Overview
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus is an ultra-high performance all-season tyre designed for drivers who demand sporty handling, responsive road feel, and year-round versatility. Positioned in the UHP all-season segment, it targets modern sedans, coupes, sporty hatchbacks, and some crossovers. Whether you’re an enthusiast who enjoys spirited drives or a daily commuter needing consistent traction in unpredictable conditions, the DWS06 Plus aims to deliver confidence on both dry and wet roads, with the added benefit of light snow capability. Popular fitments include sizes such as 205/55 R16 and 225/45 R17, making it a frequent choice for vehicles like the Honda Civic, Volkswagen Jetta, Mazda 3, and BMW 3 Series.
Key Specs
| Type | Ultra-High Performance All-Season |
|---|---|
| Available sizes range | 16″–22″ (widths 205–305 mm; aspect ratios 30–55) |
| Speed rating examples | W, Y, V |
| Load index examples | 91 (615 kg), 94 (670 kg) |
| Tread pattern | Asymmetric with large outer shoulder blocks, circumferential and angled grooves |
| Technology highlights | SportPlus Technology, Silica+ all-season compound, Tuned Performance Indicators, QuickView Wear Indicators |
Performance: Dry
On dry pavement, the ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus stands out among all-season tyres for its crisp steering response and high level of grip. The reinforced outer tread blocks and advanced silica compound provide impressive cornering stability, which is noticeable during enthusiastic driving or emergency maneuvers. Braking distances are short for the segment, and the tyre maintains predictable behavior even at the limits. Compared to traditional touring all-seasons, the DWS06 Plus delivers a more connected, sporty feel, making it a strong choice for drivers who want a blend of everyday usability with a performance edge. While not a full summer tyre, it narrows the gap significantly for real-world road use.
Performance: Wet
Continental’s silica-rich compound and asymmetric tread design help the DWS06 Plus maintain impressive wet traction. The tyre resists hydroplaning effectively, thanks to deep circumferential grooves and angled sipes that channel water away from the contact patch. During heavy rain, braking and cornering remain secure and confidence-inspiring. Road testers consistently praise its wet handling as among the best in the UHP all-season class, with stable tracking and minimal loss of grip under aggressive inputs. The tyre’s ability to maintain composure on slick surfaces is a key reason it’s popular in regions with frequent rain or variable weather.
Performance: Snow & Ice
As an ultra-high performance all-season, the DWS06 Plus offers usable traction in light snow and slush, outperforming most summer and pure performance tyres. Its high sipe density and all-season compound help the tyre find grip on cold, wet roads and shallow snow. Braking and acceleration are manageable in light winter conditions, making it a viable option for drivers who see occasional snow but don’t want to switch to dedicated winter tyres. However, in deep snow or icy conditions, performance drops off compared to true winter tyres, and drivers in northern climates should still consider a dedicated set for harsh winters.
Comfort & Noise
Despite its sporty focus, the DWS06 Plus is lauded for its ride comfort. The tyre absorbs small bumps well and remains composed over rough patches, with only a slight firmness over sharp impacts—typical for this segment. Road noise is well controlled, especially at highway speeds; the tread pattern is designed to minimize pattern noise and resonance. While not as plush as a premium touring tyre, most drivers will find the comfort level entirely suitable for daily use, with only a muted hum audible on coarse surfaces.
Durability & Economy
The DWS06 Plus achieves a good balance between performance and tread life. Continental claims a treadwear warranty of up to 50,000 miles, and user reports suggest it often meets or closely approaches this figure under normal driving. US UTQG ratings typically fall around 560 AA A (varies by size), indicating strong wear resistance and high traction. Rolling resistance is moderate for a UHP all-season, meaning fuel economy is slightly impacted versus low rolling resistance touring tyres, but not excessively so. The tyre’s even wear characteristics are aided by the QuickView Wear Indicators—visual cues that help owners monitor tread life and seasonal suitability. For fleets or high-mileage drivers, the DWS06 Plus is a solid pick for longevity within its performance segment.
Sizes & Alternatives
Popular DWS06 Plus sizes for US vehicles include:
- 205/55 R16 (Volkswagen Jetta, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla)
- 225/45 R17 (BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Mazda 6)
- 235/40 R18 (Ford Focus ST, VW GTI, Acura TLX)
- 245/40 R18 (Dodge Charger, Lexus IS, Subaru WRX)
- Other fitments up to 22″ for larger sedans and crossovers
Key competitors in the UHP all-season segment:
- Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
- Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
- Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate
- Yokohama ADVAN Sport A/S+
- General G-MAX AS-05
Pros & Cons
- Excellent dry and wet grip for an all-season tyre
- Responsive, sporty steering feel
- Usable light snow traction for its class
- Good tread life (up to 50,000 miles)
- Comfortable ride and low road noise
- Wide range of fitments for popular cars
- Not a replacement for dedicated winter tyres in deep snow/ice
- Firm ride on very rough roads (typical of performance tyres)
- Rolling resistance higher than touring models
- Price premium compared to some alternatives
Verdict
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus remains a top-tier choice in the ultra-high performance all-season market for 2025, especially for drivers who want year-round confidence without sacrificing sporty handling. Its blend of dry and wet performance, combined with respectable comfort, tread life, and light snow capability, makes it a standout for sedans, coupes, and sporty hatchbacks in sizes like 205/55 R16 and 225/45 R17. While drivers in regions with frequent heavy snow should still consider a true winter tyre, the DWS06 Plus offers one of the most balanced packages for those seeking performance and versatility in a single set. If you prioritize driving enjoyment, responsive handling, and solid all-weather traction, this tyre deserves a place at the top of your shopping list. As always, compare with rivals and consider your local climate and driving style before making a final decision.
Is there a noticeable difference in road noise or ride comfort between the DWS06 Plus and typical touring all-season tires used on cars like the Mazda 3?
The DWS06 Plus is designed for ultra-high performance, so you may notice a bit more road noise and a firmer ride compared to standard touring all-season tires. Touring tires usually prioritize comfort and quietness, while the DWS06 Plus focuses more on handling and grip. The difference isn’t extreme, but if a quiet, plush ride is your top priority, touring tires might be a better fit.
I noticed the review mentions the DWS06 Plus has Tuned Performance Indicators and QuickView Wear Indicators. Could you explain how those work in practice and how they help with tyre maintenance?
The Tuned Performance Indicators on the DWS06 Plus are letters molded into the tread—D, W, and S—which stand for Dry, Wet, and Snow. As the tyre wears, these letters gradually disappear, so you know which conditions the tyre is still suitable for. The QuickView Wear Indicators are visual bars in the tread grooves that make it easy to check tread depth at a glance, helping you see when it’s time to replace your tyres for safety.
For a small business with a fleet of sedans and hatchbacks that handle a lot of city driving, would you recommend choosing the ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus over traditional touring all-season tyres in terms of long-term value and performance?
If your fleet prioritizes sharp handling, confident wet traction, and sporty performance, the ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus is a strong upgrade over traditional touring all-season tyres. However, traditional touring tyres generally offer longer tread life, quieter rides, and lower cost, which may better suit the needs of a city-driven business fleet seeking long-term value.
Are there any trade-offs in ride comfort or road noise because of the large outer shoulder blocks in the tread design?
The large outer shoulder blocks on the ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus do help with cornering grip and stability, but they can slightly increase road noise and make the ride feel a bit firmer over rough surfaces compared to tyres with a more comfort-oriented tread design. However, for most drivers, the impact on comfort and noise is minimal and generally outweighed by the improved performance.
I see these tires are recommended for light snow—would they be reliable in a region that gets a few snowstorms per year, or should I still consider dedicated winter tires?
The ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus handles light snow better than many all-season tires, but in areas with several snowstorms each year, dedicated winter tires are the safer choice. Winter tires provide much better grip and braking on ice and packed snow, which can make a big difference during harsh conditions.
The Tuned Performance and QuickView Wear Indicators sound helpful—are these features easy for the average owner to check, or do they require a professional?
Both the Tuned Performance indicators and QuickView Wear Indicators are designed so that everyday drivers can easily check them. They’re visible on the tire’s surface and don’t require any special tools or professional help. Simply look for the markings to assess tread wear and performance suitability.