The battle for summer tire supremacy is heating up! The legendary Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050+ faces its successor, the all-new SP Sport Maxx 060+, promising major upgrades in wet grip, dry handling, and tire longevity. But does the new generation really deliver a noticeable improvement over its predecessor?
And that’s not all! We’ll also give you a sneak preview of how the 060+ stacks up against two formidable rivals — the Bridgestone Potenza RE005 and Michelin Pilot Sport 5. Can Dunlop challenge the best in the summer performance category? Let’s find out!
Table of Contents
Results: Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050+ vs 060+
The results presented here are from Dunlop’s launch Test. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050+ vs 060+ across various performance categories, with the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050+ serving as the benchmark at 100%.
The tire size of interest is the 245/45R18 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the BMW5 series & Volvo S90. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a Mercedes E200 as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the new Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060+ delivers a 2% improvement over the older 050+, offering slightly shorter stopping distances on wet roads. While the improvement is modest, it gives the 060+ a small advantage in wet-weather safety.
SP Sport Maxx 060+ :
- +2% in wet braking
Dry
In dry braking, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 050+ and the newer 060+ perform equally, with no difference in stopping performance. However, the 060+ takes the lead in dry handling, delivering a 5% improvement over its predecessor. This gives the newer tire an advantage in cornering grip and handling performance, making it the stronger choice for spirited driving on dry roads.
SP Sport Maxx 060+ :
- 0% in dry braking
- +5% in dry handling
Mileage
In mileage, the newer Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060+ takes a commanding lead, delivering 40% longer tire life compared to the older 050+. This means the 060+ is expected to last significantly longer before needing replacement, making it a more economical choice over time. A major upgrade in durability for the new generation!
Blue Response TG :
- +40% in mileage
Noise & Comfort
In noise performance, the newer Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060+ delivers a slight 2% improvement over the older 050+, offering a quieter driving experience. Meanwhile, ride comfort remains identical, with no difference between the two tires. Overall, the 060+ brings a small refinement in noise levels while maintaining the same ride comfort as its predecessor.
Blue Response TG :
- +2% in noise
- 0% in comfort
Thailand Labels
Looking at the tire label data, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060+ has a slight edge in wet grip, with an index of 1.58, compared to 1.55 for both the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE005. However, Michelin leads in rolling resistance at 9.0 kg/t, compared to 10.5 kg/t for both competitors. All three tires share the same external noise rating of 72 dB.
| Metric | Michelin Pilot Sport 5 | Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060+ | Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE005 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet-grip index ↑ | 1.55 | 1.58 | 1.55 |
| Rolling resistance ↓ | 9.0 kg/t | 10.5 kg/t | 10.5 kg/t |
| External noise ↓ | 72 dB | 72 dB | 72 dB |
Keep in mind that manufacturers sometimes take a more conservative approach when declaring tire label values to account for production and testing tolerances. These figures provide a useful indication of performance, but they don’t tell the full story. Only independent testing under the same conditions can reveal the real differences between these tires.
Summary
Dr Edwin Pang
From my perspective as a tire expert, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx 060+ is a clear step forward over the older 050+, with improved wet braking, sharper dry handling, and significantly longer tire life, while maintaining similar comfort levels. However, against the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 and Bridgestone Potenza RE005, the competition looks much tighter. Dunlop shows promising wet-grip figures, while Michelin leads in rolling resistance. Ultimately, the 060+ looks like a worthy successor, but only independent head-to-head testing will reveal whether Dunlop has truly caught up with its premium rivals.