All season tires are a compromise, neither that good in snow/ice or quiet with good traction at high speed when hot. But, they perform well if you keep away from the limits and seldom have snow/ice.

The best is to have a set of 4 very good snow tires already mounted and ready when needed. Then to have very good wider tires for summer traction and rain.

The initial cost of 2 sets of wheels and tires is high, but well worth it in the long run. Of course, if you live south of the Mason/Dixon line, there is no advantage of having snow tires assuming that any snow will melt in a few days. Same is true for city dwellers when the snow plows remove most of the offending slippery stuff within a week.

I suggest you go to www.tirerack.com and take a long look at the tires available and how you use your car will depend on what you buy. While cheaper is not better, expensive may not suit your needs/wants. The tirerack has owner surveys listing wear, quiet, wet, snow, handling characteristics which are pretty good.

Klaus
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Proud owner of a 220S. If I had more room, I would have more Volvos.