Michelin are a global tyre brand that has paved the way for innovative tyre production for over 100 years now.
They have an extensive model line-up that consist of many tyre series, including both the Primacy and Pilot Sport model series.
Regarding Michelin’s Primacy tyre series, the recent generation has arrived in January 2025, that being the
Primacy 5.
An ever-popular Pilot Sport model that we will be comparing the Primacy 5 to is the Pilot Sport 4 S, a performance variant of the famous
Pilot Sport 4.
Gathering data from real customer reviews, tyre sizes, key features, and more, we will look to cover the bases of both models to highlight what makes these such sought-after tyres.
Primacy 5 Overview
The Michelin Primacy 5 is a summer tyre that has recently had its global release in 2025.
Succeeding the successful
Primacy 4+, the Primacy 5 delivers 18% more milage than its predecessor, as well as a 4% shorter wet braking distance when new.
This premium tyre is developed with both Michelin’s EverGrip and EverTread technologies, further enhancing the tyre’s longevity and ability to evacuate water.
Michelin’s MaxTouch technology is also featured on the Primacy 5, maximising contact with the road and gives the tyre increased performance when accelerating, braking, and cornering. This further improves tread life of the tyre without compromising safety.
Given the success of previous Primacy generations, we anticipate the Primacy 5 to be one of Michelin’s most successful tyre models for years to come!
Speaking of popular Michelin tyre models, the Pilot Sport 4 S has been a staple in the French tyre brand’s model line-up for a number of years now.
Engineered for spirited road driving and occasional track use, with the Pilot Sport 4 S featuring Michelin’s Bi-Compound Technology that further optimises on-track performance on wet and dry conditions.
Dynamic Response Technology is also featured on the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S, delivering improved steering responsiveness through the hybrid belt of aramid and nylon.
The 4 S has a premium and stylish dark velvet effect on the tyre’s sidewall, making it aesthetically pleasing for motorists that have the tyres equipped to their vehicle.
Chosen as an original equipment (OE) tyre for top car brands like
Porsche,
BMW, and
Ferrari, the Pilot Sport 4 S replaced the
Michelin Pilot Super Sport upon its release in 2017.
Tyre label ratings are EU regulated tyre performance indicators for key performance categories.
These ratings may vary between tyre sizes and/or special manufacturer fitments.
The categories in which tyre models are ranked on 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 5 Label Ratings
Fuel Efficiency: B or C
Wet Grip: A
Tyre Noise: 70B
Pilot Sport 4 S Label Ratings
Fuel Efficiency – C or D (exception of 315/35 R20 Porsche fitment – B)
Wet Grip: A to C
Tyre Noise: 71B to 73B
Primacy 5 Awards
As established, the Michelin Primacy 5 has just recently been released in 2025.
Therefore, the Primacy 5 has not seen any awards or tyre test wins by the time of writing this article (10/01/2025).
However, with the performance levels in which the Primacy 5 is showing across the board, we are sure that this summer tyre will pick up many accolades throughout the years to come.
Pilot Sport 4 S Awards
The Pilot Sport 4 S has been a very successful model for Michelin since its 2017 global release, picking up various tyre test accolades and awards.
In 2020, the Michelin PS4 S was the winner in the Evo ‘Overall Tyre’ test, with Evo stating “Good in the wet and outstanding in the dry. A great tyre that will improve the feel of your performance car.”
Since 2022, our friends at DriverReviews have held their own ‘Customer Choice Awards’, where real customer feedback drives recognition to all tyre types. For three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024), the Pilot Sport 4 S has claimed the ‘Best Tyres for High Performance Cars’ award, further highlighting its capabilities as an outstanding performance tyre.
Additionally the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S was rated ‘exemplary’ through a 2024 Auto Bild Sportscars summer tyre test (
265/35 R19 front,
295/30 R20 rear). Auto Bild praised the PS4 S for being a “ well-balanced sports tyre that shines on both wet and dry roads, precise turn-in, good feedback, good balance, short braking distances, low ride noise.”
Its numerous awards and consistently high praise from leading automotive publications demonstrate why the Pilot Sport 4 S is a top-performing tyre.
Customer Reviews
Our review system is powered by DriverReviews, giving customers the ability to review their previously purchased tyre model, as well as having access to real customer feedback.
The categories in which customer review their tyres are as follows:
Overall ratings
Would the customer buy the tyres again
Does the car feel better to drive
Were the tyres value for money
Primacy 5 Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the Primacy 5 as follows:
Pilot Sport 4 S Customer Reviews
customers have reviewed the Pilot Sport 4 S as follows:
Prices of tyre models may vary depending on tyre size and manufacturer fitment.
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Primacy 5 range from £144.99 to £249.99.*
Fully fitted prices for the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S range from £171.49 to £491.49.*
*Prices for tyres may fluctuate in time, with outlined prices being from date of writing (10/01/2025).
FAQs:
Which tyre has better wet braking?
Both tyres perform well in the wet, but the Primacy 5 has an EU wet grip rating of A and is engineered with EverGrip tech for shorter wet braking distances when new. The Pilot Sport 4 S also scores highly (A–C depending on size), but wet braking depends on size and compound — check your specific tyre size label.
Is the Pilot Sport 4 S suitable for track days?
Yes. The Pilot Sport 4 S was designed with track capable performance in mind and delivers excellent dry grip, steering response and stability at higher speeds. The Primacy 5 is not intended for track use.
Will these tyres affect my EV range?
Yes. Rolling resistance affects EV range. The Primacy 5 has lower rolling resistance ratings (B–C in many sizes) which helps improve range. The Pilot Sport 4 S generally has higher rolling resistance and may reduce range compared with a touring/eco tyre.
How long will the Primacy 5 last compared to the Pilot Sport 4 S?
The Primacy 5 is engineered for longer tread life (Michelin claims +18% vs Primacy 4+). The Pilot Sport 4 S uses a softer performance compound, which typically wears faster under aggressive driving.
What sizes are available for each tyre?
Common Primacy 5 sizes: 235/45 R18, 225/45 R17, 235/55 R17. Common Pilot Sport 4 S sizes: 235/35 R19, 255/35 R19, 285/30 R20. Always check your vehicle handbook and the tyre shop fitment tool.
Are either of these tyres original equipment (OE) on premium cars?
The Pilot Sport 4 S is an OE fitment for brands like Porsche, BMW M models and Ferrari. The Primacy 5 is targeted more at mainstream OE fitments and premium touring cars, including EVs like Tesla in some sizes.
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