The Hankook Winter i*cept evo 4 has taken first place in the Auto Bild Allrad SUV and crossover winter tyre test, published in issue 40/2026 on 30 September 2026. Tested in size 225/55 R18 against nine competitors using a BMW X1, the tyre achieved an overall rating of 1.3 (“very good”) — the best result in the field.
Three tyres earned a “very good” overall rating, but the Winter i*cept evo 4 delivered top scores in both wet and dry disciplines, making it the clear overall winner.
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Test results at a glance
| Discipline | Rating | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Wet performance | 1.2 (“very good”) | Best straight-line and cornering aquaplaning in the field |
| Dry performance | Best in test | Highest average handling speed, significant safety margins |
| Snow performance | Positive | Safe and reliable, per Auto Bild Allrad |
| Overall | 1.3 (“very good”) | Test winner out of 10 tyres |
Dominant wet performance
The tyre recorded the best straight-line aquaplaning resistance in the entire field — including outperforming the summer reference tyre, per Hankook’s press release. It also topped cornering aquaplaning, contributing to a 1.2 wet category rating. The second-shortest wet braking distance among winter tyres completed its strong showing in wet conditions.
What changed vs the predecessor
Compared to the Winter i*cept evo 3, the new model introduces several key changes. The tread geometry has been revised for shorter snow braking distances and more stable traction in challenging conditions. Hankook also highlights reduced rolling resistance, lower external rolling noise, and a 15% increase in mileage.
| Feature | Change vs Winter i*cept evo 3 |
|---|---|
| Mileage | +15% |
| Rolling resistance | Reduced |
| External noise | Reduced |
| Snow tread geometry | Revised for shorter braking and better traction stability |
SUV variant showing sidewall and tread design" class="wp-image-6443" srcset="https://testpnevmatik.si/mag/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/hankook-winter-icept-evo4-product-2.jpg 2000w, https://testpnevmatik.si/mag/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/hankook-winter-icept-evo4-product-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://testpnevmatik.si/mag/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/hankook-winter-icept-evo4-product-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://testpnevmatik.si/mag/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/hankook-winter-icept-evo4-product-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://testpnevmatik.si/mag/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/hankook-winter-icept-evo4-product-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" />Who is it for?
The 225/55 R18 tested by Auto Bild Allrad fits a wide range of compact and mid-size SUVs and crossovers, including the BMW X1 used in this test. For SUV drivers in Central Europe looking for a strong all-round winter tyre for the 2026–27 season, this result positions the Winter i*cept evo 4 as a strong contender. For full size availability and specifications, see the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 4 launch article.