Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV: The Ultimate Middle European Winter Battle! Winter is here, and as the ice blankets the roads and the snow starts to fall, your choice of tires becomes a decisive factor in navigating the treacherous terrain. Enter the titans of the tire world: The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV. In one corner, we have the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, renowned for its exceptional wet grip and renowned EU label for wet braking. Its advanced nano pro-tech compound ensures optimum performance even in the harshest conditions. In the opposite corner stands the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV, boasting impeccable steering precision and top-tier fuel efficiency. Its unique tread pattern guarantees a quieter ride and supreme handling on icy roads.
Middle Europe, with its unpredictable winter weather and diverse terrains, serves as the ultimate battleground for these tire juggernauts. Who will come out on top? Whose tread will reign supreme? Strap in and get ready, because this is a showdown you won’t want to miss. The ultimate winter tire battle begins now!
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Results: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
Results below were taken from 2023 Tyre Reviews SUV Winter Tyre Test with a total of 9 tires tested. The graph below shows the comparison between Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 vs Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV based on the relevant performance category. The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
Since we are talking about winter segment with both tires having the converted 3 peak mountain logo, the objective & subjective snow performance was tested. Note that for subjective ratings, 1 point is equivalent to 5%. So if tire A has a 7 point rating & tire B has a 6 point rating, tire A is better than tire B by 5%. The tire size of interest is a 235/60 R18 which is a common tire size for Audi Q5. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a Volkswagen Tiguarn SUV.
Wet Face-off :
Navigating wet terrains, the performance of a tire can make all the difference. Delving into the wet performance specifics of Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV, certain distinctions become clear. Starting with the paramount aspect of wet braking, where swift stops can be lifesaving, the differences are minuscule but noteworthy. The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 halts at 33.03 meters, while the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV slightly outdoes it, stopping at 32.86 meters, granting it a marginal advantage.
When it comes to maneuvering through wet curves, handling speed and precision come into play. Measured via lap times under wet conditions, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV zips slightly ahead with a lap completion in 73.55 seconds, as opposed to the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005’s 73.85 seconds. These subtle differences might not seem significant, but in high-pressure scenarios, every fraction of a second counts. Evaluating the subjective wet handling, where drivers provide personal ratings based on feel and comfort, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV nudges ahead with 9.5 points out of 10, slightly surpassing the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005’s commendable 9.2 points.
Lastly, considering the straight aquaplaning performance, which indicates the speed at which tires begin to lose grip on water-soaked surfaces, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 confidently strides ahead, maintaining grip at 88.7 km/h. In contrast, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV starts slipping a tad earlier, at 86.1 km/h.
In summary, while both tires showcase exemplary wet performances, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV marginally outperforms in braking and handling, whereas the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 asserts its dominance in straight aquaplaning resistance.
Pilot Alpin 5 SUV :
- +1% in wet braking
- ~0% in wet handling (lap time)
- +1.5% in wet handling (subjective)
- -3% in straight aquaplaning
Snow Performance Analysis:
On the snowy terrains of winter, where a tire’s performance is truly put to the test, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV emerge as formidable contenders. Let’s unravel their performance on the white blanket that challenges many.
First, we visit the realm of snow braking, gauging the ability of these tires to come to a standstill on snowy terrains. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV demonstrates a slight edge, bringing a vehicle to a stop in just 16.06 meters, compared to the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005’s commendable but slightly lengthier 16.24 meters. These measurements, while close, emphasize the nuanced capabilities each tire brings to snowy conditions.
In terms of snow traction, which highlights the ability of a tire to gain momentum on snowy ground, the race remains neck and neck. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV powers from 5 to 40 km/h in 3.53 seconds, barely nudging past the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005’s time of 3.56 seconds. While the difference might appear negligible, in snowy conditions, a split-second advantage can significantly influence the driving experience.
Diving into snow handling, a testament to a tire’s prowess in maneuvering snow-laden tracks, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV shines brightly. It completes a snow-laden lap in a swift 88.65 seconds, outpacing the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 which finishes in 94.9 seconds. This distinction underscores the agility and finesse the Michelin tire offers on snowy curves and bends. Lastly, when we turn to drivers’ subjective ratings on snow handling, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV secures a perfect score of 10 out of 10, reflecting impeccable performance and driver satisfaction. Meanwhile, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 trails close behind with an impressive 9.5 points.
Drawing it all together, in the snowy performance arena, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV consistently exhibits a slight advantage across all tests, marking it as a robust choice for those venturing onto snow-clad roads.
Pilot Alpin 5 SUV :
- +1% in snow braking
- +1% in snow traction
- +7% in snow handling (lap time)
- +2.5% in snow handling (subjective)
Dry Performance Duel:
In the world of tires, while winter conditions often take center stage, it’s the dry performance that establishes the foundation of everyday usability. Examining the prowess of the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV on dry surfaces reveals subtle distinctions that can reshape one’s driving experience.
Initiating with dry braking, a critical facet determining safety and precision, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV excels with a braking distance of 42.15 meters from a speed of 100 to 5 km/h. This performance slightly overshadows the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, which, though commendable, records a stoppage distance of 43.46 meters. This minor difference, though only a bit over a meter, can be consequential in emergency situations.
Shifting gears to dry handling, which assesses the tire’s nimbleness and control during rapid maneuvers, the contest becomes intensely close. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV, completing a lap in 66.61 seconds, is almost inseparable from the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005’s time of 66.63 seconds. In this near-photo finish scenario, it becomes evident that both tires are incredibly matched in their ability to tackle dry terrains.
Lastly, when we probe the subjective realm of dry handling, where drivers translate their on-road feel into a score, both tires stand on an equal pedestal, with each securing a score of 9.5 points out of 10. This mutual appreciation suggests that both contenders deliver an equally satisfying and reliable dry driving experience.
In summation, while the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV slightly edges out in dry braking, both tires exhibit an almost indistinguishable performance in handling, presenting drivers with two finely-tuned options for dry terrains.
Pilot Alpin 5 SUV :
- +3% in dry braking
- ~0% in dry handling (lap time)
- 0% in dry handling (subjective)
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH)
The quality of a drive isn’t determined solely by grip or speed; the nuances of comfort and noise play an equally pivotal role. Delving into the NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) performances of the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV provides a glimpse into the sensory experiences each tire offers.
In the domain of comfort, where the absorption of road imperfections and the cushioning effect come into play, both tires promise exemplary performances. Yet, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV clinches perfection, attaining a flawless score of 10 out of 10. The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, while trailing by a hair’s breadth, earns a noteworthy 9.8 points, testifying to its commendable ride quality.
Moving to the subjective experience of noise, which captures the driver’s perception of sound intrusion, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV once again reaches the pinnacle with a perfect score of 10 points. The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, though delivering an impressively quiet drive, secures a slightly lower 9.5 points, indicating a marginally louder in-cabin experience.
When we transition from perception to quantifiable metrics, the pass-by noise test further accentuates the distinctions. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV, emitting a sound level of 68.9 dB, offers a quieter drive compared to the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005’s 70.8 dB. This difference, while subtle, could be discernible to keen ears and in quieter environments.
Collating these insights, it’s evident that the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV slightly outshines its counterpart in the NVH performance domain. Nonetheless, both tires provide a premium sensory experience, underscoring their stature as top-tier choices for those seeking serene journeys.
Pilot Alpin 5 SUV :
- +1% in subjective comfort
- +2.5% in subjective noise
- +3% in exterior noise (-1.9 dB)
Rolling Resistance Evaluation:
In today’s automotive landscape, with sustainability and electric vehicle (EV) range gaining traction, rolling resistance has become an ever-pertinent topic. Assessing the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 and the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV, the former exhibits superior efficiency with a rolling resistance of 7.25 N/kN. In contrast, the Michelin tire registers a slightly higher value at 8.186 N/kN. This difference underscores the Bridgestone’s advantage in potentially offering better fuel economy or extended EV range, aligning with contemporary sustainability trends.
Pilot Alpin 5 SUV :
- -11% in rolling resistance
Price
In the 235/60 R18 tire size category, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 is priced at €144, presenting a more budget-friendly option. In contrast, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV comes with a slightly steeper price tag of €169, marking it 15% more expensive. This price differential underscores the premium positioning of the Michelin tire, while the Bridgestone offers a competitive alternative for those eyeing cost-effectiveness.
Tire size: 235/60 R18
- Pilot Alpin 5 SUV : € 169
Difference: +15% more expensive for Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
Conclusion from a Tire Expert’s Perspective:
From an expert’s vantage point, evaluating the comprehensive data and real-world performance, the verdict is unambiguous. The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV consistently showcases superior prowess in wet conditions, snow performance, and NVH parameters. Its only notable vulnerabilities lie in rolling resistance and aquaplaning. Yet, when one balances out the strengths and weaknesses, it becomes clear that these minor shortcomings do not overshadow its overwhelming advantages in other critical areas. Without any reservations, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 SUV emerges as the undisputed champion of this tire duel, setting a benchmark for its peers in the segment.
Dr Edwin Pang