Michelin are a leading tyre manufacturer that has been innovating in the industry since late 19th century.
Founded in 1889, the French tyre brand has established themselves within the premium tyre market through their top quality tyre models.
These include their Primacy series, CrossClimate series, and many more. However, it is possible that the most well-known tyre model series in Michelin’s line-up is their Pilot Sport tyres.
This article will depict what key features both have, what our customers at Blackcircles.com feel about both tyres, and more.
Pilot Sport 4 Overview
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is a premium summer tyre manufactured by Michelin since 2016.
Developed to suit high performance, the PS4 is equipped with Michelin’s dynamic response technology to deliver the best traction available for different road conditions.
Given Michelin’s experience in motorsport events such as Formula E and World Rally Championship, the tread compound is produced with great expertise and innovation to ensure road grip and cornering is heightened.
The tyre compound is made up of a blend of elastomers and hydrophobic silica to further enhance the reliable braking performances of the tyre and wet grip, reducing the risk of aquaplaning.
Many car manufacturers have opted for the Pilot Sport 4 as an Original Equipment (OE) tyre for their cad models over the years, including BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz.
Upon its release, the Pilot Sport 4 replaced the
Pilot Sport 3.
The Michelin Pilot Super Sport is an Ultra-High Performance (UHP) tyre that was released by Michelin back in 2011.
Engineered for spirited road and track use, the Pilot Super Sport is equipped with Michelin’s Contact Patch 2.0 technology, maximising road contact resulting in greater steering precision and cornering.
Also, Michelin’s Bi-Compound technology enhances traction whilst driving in wet conditions, offering control and grip through these driving surfaces.
To ensure stable and reliable performance, Michelin has crafted the tyre with a Twaron belt. This innovative design provides variable grip levels, evenly distributing tension and grip forces across the tyre's surface.
As the Pilot Super Sport is a UHP, some of the most luxury car brands like Ferrari and Porsche have chosen the tyre as an OE tyre for many of their car models.
The Pilot Super Sport was replaced by the
Pilot Sport 4 S in 2017, however, is still produced by Michelin to this day.
Tyre label ratings are an EU regulated rating system, where a tyre model is ranked in key performance categories. Label ratings might vary between different tyre sizes.
The performance categories are as follows:
Fuel Efficiency – Ranked A to E
Wet Grip – Ranked A to E
Tyre Noise – Ranked with numbers and A to C/Decibels (dB)
Pilot Sport 4 Label Ratings
The fuel efficiency ratings for Pilot Sport 4 tyres range from A to D, with the majority of sizes typically rated at C.
In terms of wet grip, most sizes achieve an A rating, though a few are rated B.
The noise ratings for these tyres fall between 70B and 73B.
Pilot Super Sport Label Ratings
Fuel efficiency ratings for the Pilot Super Sport are mostly D, with some sizes/fitments having a C rating.
Wet grip ratings consist of either A or B for the UHP, depending on tyre size.
External tyre noise for the Michelin Pilot Super Sport range between 71B and 75B.
Customer Reviews
Our customer review system is powered by DriverReviews, where customer are given the opportunity to review their previously purchased tyre model.
The four categories in which our customers review their tyres are:
Overall Ratings
Would the customer buy the tyres again
Does the car feel better to drive
Were the tyres value for money
Pilot Sport 4 Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the Pilot Sport 4 as follows:
Pilot Super Sport Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the Pilot Super Sport as follows:
Prices for tyre models will typically vary amongst tyre sizes.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 range from £ to £.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Pilot Super Sport range from £ to £.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 still a good choice for EVs?
While thePilot Sport 4 offers excellent grip, it lacks the specialized rolling resistance found in the 2026
Pilot Sport 5 Energy range. It remains a solid performance choice for high-torque EVs but may slightly reduce your total driving range.
How does Pilot Super Sport longevity compare to modern tyres?
The Pilot Super Sportwas built for raw track performance, meaning its tread life is significantly shorter than the 2026 longevity vs performance benchmarks. Expect roughly 30% less mileage compared to a modern Pilot Sport 5.
Which tyre is better for the UK’s increasingly wet winters?
The
Pilot Sport 4 is the clear winner here, featuring a tread pattern designed specifically for high-volume water evacuation. The Pilot Super Sport’s slicker bi-compound design is prone to aquaplaning in deep standing water.
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