We first compared the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus and Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 back in 2023—but now, it is time for a rematch. Both remain two of the biggest names in the ultra-high-performance all-season category, promising strong wet grip, sharp dry handling and enough winter capability for year-round use. But after three years, has the balance shifted?
Continental versus Michelin. Comfort and all-season confidence versus outright performance. This UHP all-season battle is about to get very interesting.
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Results: Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus vs Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
Results below were taken from the Tire Rack’s “Ultra High Performance All-Season 2024” test. A total of 9 tires were tested this time around in Tire Rack’s own proving ground. The graph below shows the comparison between Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus vs Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 based on the relevant performance category. The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark. Note that for subjective evaluation, we equate 1 point as 5%. Hence for example if tire A is graded 7 while tire B is graded 6, A is better than B by 5%.
As both tires are categorized as all season tires, Tire Rack has included snow & ice in its testing portfolio. The tire size of interest is 225/45R18 which is a common tire size for Audi A4 & Lexus IS. You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a 2024 BMW 330i xDrive.
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 stopped in 130 feet, 9 feet shorter than the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus at 139 feet, giving Michelin a 7% advantage. However, the Continental felt slightly better in subjective wet handling, scoring 7.69 out of 10 compared with 7.50, a 0.19-point and 1% advantage.
The Continental was also 0.30 seconds faster around the wet handling track, recording 32.16 seconds versus 32.46 seconds, another 1% advantage. Overall, Michelin delivers the stronger wet braking performance, while Continental holds a narrow edge once the road begins to turn.
Pilot Sport All Season 4 :
- +7% in wet braking
- -1% in wet handling (subj)
- -1% in wet handling (lap time)
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 stopped in 113 feet, 3 feet shorter than the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus at 116 feet, giving Michelin a 3% advantage. Michelin also scored 7.25 out of 10 in subjective dry handling, beating Continental’s 7.13 by 0.12 points, a 1% advantage.
However, Continental completed the dry handling lap 0.13 seconds faster, recording 30.13 seconds versus Michelin’s 30.26 seconds, although the percentage difference rounds to 0%. Overall, Michelin holds the slight advantage in dry braking and driver confidence, while Continental matches it closely on outright lap performance.
Pilot Sport All Season 4 :
- +3% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (subj)
- 0% in wet handling (lap time)
Noise/Comfort/Ride Quality
In noise, comfort and ride quality, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus scored 7.33 out of 10, beating the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 at 7.17 by 0.16 points, a 1% advantage.
Pilot Sport All Season 4 :
- -1% in average of Noise, Comfort & Ride Quality.
Snow
In snow braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 stopped in 82.82 feet, 7.12 feet shorter than the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus at 89.94 feet, giving Michelin a 9% advantage. However, the Continental accelerated 1.21 feet quicker, requiring 20.78 feet versus Michelin’s 21.99 feet, a 6% advantage. Continental also scored 5.58 out of 10 in subjective snow handling, beating Michelin’s 4.67 by 0.91 points, a 5% advantage.
On the snow handling track, Continental was just 0.04 seconds faster at 55.21 seconds versus 55.25 seconds, effectively a 0% difference. Overall, Michelin leads in snow braking, but Continental delivers better acceleration and noticeably more confident snow handling.
Pilot Sport All Season 4 :
- +9% in Snow braking
- -6% in Snow traction
- -5% in Snow handling (subj)
- 0% in Snow handling (lap time)
Ice
In ice braking, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus stopped in 43.2 feet, 3.5 feet shorter than the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 at 46.7 feet, giving Continental a 7% advantage.
Pilot Sport All Season 4 :
- -7% in Ice braking
Mileage
According to Consumer Reports’ actual tested mileage results, both the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus and Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 achieved 50,000 miles, resulting in a 0% difference. Overall, neither tire holds a tread-life advantage here, with both delivering the same tested mileage.
Pilot Sport All Season 4 :
- 0% in mileage
Price
For the 235/55R19 tire size, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus costs $197, while the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 costs $223. That makes the Michelin $26 more expensive, a 13% price premium.
Tire size: 235/55R19
- ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus : $ 197
- Pilot Sport All Season 4 : $ 223
Difference: +13% more expensive for Pilot Sport All Season 4
Summary
From my tire expert’s perspective, the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 is the better choice for drivers who prioritize shorter wet and dry braking, along with stronger snow braking. The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, however, offers better wet handling balance, more confidence in snow and ice, slightly better comfort, and a lower price.
Dr Edwin Pang