In the case of this comparison article, we will be shining a light on their most popular winter tyre range, that being the Alpin/Pilot Alpin winter tyres.
A new 2024 release from Michelin in their winter tyre range is their
Alpin 7. Two generations prior to the Alpin 7 is the
Pilot Alpin 5, another premium winter tyre that has been an excellent tyre choice for motorists to tackle challenging winter driving conditions.
This article will compare both winter tyres, underlining key features and technologies as well as analysing data from Blackcircles.com customers reviews for these models respectively.
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 vs Alpin 7: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference between the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 and Michelin Alpin 7 is the type of vehicle and driving experience they have been designed for.
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 is Michelin’s premium performance winter tyre, developed for sports cars, performance saloons and powerful SUVs. It focuses on delivering precise steering, responsive handling and exceptional grip in cold, wet and snowy conditions.
The Michelin Alpin 7 is Michelin’s latest premium touring winter tyre, designed for everyday passenger cars. It prioritises winter safety, braking performance, long-lasting durability and improved energy efficiency, making it the ideal choice for most drivers during the winter months. Michelin states the Alpin 7 delivers up to 6% shorter braking distances on snow and around 9% lower rolling resistance than the Alpin 6.
In simple terms:
Choose the Pilot Alpin 5 if you drive a high-performance vehicle.
Choose the Alpin 7 if you want Michelin’s latest winter touring tyre for everyday driving.
Pilot Alpin 5 Overview
Michelin's Pilot Alpin 5 winter tyre, launched in 2018, is engineered for high-performance vehicles demanding superior control.
Its advanced technology delivers exceptional precision on wet, snowy, and icy surfaces.
A symmetrical tread pattern maximises grip, complemented by Michelin's innovative tread compound for enhanced traction and shorter braking distances.
This design not only boosts safety but also contributes to extended tyre life and improved fuel economy, without compromising the exceptional handling and grip expected in winter conditions.
Chosen as original equipment by top manufacturers including
Mercedes-Benz and
Porsche, the Pilot Alpin 5 has earned the trust of leading automotive brands worldwide.
Alpin 7 Overview
Michelin's Alpin 7 winter tyre has arrived, building on the legacy of its predecessor, the
Alpin 6, and delivering exceptional performance in all winter driving conditions.
This cutting-edge Michelin tyre utilises a newly formulated, low-temperature optimized compound for superior road traction, enhancing driver control during acceleration, braking, and cornering on winter roads.
The Alpin 7's intelligent tread design features distinctive grooves that remain effective even as the tyre wears, ensuring consistent performance throughout its lifespan, particularly in snowy conditions.
Its innovative tread compound gives the tyre more sipes than its predecessor, further improving snow braking by 6%.
Since its 2024 release, the Alpin 7 has replaced the Alpin 6 as Michelin’s flagship winter touring tyre and is now well established in showrooms and independent tyre tests across Europe.
Why Do Leading Vehicle Manufacturers Choose Michelin?
Michelin works closely with many of the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers to develop tyres that complement each vehicle’s handling, comfort and efficiency characteristics. As a result, Michelin tyres are selected as
original equipment by premium brands including Porsche, Ferrari, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Tesla, McLaren, Aston Martin, Bentley and Maserati.
These partnerships reflect Michelin’s reputation for premium engineering, long-lasting performance and innovative tyre technology.
Pilot Alpin 5 Awards
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 boasts a strong record of prestigious awards and top rankings in independent tyre tests.
For example, in Auto Bild's 2023 comparative test of
245/45 R18 winter tyres, the Pilot Alpin 5 emerged as the winner from a field of 54, praised for its "top performance on ice and snow, precise handling on wet and dry roads, and good mileage," also earning "Eco-Master" status.
Similarly, Tyre Reviews named it the best overall winter tyre in a 2023 test of 11 competitors, highlighting its superior dry braking and handling, excellent wet performance, and exceptional snow traction, along with high levels of comfort.
In 2022, Auto Motor und Sport also awarded the Pilot Alpin 5 a win in their
245/45 R19 winter tyre test.
These recent accolades consistently demonstrate the Pilot Alpin 5's exceptional reliability as a winter tyre.
Alpin 7 Awards
Since arriving in 2024, the Michelin Alpin 7 has continued to build a strong reputation among winter tyre specialists and everyday drivers alike. Independent testing has reinforced the tyre's snow braking and rolling resistance improvements over its predecessor, the Alpin 6.
These advancements have helped the Alpin 7 secure top tier accolades, including a "Best Winter SUV Tyre" win at the DriverReviews Customer Choice Awards and a definitive "Exemplary" rating from Auto Bild Sportscars.
Pilot Alpin 5 Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are collected through our DriverReviews system, allowing customers to rate their previously purchased tyres on a 5-star scale across various categories.
customers have reviewed the Pilot Alpin 5 as follows:
Alpin 7 Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the Alpin 7 as follows:
Price Difference Between Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 vs Alpin 7
Prices for both these winter tyre models will vary between tyre sizes.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 range from £ to £.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Alpin 7 range from £ to £.
Should You Buy The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 Or Alpin 7?
Both tyres are outstanding Michelin winter tyres, but they have been developed for different drivers.
Choose the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 if you own a sports car, performance saloon or high-performance SUV and want to preserve sharp steering, confident handling and high-speed stability throughout winter. It has been specifically engineered to complement the dynamics of performance vehicles while maintaining excellent grip on cold, wet and snow-covered roads.
Choose the Michelin Alpin 7 if you drive a family car, hatchback, executive saloon or everyday SUV and want Michelin’s latest winter touring tyre. It combines excellent snow braking, dependable wet-weather performance and improved efficiency, making it the best all-round option for most winter drivers.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your vehicle rather than the weather. The Pilot Alpin 5 is designed for performance-focused cars, while the Alpin 7 is Michelin’s flagship winter tyre for everyday driving.
Where Can I Buy Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 Or Alpin 7?
You can buy both the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 and Michelin Alpin 7 directly from Blackcircles.com. Simply enter your vehicle registration or tyre size to compare available options, view fully fitted prices and book fitting at one of thousands of trusted local garages across the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 only suitable for performance cars?
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 has been specifically engineered for sports cars, performance saloons and powerful SUVs. Its tread design and construction focus on steering precision, high-speed stability and responsive handling in cold conditions, making it the better choice for drivers who want to preserve the driving characteristics of a performance vehicle.
Is the Michelin Alpin 7 suitable for electric vehicles?
Yes. Michelin developed the Alpin 7 for petrol, hybrid and electric vehicles. Its lower rolling resistance helps improve efficiency while maintaining excellent winter grip and braking performance in cold, wet and snowy conditions.
Which tyre performs better in snow?
Both tyres carry the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification and deliver excellent snow performance. The Alpin 7 has been developed to maximise braking and traction for everyday winter driving, while the Pilot Alpin 5 balances strong snow performance with the sharper handling expected from a performance tyre.
Which tyre is better for motorway driving in winter?
Both tyres perform exceptionally well on winter motorways. Drivers of everyday vehicles may prefer the Alpin 7 for its comfort and efficiency, while owners of performance cars are likely to benefit more from the Pilot Alpin 5’s greater steering precision and stability at higher speeds.
Can I fit the Pilot Alpin 5 to a normal family car?
If the correct size is available, it may be possible. However, the Alpin 7 is generally the more suitable choice for everyday passenger cars because it has been designed specifically for touring comfort, winter safety and long-distance driving.
Can I replace only two winter tyres?
In many cases, yes. Replacement winter tyres should normally be fitted as matching pairs on the same axle, provided the remaining tyres are in good condition and meet the legal tread depth requirements.
Are Michelin winter tyres fitted as original equipment?
Yes. Michelin supplies winter tyres as original equipment for many premium manufacturers, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Porsche. These partnerships reflect Michelin’s expertise in developing tyres that deliver strong winter performance without compromising vehicle dynamics.
Which tyre is likely to last longer?
Both tyres are engineered for durability. The Alpin 7 places greater emphasis on touring longevity and efficiency, while the Pilot Alpin 5 is optimised to balance tread life with the handling demands of high-performance vehicles.
Are Michelin winter tyres worth paying more for?
Many drivers consider Michelin winter tyres to provide excellent long-term value thanks to their combination of winter safety, premium engineering and long-lasting performance. Their ability to maintain grip and braking performance throughout their lifespan helps justify the higher purchase price.
How do I choose between the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 and Alpin 7?
The decision depends on your vehicle and driving priorities. If you drive a performance-focused car and want to retain its dynamic handling throughout winter, the Pilot Alpin 5 is the better choice. For most family cars, hatchbacks, executive saloons and everyday SUVs, the Alpin 7 offers the best balance of winter safety, comfort, efficiency and long-term performance.
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