Overview
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus is an ultra-high performance all-season tire designed for drivers who demand strong grip, responsive handling, and year-round versatility. Aimed at sporty sedans, coupes, and performance-oriented daily drivers, it suits vehicles like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Honda Accord Sport, and similar platforms. Its “DWS” moniker stands for Dry, Wet, and Snow, reflecting a promise of well-rounded capabilities for a variety of US climates. With a focus on both enthusiast-level driving and commuter practicality, this tire is a top contender for those who want to avoid seasonal tire swaps without sacrificing spirited driving.
Key Specs
| Type | Ultra-High Performance All-Season |
| Available Sizes Range | 16″ to 22″ wheel diameters; 205/50ZR16 to 295/30ZR22 |
| Speed Rating Examples | W, Y, V |
| Load Index Examples | 91 (615 kg), 98 (750 kg) depending on size |
| Tread Pattern | Asymmetric with deep circumferential grooves and engineered sipes |
| Technology Highlights | SportPlus Technology, QuickView Indicators, Silica-enhanced compound, Chamfered edges for improved grip |
Performance: Dry
On dry pavement, the ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus stands out in its segment. The tire delivers sharp steering response and excellent feedback, making spirited driving genuinely enjoyable. Lateral grip is strong for an all-season, with stable cornering and predictable breakaway characteristics. Braking performance is confident, giving drivers reassurance during sudden stops. Compared to other all-seasons, it bridges the gap toward summer tire levels of handling, though it stops short of matching a true summer UHP tire in ultimate grip. The reinforced shoulder blocks and the advanced tread compound contribute to this dry prowess, allowing for enthusiastic driving without excessive tread squirm or instability.
Performance: Wet
Wet traction is where the DWS06 Plus truly excels, thanks to its high silica content and well-designed tread voids. Hydroplaning resistance is notably strong, with wide circumferential grooves quickly evacuating water. In heavy rain, the tire maintains composure, allowing for secure travel at highway speeds. Braking distances remain short, and cornering grip is impressive for an all-season, providing confidence even in standing water. The tire’s sipes and micro-grooves help retain traction during sudden maneuvers or emergency stops. Compared to rivals, the DWS06 Plus ranks among the best for wet road safety and overall control.
Performance: Snow & Ice
While not a substitute for a full winter tire, the ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus offers respectable performance in light snow and slush. The engineered sipes and all-season compound provide enough traction for cold, snowy mornings and unexpected dustings. Acceleration and braking in light snow are competent, and directional stability remains intact as long as conditions aren’t severe. In deeper snow or on ice, limitations become apparent: the tire loses grip sooner than a dedicated winter model, and lateral traction is modest. For drivers in regions with occasional snow but no prolonged deep winter, it’s a practical compromise; those in harsher climates should consider a switch to true winter tires for maximum safety.
Comfort & Noise
Continental has managed to balance performance with a commendably smooth ride. The DWS06 Plus absorbs most road imperfections, with only the sharpest impacts making themselves felt. Road noise is well controlled for an ultra-high performance tire, even as tread depth wears. On coarse surfaces, a low-level hum is present but never intrusive, and highway cruising remains relaxing. The tire’s construction and tread design help minimize harshness, making it suitable for both spirited driving and long-distance commuting. Compared to older UHP all-seasons or budget alternatives, the DWS06 Plus is noticeably more refined and quiet.
Durability & Economy
With a UTQG rating of 560 A A (in most sizes), the DWS06 Plus offers above-average tread life for its class. Many drivers report 35,000–50,000 miles of usable life, depending on driving habits and maintenance. The tread compound is formulated for even wear, and the tire includes QuickView Indicators to visually track tread life and all-season capability. Rolling resistance is moderate—neither a standout eco tire nor a gas guzzler. Fuel economy is on par with most UHP all-seasons, and the tire’s silica content aids in keeping energy losses down. For fleet owners and commuters, the balance between grip and longevity is a practical advantage, though drivers seeking maximum tread life above all else may find touring all-seasons more economical.
Sizes & Alternatives
The ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus is offered in a vast range of sizes. Two of the most popular fitments are:
- 225/45ZR17 – common for sport sedans and compact performance cars
- 245/40ZR18 – typical for larger sedans, coupes, and some crossovers
Other available sizes span from 16″ to 22″ wheels, covering a wide variety of modern vehicles.
Key rivals in the ultra-high performance all-season segment include:
- Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
- Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
- Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate
- General G-MAX AS-05
- Pirelli P Zero All Season Plus
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent dry and wet grip for an all-season
- Confident handling and responsive steering
- Respectable snow traction for its class
- Refined ride quality and low noise
- Long tread life compared to many UHP rivals
- Wide range of fitments for modern vehicles
- QuickView visual tread life indicators
Cons
- Not a replacement for true winter tires in severe snow/ice
- Rolling resistance higher than eco-focused touring tires
- Performance in deep snow and ice is limited
- Can be pricier than some budget alternatives
- Ultimate dry grip is a step below dedicated summer UHP tires
Verdict
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus is a standout choice for US drivers seeking an ultra-high performance all-season tire that doesn’t force a compromise between year-round versatility and spirited driving. Its dry and wet handling is among the best in the segment, and it remains composed in light snow, making it well-suited to regions with variable seasons but no harsh winter extremes. Daily commuters, enthusiasts, and fleet owners looking for predictable handling, safety in rain, and a comfortable ride will appreciate its well-rounded nature. The only real caveats are for drivers in regions with frequent heavy snow or those who prioritize maximum tread life or fuel economy above all else. For most, however, the DWS06 Plus delivers a rare blend of performance, comfort, and durability, justifying its reputation as one of the top ultra-high performance all-season tires available today.
I live in an area with mild winters but occasional heavy rain. How well do the ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus tires hold up over a few years for daily commuting, especially with all that silica in the compound?
The ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus tires perform very well for daily commuting in mild winters and heavy rain. The high silica content in the compound helps maintain grip and flexibility, improving wet traction and overall wear. Over several years, you can expect reliable performance, good tread life, and consistent handling in wet and cool conditions.
With available sizes starting at 16 inches, would the ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus still provide the same spirited handling characteristics on smaller wheels or is the performance benefit more noticeable with wider sizes?
The ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus will still offer strong handling on 16-inch wheels, but wider sizes generally provide more grip and sharper response. With smaller wheels and narrower tires, you might notice slightly less cornering confidence compared to larger, wider setups, but the tire’s performance-focused design ensures solid sporty handling in all available sizes.
Between the SportPlus Technology and QuickView Indicators, which feature actually makes the most difference for someone who just wants reliable tires for school runs and errands?
For everyday driving like school runs and errands, the QuickView Indicators are likely more valuable for you. They make it easy to check tread wear and alignment at a glance, helping you maintain safe, reliable tires without extra guesswork. SportPlus Technology is great for sporty handling, but QuickView Indicators offer more practical benefits for daily reliability.
Do you have any idea how many miles I can realistically expect these to last with a mix of city and highway driving?
With a mix of city and highway driving, you can generally expect the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus to last between 40,000 and 50,000 miles. Actual mileage will depend on factors like driving habits, tire maintenance, and road conditions, but most users see performance within that range.
I’m considering between this tire and a traditional summer UHP option. Is the slight trade-off in ultimate dry grip significant for spirited daily commuting?
For spirited daily commuting, the difference in ultimate dry grip between the DWS06 Plus and a dedicated summer UHP tire is noticeable mainly on the track or at the very limit. For everyday spirited driving, the DWS06 Plus still delivers impressive grip and much better all-season versatility, so the trade-off is minor unless you regularly push your car to its limits.
Do the QuickView Indicators provide separate wear readings for dry, wet, and snow performance, or does it just show overall tread wear?
The QuickView Indicators on the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus do provide separate wear readings for dry, wet, and snow performance. They have letters molded into the tread (D, W, S) that fade as the tire wears, letting you know which types of traction remain reliable as the tread depth decreases.