Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV vs Michelin Pilot Sport EV: Welcome to our in-depth comparison of two outstanding tires from Michelin: the Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the Pilot Sport EV. In this analysis, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of EV-specific tires and uncover what sets them apart from standard models. Join us as we pit these two titans against each other, exploring their unique features and performance capabilities. Get ready for an exciting showdown to see which tire reigns supreme for enhancing your driving experience!
Table of Contents
Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV vs Michelin Pilot Sport EV
Results below were taken from 2024 Auto Bild EV Summer tire test with a total of 9 tires tested, The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV vs Michelin Pilot Sport EV based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Note that for both wet & dry handling evaluation, the average lap speed was used instead of the standard lap time & subjective rating. The tire size of interest is 235/35 R19 which is a common tire size for Audi R8 & Volkswagen Golf R. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a KIA EV6 which is an compact electric powered crossover SUV.
Battery Range
Rolling resistance is a crucial factor for electric vehicles (EVs) as it directly influences battery range and efficiency. However, achieving low rolling resistance often presents a challenge in maintaining excellent wet performance, requiring a delicate balance between the two.
In our comparison of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the Michelin Pilot Sport EV, we observe this balance in action. The Michelin Pilot Sport EV demonstrates superior rolling resistance with a value of 6.55 N/kN, compared to the 7.99 N/kN exhibited by the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV. This lower rolling resistance in the EV-specific tire suggests enhanced energy efficiency, which is vital for maximizing the driving range of electric vehicles. The difference underscores Michelin’s focus on optimizing EV tire technology to reduce energy consumption without compromising on safety and performance.
Pilot Sport EV:
- +22% in rolling resistance
Wet
After observing the remarkably low rolling resistance of the Michelin Pilot Sport EV, which is crucial for extending battery range in electric vehicles, the question arises: how does it perform in wet conditions compared to its counterpart? Let’s delve into their wet performance metrics to see if the Pilot Sport EV can keep pace.
In wet braking, from 100 km/h to a standstill, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV stops at 39.2 meters, outperforming the Pilot Sport EV, which takes 43.3 meters. This 4.1-meter difference highlights the SUV tire’s superior braking capability in wet conditions. For wet handling, which measures how tires perform on a wet track, the Pilot Sport 4 SUV maintains an average speed of 58.5 km/h, again surpassing the Pilot Sport EV’s 56.2 km/h. This suggests better stability and control under wet conditions for the SUV tire.
In the wet circle test, which evaluates the tire’s grip and balance in circular wet tracks, the timings are quite close, with the SUV completing the circuit in 12.93 seconds and the EV in 12.95 seconds, showing negligible differences in this aspect. Straight aquaplaning, where a car’s tires lose traction and skid on a surface of water, sees the SUV tire achieving a maximum slipping speed of 95.5 km/h, higher than the EV tire’s 93.2 km/h, indicating better resistance to aquaplaning for the SUV tire.
Lastly, in curved aquaplaning, which tests the tire’s ability to maintain lateral grip during wet conditions, the SUV registers a maximum lateral acceleration of 3.25 m/sec^2, which is significantly higher than the 2.7 m/sec^2 for the EV. This demonstrates the SUV tire’s superior performance in maintaining grip during sharp turns under wet conditions.
Overall, while the Pilot Sport EV excels in rolling resistance, essential for energy efficiency in EVs, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV consistently shows better performance in various aspects of wet handling and safety. This suggests a compromise in the Pilot Sport EV’s wet performance to achieve lower rolling resistance, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing efficiency with safety in tire design for electric vehicles.
Pilot Sport EV:
- -9% in wet braking
- -4% in wet handling (average speed)
- ~0% in wet circle
- -2% in straight aquaplaning
- -17% in curved aquaplaning
Dry
In dry conditions, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV demonstrates a slight advantage over the Michelin Pilot Sport EV in terms of both braking and handling. The Pilot Sport 4 SUV tire stops from 100 km/h in 34.1 meters, which is 0.9 meters shorter than the EV tire. This difference, though marginal, points to better braking efficiency for the Pilot Sport 4 SUV tire.
In dry handling, the SUV tire also leads with an average speed of 70.9 km/h compared to 70.1 km/h for the EV tire, indicating slightly improved stability and control. Overall, these small differences highlight the SUV tire’s enhanced performance in dry conditions, offering better safety and control.
Pilot Sport EV:
- -3% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling (average speed)
Noise
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, with its noise level at 70 decibels, is quieter than the Michelin Pilot Sport EV, which registers at 71.3 decibels. Despite the Pilot Sport EV’s lower tread depth, which typically helps in reducing tire noise, it still produces slightly higher exterior noise compared to the SUV tire. This 1.3-decibel difference, while modest, underscores the SUV tire’s advantage in offering a quieter driving experience.
Pilot Sport EV:
- -2% in exterior noise (-1.3 dB)
Price
The Michelin Pilot Sport EV, priced at €170, is more economical than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, which costs €194 for the same tire size (235/35 R19). This makes the Pilot Sport EV about 14% cheaper, offering a significant price advantage for consumers looking for cost-effective tire options without compromising on quality.
Tire size: 235/35 R19
- Pilot Sport 4 SUV: € 194
- Pilot Sport EV: € 170
Difference: -14% more cheaper for Pilot Sport EV
Summary
As a tire expert, I find that both the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the Michelin Pilot Sport EV have their unique advantages tailored to different needs. The Pilot Sport 4 SUV excels in wet and dry performance, offering superior handling and shorter braking distances, which enhances safety and control in varied conditions. This makes it an excellent choice for SUV drivers who prioritize top-notch performance and safety.
Dr Edwin Pang
On the other hand, the Pilot Sport EV, with its lower rolling resistance, contributes significantly to the efficiency and range of electric vehicles. This tire is ideal for EV owners who are looking to maximize their vehicle’s range and reduce running costs. Each tire serves its intended market with features that cater specifically to the performance requirements of either conventional or electric vehicles, ensuring that drivers get the most out of their respective setups.