Barum Polaris 5 Review

The Barum Polaris 5 is a winter tyre in the budget segment from Continental that offers good value for money and high efficiency.

Snow Performance

Barum Polaris 5 shows average to good performance on snow. The tread pattern design provides acceptable traction in winter conditions. The lateral grip on snow offers sufficient control and stability. Handling on snow provides a basically safe driving experience. Stability in bends is satisfactory, even if occasional corrections are necessary. The sipes in the tread pattern ensure sufficient grip on the snow surface. The snow performance is in the middle range of the test field. Controllability is maintained even during sudden steering manoeuvres. Traction when starting off is acceptable. The winter properties were rated as satisfactory in reviews.

In the ÖAMTC test 2023, the tyre achieved a grade of 2.6 for snow handling. The braking tests on snow showed good values with a grade of 2.16. Traction on snow was graded 2.89.

Performance on wet roads

The Barum Polaris 5 only performs satisfactorily on wet roads. Its wet grip is limited and requires increased attention during dynamic manoeuvres. Handling on wet roads feels unsafe, with delayed feedback. The tyre's aquaplaning properties vary, with longitudinal aquaplaning performing better than lateral aquaplaning. Stability when changing lanes is limited. The deceleration values on wet asphalt are below average. Increased attention is required to maintain control in critical situations. The wet properties fall short of expectations. The cornering forces are reduced in wet conditions. The precision when turning in wet conditions leaves something to be desired.

In the ÖAMTC test 2023, the tyre only achieved a grade of 3.44 for wet handling.

The ADAC test confirmed the weaknesses with an overall grade of 2.8 for wet roads. The aquaplaning properties were rated at 2.32 (lengthwise) and 2.8 (crosswise).

Dry handling

The Barum Polaris 5 shows clear weaknesses on dry roads. The tyre construction only offers a limited balance between comfort and handling properties. The steering response is imprecise and requires frequent corrections. The cornering forces are greatly reduced when driving dynamically. Feedback on the road surface is inadequate. The tyre shows below-average stability when changing lanes. The braking performance on a dry road is in the lower range. The cornering stability is not convincing. The steering precision decreases significantly at higher speeds. The driving stability requires constant corrections.

In the ÖAMTC test 2023, the dry performance was rated at 3.4. The handling at the limit received a grade of 3.5. The ride comfort was rated as sufficient with a grade of 3.88.

Braking performance

The Barum Polaris 5 shows a mixed picture in terms of braking properties, with clear weaknesses. Its braking performance on a dry road surface is in the lower midfield, with an average of 42.8 metres from 100 km/h. The braking distances on a wet road surface are clearly too long, with a grade of 3.2. By contrast, the braking performance on snow is impressive with a grade of 2.16. Stability during braking is not always optimal. The responsiveness of the braking force requires increased attention. ABS support does not work optimally with the tyre profile. The braking force distribution shows weaknesses under different road conditions. Braking performance varies greatly depending on temperature. The directional stability during braking is in need of improvement. The overall deceleration values are only satisfactory.

The ÖAMTC test 2023 rated the braking behaviour on wet roads with a grade of 2.56. The braking performance on snow was rated as good with a grade of 2.16.

Cost-effectiveness

The Barum Polaris 5 impresses with its good cost-effectiveness in everyday use. The predicted mileage is in the mid-range at over 35,000 kilometres. At an average of 82 mg/km/tonne, the tyre abrasion is still acceptable. The tyre weight has been optimised, which has a positive effect on fuel consumption. At 6.4 l/100 km, consumption is in the medium range. Durability meets expectations for a tyre in this price range. The rubber compound shows average wear resistance. Even wear ensures a reasonable service life. The environmental balance is average. The total costs per 1000 kilometres are attractive. The efficiency of the tyre is satisfactory.

In the ÖAMTC test 2023, the tyre achieved a grade of 2.2 for wear. Fuel consumption was rated at 1.6. The mileage was rated as average.

Noise

The Barum Polaris 5 has an average noise level in everyday use. The tread design results in a clearly audible rolling noise. At 72 dB(A), the measured noise emission is in the mid-to-high range of the test field. The interior acoustics are still acceptable at normal speeds. The frequency distribution of the rolling noise shows clear weaknesses at higher speeds. The noise level varies greatly depending on the road surface. The coordination of the profile elements could be more harmonious. Noise increases significantly at higher speeds. Vibration damping is below average. The acoustic performance is in line with the price range. The smoothness is only satisfactory overall.

In the ÖAMTC test 2023, the noise development was rated with a grade of 3.3.

The ADAC test confirmed the increased noise level with a grade of 3.3.

Price-performance ratio

The Barum Polaris 5 is positioned as an affordable winter tyre with an acceptable price-performance ratio. The moderate mileage and average wear are acceptable in relation to the low purchase price. The overall performance meets the expectations of a budget tyre. Durability is reasonable for the price. The materials used offer a solid quality. Although the technology is significantly behind premium tyres, it is justified in terms of price. The total cost over the lifespan is attractive. The efficiency of the tyre is reasonable for the price. Price stability is good compared to other tyres in this class. The investment is worthwhile for very price-conscious drivers.

Barum Polaris 5 experience: advantages and disadvantages

Barum Polaris 5 Review Results

The Barum Polaris 5 is a typical budget winter tyre that impresses primarily with its low price. While its snow properties are still satisfactory, it shows significant weaknesses in wet conditions and on dry roads. The tyre is mainly suitable for price-conscious drivers with moderate demands on driving performance.

Popular tyre sizes for the Barum Polaris 5:

Source list:

1. Barum POLARIS 5 im Test | ADAC
2. Barum POLARIS 5 | ÖAMTC
3. Winterreifen-Test 2024: die besten Reifen im Überblick - AUTO BILD