The Primacy tyre is a series of tyre models that offer fantastic longevity and performance.
The recent rendition of Primacy tyres is the Primacy 4 line, which includes the base model and the
Primacy 4+.
These two summer tyres have been a massive success for Michelin, providing customers with premium quality for the roads.
This article will compares both the Primacy 4 and Primacy 4+, outlining the key features of both tyre models and how Blackcircles.com customers feel about the summer tyres.
Michelin Primacy 4 vs Primacy 4+: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference between the Michelin Primacy 4 and Michelin Primacy 4+ is that the Primacy 4+ was developed to deliver even better wet braking performance as the tyre wears while maintaining the comfort, durability and efficiency that made the Primacy 4 so popular.
The Michelin Primacy 4 is a premium summer touring tyre designed for everyday driving, offering excellent comfort, long tread life and dependable wet-weather performance.
The Michelin Primacy 4+ builds on that success by introducing further improvements in wet grip throughout the tyre’s lifespan, helping drivers maintain confidence even as the tread wears.
It’s also worth noting that Michelin has since introduced the Michelin Primacy 5, the latest generation of its premium touring tyre range. Drivers buying new tyres today may also wish to compare the Primacy 5, which builds on the Primacy 4+ with further improvements in wet braking, mileage and overall efficiency.
In simple terms:
Choose the Primacy 4 if you’re replacing an existing set on an older vehicle.
Choose the Primacy 4+ if you want improved long-term wet-weather performance.
Although the Primacy 4 is primarily designed as a summer tyre, it excels in wet conditions thanks to Michelin’s EverGrip technology. This innovation allows the tyre to evacuate 22% more water, even as it wears down, ensuring remarkable wet grip.
Michelin has also integrated its MaxTouch Construction into the Primacy 4, which optimises traction during acceleration, heavy braking, and cornering, providing a more secure driving experience.
Moreover, the durability of the Primacy 4 is outstanding, with the tyre averaging an impressive 11,000 miles more on the road compared to its competitors, underscoring its exceptional longevity.
In 2017, the Michelin Primacy 4 replaced its predecessor, the
Primacy 3.
The Michelin Primacy 4+ is a
summer tyre manufactured by Michelin since 2022.
Much like the Primacy 4, the 4+ is equipped with Michelin’s EverGrip technology, making the tyre shine throughout wet driving conditions and maintain safe performance levels even when the tyre is worn.
Another technology that is developed on both tyres is Michelin’s MaxTouch Construction, maximising the tyre’s contact between the road and tyre. This helps the tyre’s handling, delivering a longer tread life for the Michelin model.
A big difference between the Primacy 4 and the Primacy 4+ is that the 4+ garners stronger braking performance when worn. This is achieved through the aforementioned EverGrip technology, combining two layers of rubber to help with the loss of tread depth when worn.
The Primacy 4+ replaced the Primacy 4 upon its release in 2022.
Tyre label ratings are EU-regulated measurements of a tyre’s performance in key categories. These label ratings may differ between different tyre sizes.
The label ratings 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)
Primacy 4 Label Ratings
Fuel Efficiency: A – C
Wet Grip: B
Tyre Noise: 69B – 73B
Primacy 4+ Label Ratings
Fuel Efficiency: B – C
Wet Grip: A
Tyre Noise: 68B – 72B
Primacy 4 Awards
Since its launch, the Michelin Primacy 4 has garnered numerous accolades and recognition from tyre specialists worldwide.
A standout moment came in 2021 when the Primacy 4 claimed the prestigious WhatTyre ‘Summer Tyre of the Year’ award. This honour was bestowed upon it due to WhatTyre’s admiration for the tyre’s impressive ‘AA’ rating in wet grip and rolling resistance, along with Michelin’s commitment to maintaining grip and handling performance throughout the tyre’s lifespan.
The following year, the Primacy 4 continued to receive praise at the WhatTyre Tyre of the Year Awards, where it was named ‘
SUV Tyre of the Year.’
In 2022, DriverReviews also celebrated the Michelin Primacy 4 in their first-ever customer choice awards, where it was distinguished as 'Highly Recommended' in the ‘Best Tyres for Family Cars’ category.
In a relatively short time, the Michelin Primacy 4 has firmly established itself as a frontrunner in the tyre industry, earning widespread acclaim from experts and critics alike.
Primacy 4+ Awards
Much like its predecessor, the Primacy 4+ has received accolades and tyre test victories throughout its short history.
At the 2023 DriverReviews customer choice awards, the Michelin Primacy 4+ was outlined as “Highly Recommended” as the ‘Best Tyres for Family Cars’.
A recent 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test shines a light on the fantastic performance of this summer tyre model. The Primacy 4+ finished 1st out of 21
205/55 R16 tyres, with AutoBild claiming the tyre is 'balanced, high performance potential, good handling qualities, short dry braking distances, exemplary mileage and economic efficiency'.
With the Primacy 4+ being a fairly young model, there are sure to be more tyre test wins and accolades to come the summer tyre’s way in the near future.
Customer Reviews Comparing Primacy 4 vs Primacy 4+
Our customer review system is powered by DriverReviews, giving customers four categories to review their previously purchased tyres.
These categories include:
Overall Rating
Would the customer buy the tyres again
Does the car feel better to drive
Were the tyres value for money
Primacy 4 Customer Reviews
Customers have reviewed the Primacy 4 as follows:
Primacy 4+ Customer Reviews
Customers have reviewed the Primacy 4+ as follows:
Why Do So Many Drivers Choose Michelin?
Millions of drivers choose Michelin because of the brand’s reputation for combining safety, comfort and long-lasting performance. Michelin designs its tyres to maintain strong levels of grip and braking throughout their usable life, helping drivers enjoy consistent performance in a wide range of road conditions.
Prices for tyre models may vary between different tyre sizes.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Primacy 4 range from £ to £.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Primacy 4+ range from £ to £.
Should You Buy The Michelin Primacy 4 Or Primacy 4+?
Both tyres are excellent premium touring tyres, but the Michelin Primacy 4+ is the recommended choice for most drivers.
Building on the success of the Primacy 4, it introduces improved wet braking performance throughout the tyre’s lifespan while maintaining the comfort, refinement and long tread life expected from the Primacy range.
If you’re buying a new Michelin touring tyre today, it’s also worth considering the Michelin Primacy 5. As the latest generation of the Primacy family, it builds on the Primacy 4+ with further improvements in mileage, wet braking and overall efficiency, making it Michelin’s most advanced premium touring tyre.
Where Can I Buy Michelin Primacy 4 Or Primacy 4+?
You can buy both the Michelin Primacy 4 and Michelin Primacy 4+ 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
Can I replace Michelin Primacy 4 tyres with Primacy 4+?
Yes. In most cases, the Michelin Primacy 4+ is a direct replacement for the Primacy 4, provided it is available in the correct size and specification for your vehicle. The newer tyre builds on the Primacy 4 with improved wet braking performance throughout its lifespan while retaining the comfort and refinement drivers expect from the Primacy range.
What is the benefit of Michelin Primacy 4+ over Primacy 4?
The biggest improvement is its ability to maintain stronger wet braking performance as the tyre wears. Michelin refined the tread design and compound technology to help drivers retain confidence in wet conditions for longer without compromising comfort or durability.
Are Michelin Primacy tyres suitable for high-mileage drivers?
Yes. The Primacy range has been developed for motorists who cover regular motorway and everyday mileage. Michelin focuses on even tread wear, long-lasting performance and comfort, making these tyres well suited to drivers who spend a lot of time on the road.
Are Michelin Primacy tyres good in wet weather?
Yes. Wet-weather performance is one of the defining characteristics of the Primacy range. Both the Primacy 4 and Primacy 4+ provide excellent wet grip, while the Primacy 4+ was specifically developed to maintain this performance as the tyre wears.
Can I replace only two Michelin Primacy tyres?
In many situations you can replace two tyres rather than all four, provided the remaining tyres are in good condition and meet the legal tread depth requirements. Replacement tyres should normally be fitted as matching pairs on the same axle to maintain balanced handling and braking performance.
Are Michelin Primacy tyres fitted as original equipment?
Yes. Michelin Primacy tyres are selected as original equipment by many manufacturers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Peugeot, Toyota and Volvo. These partnerships reflect Michelin’s reputation for comfort, safety and premium engineering.
How long do Michelin Primacy tyres typically last?
Tyre life depends on driving style, road conditions and vehicle maintenance. Michelin designs the Primacy range to deliver consistent performance throughout the tyre’s usable life, with technologies that promote even tread wear and long-lasting durability.
Are Michelin Primacy tyres suitable for motorway driving?
Yes. The Primacy range is designed to provide a comfortable, quiet and stable driving experience during long motorway journeys. Their combination of low road noise, predictable handling and strong wet-weather performance makes them particularly well suited to everyday commuting and long-distance travel.
Are Michelin tyres worth the extra cost?
Many drivers consider Michelin tyres to offer excellent long-term value thanks to their combination of safety, durability and premium performance. Although they often have a higher purchase price than budget alternatives, their longer tread life and consistent performance can help offset that investment over time.
Should I consider the Michelin Primacy 5 instead?
Yes. If you’re purchasing a new set of Michelin touring tyres today, it’s worth comparing the Michelin Primacy 5. As the latest evolution of the Primacy range, it introduces further improvements in wet braking, mileage and efficiency, making it Michelin’s most advanced premium touring tyre for everyday driving.
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