service centre looking to purchase the them but the owner (also an Audi Quattro) driver recommended I purchase the Continentals instead as he felt they were a better tire. Upon his advise, I forked out the extra £150.00 and had them put on.
Was it a good investment? Well, In my eyes, they have completely blown away the G2's I had previously.
The tire feels very sure footed in all conditions and really provides grip in places where there should be none. An example of this is my local high street that had compacted snow and ice on it for some time. An early start meant that the ploughs had not been out yet as I drove through with caution. As another struggled infront of me to get any traction, it felt like I was driving in normal conditions. Amazing.
So, Grip in really testing conditions is a mega thumbs up.
In heavy rain on uneven road surfaces with tram lines and botched repairs, again the Conti's have been amazing, very little signs of aquaplaning and amazing cornering grip.
Heavy snow grip is fantastic, really fills you with confidence. Tested under braking, the car came to a halt in an emergency really very quickly, so much so that I have had to keep an eye in the rear view mirror to make sure I am shunted from behind.
Icy weather is the only weather where the tire has not been impervious. Sheet ice had the tire grappling for grip and the traction control going carzy. It is still better than the Nokians. Sheet ice is one surface that no tire without studs will cope with well so I am not surprised.
No comment on tire wear since I have only covered 3k miles in them which is just not enough. The tire fitter said that he got 40k km from his older conti's and expects these to be similar.
The only negative point is the tire noise which can be heard in the cabin and sounds something similar to a truck tire roar. It is not intrusive to the point of being a problem but it is there. With the radio on, you won't even notice it.
So in conclusion, this is the by far the best winter tire I have purchased (and I have been through a few). The only inhibitor is the price even after a hefty discount but what price do you put on the safety of you and your family.
This is an amazing tire which I will definitely but again and the only word of caution is to watch your speed as these tires are so good, you'll think that everyone is going slow when infact you are driving like a lune.