XL load rating and tire options
 

Looking for new tires and see both the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S and ExtremeContact DWS are getting great reviews. The problem is that OEM tires (ProContacts) have an XL rating, while the ones above do not come XL rated in my size 245/40-18.

Do I really need to be overly concerned with the XL rating? Or will these tires be adequate?

Also, are the Michelins (costing twice as much) twice as better as the Contis?

You would be fine with the Continental Extremecontact DWS 93y tires. The 2007 A6 doesn't really require XL tires.

Hi - I'm also getting ready to purchase new tires. I have a 2006 A6 3.2Q. I rarely have four passengers in the car...typically 2-3 at most - does my car need the XL tires? Thanks in advance!

Not necessarily, but it depends on which tires you're planning to get.