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.
Michelin Primacy 5 vs Pilot Sport 4 S: What's the difference?
The biggest difference between the Michelin Primacy 5 and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S is the type of driving they are designed for.
The Michelin Primacy 5 is Michelin's latest premium summer touring tyre. It has been engineered to deliver exceptional comfort, excellent wet braking, low rolling resistance and long tread life for everyday driving.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S is Michelin's ultra-high-performance summer tyre, developed for powerful sports cars and performance vehicles. It prioritises maximum grip, sharper steering response and high-speed stability for enthusiastic driving.
It's also worth noting that Michelin has since introduced the Pilot Sport S 5, the latest flagship tyre in the Pilot Sport family. Drivers considering the Pilot Sport 4 S may also wish to compare the newer Pilot Sport S 5, which builds on its predecessor with further improvements in grip, steering precision and ultra-high-performance capability.
In simple terms:
Choose the Primacy 5 if you prioritise comfort, efficiency and everyday driving.
Choose the Pilot Sport 4 S if you want a tyre designed for maximum road performance.
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 Comparing Michelin Primacy 5 vs PilotSport 4S
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:
Why are Michelin tyres trusted around the world?
Michelin has built its reputation over more than 130 years by
focusing on innovation, safety and quality. Today, Michelin operates in more than 170 countries and remains one of the world's leading premium tyre manufacturers, supplying tyres for everything from everyday family cars to high-performance sports cars and commercial vehicles.
Price Difference Between Primacy 5 vs Pilot Sport 4S
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.
Should you buy the Michelin Primacy 5 or Pilot Sport 4 S?
Both tyres are outstanding Michelin products, but they have been designed for very different drivers.
Choose the Michelin Primacy 5 if your priority is comfort, refinement, long tread life and excellent everyday performance. It is Michelin's latest premium touring tyre and is ideal for family cars, executive saloons and drivers covering high annual mileage.
Choose the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S if you own a powerful sports car or performance vehicle and want exceptional grip, steering precision and dynamic handling.
If you're buying a new Michelin ultra-high-performance tyre today, it's also worth considering the Michelin Pilot Sport S 5. As Michelin's latest flagship performance tyre, it builds on the Pilot Sport 4 S with further developments in grip, steering precision and road-and-track capability for the most demanding drivers.
Where can I buy Michelin Primacy 5 or Pilot Sport 4 S?
You can buy both the Michelin Primacy 5 and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S 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 Primacy 5 comfortable enough for long motorway journeys?
Yes. The Michelin Primacy 5 has been developed with comfort, refinement and stability as key priorities. Its design helps reduce road noise while maintaining excellent wet braking and predictable handling, making it an excellent choice for drivers who regularly cover long motorway distances.
Can I replace Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres with Pilot Sport S 5?
In many cases, yes. If the Pilot Sport S 5 is available in your vehicle’s approved size and specification, it is the natural evolution of Michelin’s flagship ultra-high-performance tyre. It introduces further improvements in grip, steering precision and overall performance while maintaining everyday road usability.
Which tyre is likely to last longer?
The Michelin Primacy 5 has been specifically engineered to maximise tread life and maintain performance throughout its lifespan, making it particularly well suited to high-mileage drivers. The Pilot Sport 4 S balances durability with the additional grip expected from an ultra-high-performance tyre.
Is the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S suitable for occasional track days?
Yes. Although it is fully road legal and designed for everyday use, the Pilot Sport 4 S also performs exceptionally well during occasional track driving thanks to its high levels of grip, steering precision and stability.
Can I replace just two tyres instead of all four?
In many situations, yes. Tyres should normally be replaced in matching pairs on the same axle, provided the remaining tyres are in good condition and meet legal tread depth requirements. Always use the correct size and specification recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
Do Michelin tyres perform well in heavy rain?
Yes. Michelin develops its premium tyres with a strong focus on wet-weather safety. Advanced tread compounds and tread patterns help disperse water efficiently, maintaining braking performance and reducing the risk of aquaplaning in wet conditions.
Are Michelin tyres fitted as original equipment on premium cars?
Yes. Michelin supplies original equipment tyres to many of the world’s leading premium and performance vehicle manufacturers. These partnerships help ensure Michelin tyres are engineered to complement each vehicle’s handling, comfort and efficiency characteristics.
Are Michelin tyres good value despite their premium price?
Many drivers consider Michelin tyres to offer excellent long-term value. Their combination of long tread life, premium safety, consistent performance and high manufacturing standards can help offset the higher initial purchase price over the life of the tyre.
Which Michelin tyre range is best for everyday driving?
For most everyday drivers, the Michelin Primacy range is the better choice because it focuses on comfort, refinement, efficiency and durability. Drivers seeking a more engaging driving experience or who own high-performance vehicles may be better suited to the Pilot Sport range.
How do I know which Michelin tyre is right for my vehicle?
The best tyre depends on your vehicle, driving style and the manufacturer’s approved specification. Touring tyres such as the Primacy 5 are ideal for everyday driving and long-distance comfort, while performance tyres such as the Pilot Sport 4 S are designed for vehicles that demand higher levels of grip and handling. Always check your vehicle handbook or enter your registration on Blackcircles.com to view compatible Michelin tyres.
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