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Michelin Primacy 5 Energy vs Michelin Primacy 4
The Michelin Primacy range has for a long time been highly rated by drivers who value safety, comfort, and longevity.
For many, the Michelin Primacy 4 set the benchmark in this category – particularly for family cars and fleet vehicles.
Now, with the introduction of the Michelin Primacy 5 Energy, Michelin hasn’t abandoned that philosophy. Instead, it has adapted it to suit modern priorities, such as energy efficiency and lower noise levels.
Michelin Primacy 4 Overview
The Michelin Primacy 4 is a premium summer tyre designed to maintain safety performance over time – not just when the tyre is new.
A key part of this is Michelin’s EverGrip technology, which allows the tyre to evacuate water effectively even as it wears.
As the tread depth reduces, the internal groove structure continues to support wet braking performance, helping the tyre remain predictable and safe.
The Primacy 4 also benefits from MaxTouch Construction, which helps distribute braking, acceleration, and cornering forces more evenly across the contact patch.
customers have reviewed the Primacy 4 as follows:
Michelin Primacy 5 Energy Overview
The Michelin Primacy 5 Energy takes that same comfort- and safety-led approach and updates it for today’s vehicles – particularly hybrids and electric cars.
Michelin has introduced a new tread pattern with wider grooves to improve water evacuation, along with revised sipes and shoulder blocks, all aimed at reducing noise levels.
These changes help improve refinement while maintaining strong wet braking performance.
Where the Primacy 5 Energy really differs is efficiency.
The tyre uses an energy-optimised compound alongside Michelin Slim Belt technology. This helps reduce rolling resistance, meaning lower fuel consumption in combustion vehicles and extended driving range in EVs.
customers have reviewed the Michelin Primacy 5 Energy as follows:
Key Technical Differences
Wet Safety Over the Tyre’s Life
The Primacy 4 built its reputation on wet safety as the tyre wears, thanks to EverGrip technology. This made it particularly reassuring for long-term ownership.
The Primacy 5 Energy continues that focus but pairs it with improved drainage and compound efficiency, achieving A-rated wet grip while also targeting lower rolling resistance.
Energy Efficiency and Rolling Resistance
This is the biggest area of difference.
The Primacy 4 was developed before energy efficiency became a dominant design requirement.
The Primacy 5 Energy, by contrast, is designed to reach A-label energy efficiency. Supported by Slim Belt construction and an energy-focused compound, this makes it significantly better suited to hybrids and EVs.
Comfort and Noise
Both tyres deliver a quiet, comfortable ride. However, the Primacy 5 Energy places greater emphasis on refinement.
It features updated tread block geometry to help reduce pattern noise – something that can be particularly noticeable in electric vehicles.
The Primacy 4 remains comfortable and composed, but feels more traditional in its noise characteristics.
Longevity and Wear
Both tyres perform strongly in terms of wear.
The Primacy 4 is known for predictable, long tread life. The Primacy 5 Energy has also been constructed with this in mind, using a compound designed to resist abrasion while still coping with the higher torque and weight associated with EVs.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both tyres reflect Michelin’s strengths in the premium touring segment.
The difference is that the Primacy 5 Energy is designed for more modern vehicles, while the Primacy 4 represents a highly capable earlier-generation benchmark.
Michelin Primacy tyre prices
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Primacy 5 Energy range from £ to £ .
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Primacy 4 range from £ to £ .