SportContact 7 shines again: Why these 3 fast family cars opt for Continental  

After another award win, you’d be forgiven for thinking Continental’s SportContact 7 is an highly specialised tyre. In fact, the same question was posed as we took the tyre for a spin on a C63 AMG. Despite its many accolades, it’s still the same versatile performance rubber that you can purchase on Blackcircles.com. 

The performance of SportContact 7 shows the improvement in technology throughout the last 20 years. As noticed by the professionals at Mercedes-Benz World, it finds grip that they, “didn't think would be possible from a road tyre."   

So, it comes as no surprise that the SportContact 7 is chosen by many car manufacturers as original equipment. Let’s look at a few fast family cars that have selected that rubber: 

Mercedes-AMG C43

Tucked under the bonnet of the C43 AMG lies a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo petrol engine which, with its 390 hp and 520 Nm of torque, makes it a fun family car. Zipping from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.7 seconds, with a limited top speed of 155 mph, it’s enough to make the kids squeal but hopefully not enough to have a repeat on breakfast (which would spoil the luxurious cabin).  And it’s prepared for most needs, with its rear-biased four-wheel drive system. 

To improve the ride, Mercedes chose Continental SportContact 7 to pair with its 18-inch alloy wheels on the standard. And to provide a personalised driving experience, the C43 comes with the Dynamic Select as the standard feature, which lets the driver choose between Comfort, Sport, Sport+, or Individual mode.  

Audi RS6 Avant Performance 

Performance equals power, lots of power: with the RS6 Avant Performance, Audi showed it meant its stuff. The Performance is faster and more powerful than any previous RS6 model, clocking 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds. For a 2-tonne fast family car, you’ve got to take your hat off to Audi. The Performance is powered and improved by a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo TFSI engine and a 174-mph, speed-increasing RS Dynamic Package, but has Audi managed to keep all that muscle in check?   

The 21-inch aluminium cast wheels in a ten-spoke star design and 275/35 tyres come as standard, with an upgrade to 22-inch lightweight wheels in a variety of sporty shades. The lightweight comes with Continental high-performance “Sport Contact 7” 285/30 tyres. Alongside offering consistently better grip on wet and dry surfaces, they also reduce understeering when cornering. Plus, drivers will benefit from a reduced brake path with these new wheels when braking from 62 to 0 mph. 

BMW 5-Series 

The new BMW 5-Series comes with a variety of powertrains. So, depending on region, buyers can choose from all-electric drive, plug-in hybrid, or petrol and diesel engines including 48-volt mild hybrid technology. For some extra oomph, buyers can opt for the M Sport Package, the M Sport Package Pro, and the M Carbon exterior package.  

Across the board, the BMW 5 balances its driving dynamics and travel comfort. In its technology, for example, the 5 Series sees a new and improved digitalized cockpit and state-of-the-art automated driving experiences, including new Highway Assistant and Active Lane Change Assistant. If that wasn’t futuristic enough, in car gaming is now available – only when the car is stationary, of course –presumably designed to help while away charging periods in the hybrid version.   

Elsewhere, the advanced chassis technology delivers wheel slip limitation, integrated braking system and sport steering. To support this myriad of driving improvements, BMW have paired their standard light alloy wheels in 18- or 19-inch sizes – up to 21 inches optional – with Continental SportContact 7. 

When it comes to manufacturers that have opted for Continental’s SportContact 7, the list goes on. We picked just three, which fast family cars would you have chosen? 

Header: Audi RS6 Avant Performance