Summer Tire Test 2024: Lassa, Leao & Linglong Ranked Lowest | ÖAMTC

The latest summer tire tests from the Austrian automobile club ÖAMTC reveal a mixed bag of performance, with three models – the Lassa Revola, the Leao Nova-Force Acro, and the Linglong Sport Master – receiving a “not recommended” rating. The findings, published February 24, 2026, highlight significant deficiencies in safety and environmental performance for these three tires, particularly concerning dry handling, tread wear, and wet grip. This outcome underscores the challenges faced by manufacturers balancing performance characteristics and overall tire lifespan, especially within the competitive economy tire segment.

Linglong Sport Master: A Case Study in Trade-offs

The Linglong Sport Master stands out as a particularly interesting case. Even as achieving the best wet grip performance of any tire tested – rivaling only the overall test winner – it simultaneously exhibited the weakest dry handling, highest tread wear, and shortest projected lifespan. According to an ÖAMTC representative, as reported by Archyde, this demonstrates the “tightrope walk the industry must navigate.” The tire’s exceptional wet grip comes at the cost of diminished performance in other critical areas, presenting a clear trade-off for consumers.

Projected mileage figures further illustrate this imbalance. The Linglong Sport Master is expected to last only 26,000 km, significantly less than the best performer, Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2, which boasts a projected lifespan of 57,800 km. This disparity in mileage directly impacts the total cost of ownership for consumers, who will need to replace the Linglong tires nearly twice as often.

Lassa and Leao: Consistent Weaknesses

The Lassa Revola and Leao Nova-Force Acro tires faced more consistent shortcomings. Both struggled with dry handling and exhibited high tread wear. The Leao Nova-Force Acro similarly performed poorly in wet conditions, compounding its issues. These weaknesses collectively led to the “not recommended” rating, signaling significant concerns regarding their overall safety and performance. The ÖAMTC tests, conducted on 16 tires in the 225/50 R17 size – common for vehicles like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, and VW Sharan – provide a standardized comparison for consumers.

ADAC Summer Tyre Test 2026: Broader Context

The ÖAMTC findings align with recent results from the German automobile club ADAC’s 2026 summer tire test, analyzed by Tyre Reviews. The ADAC test also flagged the Lassa Revola, Leao Nova-Force Acro, and Linglong Sport Master as underperforming models. The ADAC data reveals that the Falken ZIEX ZE320 achieved the best dry braking performance, stopping in 33.9 meters, while the Linglong Sport Master lagged behind at 34.2 meters. This difference, though seemingly little, can be critical in emergency braking situations.

The ADAC test included a wider range of tires, including Continental PremiumContact 7, Pirelli Cinturato C3, and Michelin Primacy 5, which all received positive ratings. The spider chart published by Tyre Reviews visually demonstrates the relative performance of each tire across various categories, with a larger area indicating better overall performance. The chart highlights the Continental PremiumContact 7 as a consistently strong performer across all tested parameters.

Implications for Consumers and Manufacturers

These test results have significant implications for both consumers and tire manufacturers. Consumers seeking new summer tires should carefully consider the trade-offs between different performance characteristics and prioritize safety and longevity. The “not recommended” rating for the Lassa, Leao, and Linglong tires serves as a clear warning against choosing these models, particularly for drivers prioritizing safety and long-term value. The ADAC and ÖAMTC tests provide a valuable resource for informed decision-making.

For manufacturers, the results underscore the importance of a balanced approach to tire design. While excelling in one area, such as wet grip, is beneficial, it should not come at the expense of other critical performance parameters. The Linglong Sport Master’s case demonstrates that a tire with exceptional wet grip but poor dry handling and short lifespan may not be a viable option for many consumers. Investing in research and development to improve overall tire performance and durability is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the market.

The Rise of Chinese Tire Manufacturers and Cost Considerations

The presence of Linglong, a Chinese manufacturer producing tires in Serbia, in the lower rankings of these tests raises questions about the increasing competition in the tire market. Chinese tire manufacturers have been steadily gaining market share in recent years, often offering lower prices than established brands. However, these lower prices sometimes come with compromises in performance and durability. The Linglong Sport Master’s performance suggests that consumers should carefully evaluate the value proposition of cheaper tires, considering the potential long-term costs associated with frequent replacements and potentially compromised safety.

What to Expect Next: Ongoing Tire Testing and Development

Both the ÖAMTC and ADAC conduct regular tire tests throughout the year, providing updated information on the latest models. These tests are crucial for maintaining transparency and informing consumers about the performance characteristics of different tires. Manufacturers will likely respond to these findings by investing in further research and development to improve their products. The ongoing competition in the tire market is expected to drive innovation and lead to improved tire performance and safety in the years to come. Consumers can stay informed by regularly checking the websites of the ÖAMTC (https://www.oeamtc.at/tests/reifentest/sommerreifentest-2026/) and ADAC for the latest test results.