Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Michelin Primacy 5: The 2025 launch of the Michelin Primacy 5 marks a significant step forward in Michelin’s commitment to performance and sustainability. Positioned as the successor to the highly regarded Primacy 4+, the new Primacy 5 boasts improvements in key areas such as lifespan, wet safety, rolling resistance, and noise comfort. In this article, we will explore the advancements introduced with the Primacy 5 and how they compare to its predecessor.
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Results: Michelin Primacy 4+ vs Michelin Primacy 5
A word of caution: the results below were taken from Michelin’s press release and should be taken with a pinch of salt while we await independent tire testing. The graph below compares the Michelin Primacy 4+ with the Michelin Primacy 5 across relevant performance categories. The Michelin Primacy 4+ was used as the reference, set at the 100% mark.
The wet braking and rolling resistance tests were conducted using tire size 205/55R16 on a Volkswagen Golf 8 as the primary vehicle for the wet test. Meanwhile, the mileage test was performed using a Tesla Model 3 with tire size 235/45R18.
Wet
The Michelin Primacy 5 outperforms the Primacy 4+ in wet braking when new, stopping 9% shorter in tests conducted from 80 to 20 km/h. In the worn state, tested at 1.6mm tread depth, the Primacy 5 maintains a slight advantage, stopping 1% shorter than the Primacy 4+.
Primacy 5:
- +9% in wet braking
- +1% in wet braking (worn)
Mileage
Michelin specially chose a heavy EV, the Tesla Model 3, to demonstrate the durability of the Primacy 5. The results show that the Primacy 5 lasts 22% longer than the Primacy 4+, allowing for significantly more mileage before replacement is needed. This improvement highlights the Primacy 5’s ability to withstand the higher demands of electric vehicles compared to its predecessor.
Primacy 5:
- +22% in mileage
Rolling Resistance
The Michelin Primacy 5 improves rolling resistance by 6% compared to the Primacy 4+, meaning it requires less energy to keep the vehicle moving. This improvement translates to better fuel efficiency and extended driving range, making the Primacy 5 more efficient than its predecessor.
Primacy 5:
- +6% in rolling resistance
Target Conflict
The new Michelin Primacy 5 impresses by achieving improvements in all three key performance areas—mileage, rolling resistance, and wet performance—despite the inherent challenges of balancing these conflicting attributes. Enhancing one aspect typically compromises another, but Michelin has managed to break this norm, delivering a tire that lasts longer, consumes less energy, and provides excellent wet safety. This remarkable achievement showcases Michelin’s technical dominance and commitment to pushing the boundaries of tire innovation.
Conclusion
The Michelin Primacy 5 brings notable improvements in mileage, rolling resistance, and wet performance, setting a new benchmark in balancing these key attributes. With its enhanced durability, efficiency, and safety, it stands out as a promising evolution over its predecessor. We look forward to putting these claims to the test and seeing how the Primacy 5 performs in real-world conditions.
Dr Edwin Pang