The Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport vs Linglong Sport Master 4S battle pits the legendary pioneer of the modern 3PMSF all-season segment against one of China’s fastest-rising tire challengers. Michelin’s CrossClimate family helped redefine what an all-season tire could do, combining genuine winter capability with strong summer performance. But Linglong is no longer just competing on price—the Sport Master 4S is coming for the established premium brands.
Does this rising Chinese challenger really have what it takes to beat the tire family that helped create the segment? Let’s find out. Same group, different philosophies: premium performance vs smart value—the all-season battle just got very interesting
Table of Contents
Results: Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport vs Linglong Sport Master 4S
Results below were taken from AutoBild’s 2025 All Season Tire Test with a total of 15 tires tested including a reference winter & summer tire. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport vs Linglong Sport Master 4S based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about the all season with 3 peak mountain certification segment, the snow performances was tested. The tire size of interest is 225/40 R18 which is a common tire size for Volkswagen Golf & Audi A3. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Golf.
Wet
In the wet, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport has a small but consistent advantage. In wet braking, Michelin stops in 47.3 m compared with 47.5 m for the Linglong, just 0.2 m apart, with both rated at 100%. In wet handling, Michelin reaches 71.4 km/h compared with 70.4 km/h, a 1.0 km/h advantage, with the Linglong 1% behind. In straight aquaplaning, Michelin reaches 73.0 km/h versus 70.9 km/h, a 2.1 km/h advantage, putting the Linglong 3% behind.
Overall, the two tires are extremely close in wet braking, but the CrossClimate 3 Sport gradually pulls ahead in handling and especially aquaplaning resistance.
Sport Master 4S :
- 0% in wet braking
- -1% in wet handling
- -3% in straight aquaplaning
Snow
On snow, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport has a clear advantage. In snow braking, Michelin stops in 24.4 m compared with 29.9 m for the Linglong, a significant 5.5 m advantage, with the Linglong 18% behind. In snow traction, Michelin produces 2,946 N compared with 2,481 N, giving it 465 N more traction, while the Linglong is 16% behind. In snow handling, Michelin reaches 53.3 km/h versus 49.4 km/h, a 3.9 km/h advantage, putting the Linglong 7% behind.
Overall, unlike the close wet results, Michelin clearly separates itself on snow, with especially strong advantages in braking and traction.
Sport Master 4S :
- -18% in snow braking
- -16% in snow traction
- -7% in snow handling
Mileage
For wear, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport lasts 46,550 km compared with 44,450 km for the Linglong, giving Michelin a 2,100 km advantage, with the Linglong 5% behind. In abrasion, Michelin loses 912 g compared with 1,041 g for the Linglong. That means the Linglong sheds 129 g more material, putting it 12% behind Michelin.
Overall, the CrossClimate 3 Sport has the stronger durability performance, offering slightly longer wear life while also producing noticeably less abrasion.
Sport Master 4S :
- -5% in mileage
- -12% in abrasion
Dry
In the dry, the two tires are extremely close. In dry braking, the Linglong Sport Master 4S stops in 38.2 m compared with 38.8 m for the Michelin, giving Linglong a 0.6 m advantage and putting it 2% ahead.
In dry handling, Linglong reaches 100.9 km/h compared with 100.6 km/h for Michelin, just 0.3 km/h faster, with both tires effectively rated at 100%. Overall, Linglong has a slight edge in dry braking, while dry handling is essentially a tie.
Sport Master 4S :
- +2% in dry braking
- 0% in dry handling
NVH
For noise, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport records 72.7 dB compared with 73.1 dB for the Linglong, making Michelin 0.4 dB quieter, while the Linglong is rated 1% behind. Overall, the difference is small, but the CrossClimate 3 Sport has a slight advantage in cabin noise.
Sport Master 4S :
- -1% in exterior noise (+0.4 dB)
Rolling Resistance
For rolling resistance, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport records 7.39 N/kN compared with 9.56 N/kN for the Linglong. That means Michelin has 2.17 N/kN lower rolling resistance, while the Linglong is rated 23% behind. Overall, this is a major efficiency advantage for the CrossClimate 3 Sport, requiring noticeably less energy to keep the tire rolling.
Sport Master 4S :
- -23% in rolling resistance
Price
For price, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport costs €120 compared with €67 for the Linglong Sport Master 4S in size 225/40 R18. That makes the Linglong €53 cheaper, or about 44% less expensive than the Michelin. Overall, the Sport Master 4S has a huge price advantage, costing almost half as much as the CrossClimate 3 Sport.
Tire size: 225/40 R18
- CrossClimate 3 Sport : € 120
- Sport Master 4S : € 67
Difference: -44% cheaper for Sport Master 4S
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
From my perspective as a tire engineer, the Michelin CrossClimate 3 Sport is the stronger all-round tire. Its biggest advantages are in snow, aquaplaning, wear, abrasion, noise and especially rolling resistance, giving it the more complete performance package.
The Linglong Sport Master 4S, however, is very impressive for the price. It stays extremely close to Michelin in the wet and dry, even slightly beating it in dry braking, while costing €53 less in this size. So if you want the best overall performance and efficiency, I would choose the Michelin. But if value is the priority, the Linglong delivers a surprisingly competitive package for nearly half the price.
Dr Edwin Pang