Overview
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus is a premium ultra-high performance (UHP) all-season tyre designed for drivers who demand confident handling, year-round traction, and a comfortable ride. It targets enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, fitting a wide range of sedans, sporty coupes, and performance-oriented crossovers. This tyre is especially appealing to those who want dynamic dry and wet performance, but also need reliable winter capability without switching to dedicated snow tyres.
The DWS06 Plus is the latest evolution in Continental’s popular DWS (Dry, Wet, Snow) line, aiming to raise the bar for all-season UHP tyres in the US market. In this review, we’ll focus on two popular sizes: 225/45ZR17 and 245/40ZR18—dimensions found on vehicles like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Honda Accord Sport, and Subaru WRX.
Key Specs
| Type | Ultra-High Performance All-Season |
| Available Sizes Range | 16” to 22” diameter, 205 to 305mm width |
| Speed Rating Examples | W, Y (typical for UHP segment) |
| Load Index Examples | 91 (615 kg), 96 (710 kg) in reviewed sizes |
| Tread Pattern | Asymmetric with high-angle grooves and chamfered edges; multi-traction sipes |
| Technology Highlights | SportPlus Technology, Silane-enhanced all-season compound, QuickView DWS indicators |
Performance: Dry
The DWS06 Plus earns its reputation as a leader in the all-season UHP class when it comes to dry conditions. The asymmetric tread and stiffer outer shoulder blocks deliver responsive steering and high grip during spirited cornering. The tyre feels planted under hard braking, with progressive feedback and minimal squirm even on heavier vehicles.
Compared to other all-season UHP offerings, the Continental’s dry traction is impressive—nearly rivaling some summer tyres in the same size. For everyday highway driving, the DWS06 Plus remains composed and stable, with predictable handling transitions and strong lateral grip. Enthusiasts will appreciate its confidence during fast lane changes or spirited backroad runs, making it a top contender for those who don’t want to compromise on dry road fun.
Performance: Wet
Wet performance is a traditional Continental strength, and the DWS06 Plus continues this trend. The silica-rich compound and wide circumferential grooves excel at evacuating water, reducing the risk of hydroplaning in heavy rain. Braking distances in the wet are among the shortest in the all-season UHP segment, offering reassurance during sudden stops on slick surfaces.
The tyre’s sipes and high-angle grooves contribute to reliable grip when cornering on wet pavement, maintaining stability and control even during hard acceleration or abrupt maneuvers. For daily commuters or those living in regions with frequent rain, the DWS06 Plus provides peace of mind and a higher margin of safety than many rivals.
Performance: Snow & Ice
The DWS06 Plus is one of the more capable all-season UHP tyres in light snow and occasional icy conditions. Its densely siped tread blocks and advanced compound offer above-average traction for the segment, allowing for confident starts and controlled stops on freshly fallen snow. The tyre’s “S” (Snow) QuickView indicator helps drivers monitor remaining snow capability as the tread wears.
However, while it’s a strong performer among all-seasons, there are clear limitations compared to dedicated winter tyres. In deep snow or prolonged icy conditions, traction and lateral grip drop noticeably, and careful throttle/brake inputs become necessary. For drivers facing harsh or frequent winter weather, a switch to a true winter tyre is still recommended, but the DWS06 Plus is a solid compromise for mixed climates.
Comfort & Noise
Comfort is another standout attribute. The DWS06 Plus absorbs small bumps and rough patches without transmitting harshness to the cabin—impressive for a UHP tyre. Road noise is well controlled, with a subdued hum at highway speeds instead of the typical roar found in some performance tyres. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a sportier drive without sacrificing ride comfort on daily commutes or long trips.
Continental’s SportPlus Technology appears to strike a fine balance between sidewall firmness (for handling) and flexibility (for comfort). In the 225/45ZR17 and 245/40ZR18 sizes, the ride quality remains composed even on less-than-perfect roads.
Durability & Economy
Durability is a key consideration for US drivers, and the DWS06 Plus delivers here thanks to a robust tread compound and careful engineering. The tyre carries a strong UTQG rating of 560 A A (in most sizes), indicating excellent treadwear and traction scores for its category. For an all-season UHP tyre, this is among the best in the segment—many rivals fall in the 400–500 UTQG range.
Real-world wear is reported to be consistent, with many users achieving 35,000 to 45,000 miles before replacement when rotated regularly. Rolling resistance is moderate, reflecting its performance focus, but fuel economy is not significantly compromised compared to touring all-seasons. For most drivers, the balance between grip and longevity is a major advantage of the DWS06 Plus.
Sizes & Alternatives
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus is available in a wide variety of sizes from 16” to 22” wheel diameters, appealing to a broad spectrum of vehicles. The tested sizes—225/45ZR17 and 245/40ZR18—are especially popular on sport sedans and coupes.
Key competitors in the US market include:
- Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
- Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
- Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus
- Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate
- General G-MAX AS-05
Each of these rivals offers a slightly different mix of dry performance, wet grip, ride comfort, and winter capability, but the DWS06 Plus stands out for its all-round balance and longevity.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent dry and wet traction for an all-season UHP tyre
- Among the best snow performance in its class
- Strong comfort and low road noise
- High UTQG treadwear rating (560 A A)
- Wide range of available sizes
- QuickView DWS indicators for easy tread monitoring
Cons
- Winter traction still falls short of dedicated snow tyres
- Fuel efficiency is adequate, but not top of class
- Price premium over budget UHP options
- Some drivers report slight loss of steering feel compared to summer tyres
- Performance diminishes in deep or persistent snow
Verdict
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus is a standout choice for US drivers seeking an all-season ultra-high performance tyre that excels in dry and wet conditions, while offering credible winter traction. Its blend of responsive handling, strong comfort, and impressive treadwear makes it a practical upgrade for enthusiasts and daily commuters alike. While it can’t fully replace a dedicated winter tyre in severe conditions, it’s about as close as an all-season UHP gets in 2025.
For those prioritizing year-round performance, long tread life, and a quiet ride—especially in popular sizes like 225/45ZR17 and 245/40ZR18—the DWS06 Plus deserves a spot at the top of the shortlist. Just be mindful that its winter capability, while strong for the class, has limits in harsh climates.
Recommended for: Drivers who want a sporty, versatile tyre for all seasons, without the hassle of swapping tyres twice a year. Not ideal for those facing frequent deep snow or ice—consider a true winter tyre in those cases.
Can you elaborate on how the DWS06 Plus performs in mild to moderate snow compared to its performance on wet roads?
The DWS06 Plus handles wet roads impressively, offering strong grip and confident braking, which makes it a standout among all-season tyres. In mild to moderate snow, it performs respectably for an all-season, providing decent traction and stability. However, its snow performance isn’t as strong as on wet roads, so while it’s suitable for occasional snow, dedicated winter tyres will still outperform it in heavier snow conditions.
I noticed you mentioned QuickView DWS indicators—how accurate are those in letting you know it’s time to swap for winter conditions, or should I still use a tread gauge?
The QuickView DWS indicators are a convenient way to check your tyre’s suitability for Dry, Wet, and Snow conditions at a glance. When the S for Snow wears away, it’s a sign the tyre is no longer ideal for winter driving. However, using a tread gauge for a precise measurement, especially before winter, is still a smart idea for maximum safety.
For a daily driver who occasionally goes to the track, would you recommend the 225/45ZR17 or the 245/40ZR18 size for better dry grip, or is the difference negligible?
The 245/40ZR18 size will generally offer better dry grip thanks to its wider contact patch, which is useful for occasional track days. However, make sure your vehicle can accommodate the larger size without rubbing or affecting handling characteristics. If both fit, go with the 245/40ZR18 for a performance edge.