Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Michelin Primacy 5: The first press test results for the all-new 2025 Michelin Primacy 5 are finally out! And it’s diving straight into battle with the reigning champion of the touring segment — the Continental PremiumContact 7. This showdown isn’t just any matchup — it’s Michelin’s bold comeback vs Continental’s proven dominance. Get ready, because the touring tire throne is officially under threat!
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Results: Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Michelin Primacy 5
The results presented here are from the UTAC/Aftonbladet Summer Tire Test, where 8 of the best summer tire models were selected plus an interesting addition of 4 all season tires. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Continental PremiumContact 7 vs Michelin Primacy 5 across various performance categories, with the Continental PremiumContact 7 serving as the benchmark at 100%.
The tire size of interest is the 225/45R17 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf & Toyota Corolla. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a standard Audi A3 series as the test vehicle.
Wet
We’ve previously highlighted the dominance of the Continental PremiumContact 7’s wet braking performance — but finally, a challenger worthy of dethroning it has arrived. In wet braking, the new Michelin Primacy 5 stopped 0.4 meters earlier than the PremiumContact 7, a 1% shorter distance. However, when it comes to wet handling, the Continental struck back, completing the lap 1.9 seconds faster, giving it a 2% advantage. Both tires were rated equally in subjective wet handling with 10 points each. In straight-line aquaplaning, Michelin edged ahead again, resisting aquaplaning at 1.4 km/h higher speed — another 2% improvement over the Continental.
Primacy 5 :
- +1% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling
- 0% in subj wet handling
- +2% in aquaplaning
Dry
Continental fights back in the dry after losing ground in the wet! In dry braking, the Continental PremiumContact 7 stopped 1.8 meters shorter than the Michelin Primacy 5, a 5% improvement in stopping distance. It also scored higher in subjective dry handling with 10 points, compared to Michelin’s 9, showing Continental’s stronger grip and precision on dry roads.
Primacy 5 :
- -5% in dry braking
- -5% in dry handling
Wear
While mileage wasn’t directly tested in this round, we’re referencing data from the 2024 Autobild test, where the Michelin Primacy 4+ achieved 38,950 km compared to the Continental PremiumContact 7’s 30,750 km. With the new Michelin Primacy 5 claiming a 22% increase in mileage over its predecessor, we can logically estimate its lifespan at around 47,519 km. That’s 16,769 km more than the Continental, a 55% advantage in expected mileage.
Primacy 5 :
- +55% in mileage (estimated)
Noise
In terms of subjective noise, the Michelin Primacy 5 takes a clear win with 10 points, compared to the Continental PremiumContact 7’s 8 points. This gives Michelin a 25% advantage in perceived comfort, indicating a quieter and more refined ride.
Primacy 5 :
- +10% in subjective noise
Rolling Resistance
Michelin kept its word with an impressive ~6% improvement in rolling resistance over its predecessor, and it shows clear class here. The new Primacy 5 recorded a rolling resistance of 7.74 kg/t, which is 0.3 kg/t lower than the Continental PremiumContact 7’s 8.04 kg/t. That’s a 4% advantage in efficiency for Michelin, helping drivers save fuel without compromising on performance.
Primacy 5 :
- +4% in rolling resistance
Price
For the 225/45 R17 size, the Michelin Primacy 5 is priced at €119, which is €25 more than the Continental PremiumContact 7 at €94 — a 27% higher price for the Michelin.
Tire size: 225/45 R17
- PremiumContact 7 : € 94
- Primacy 5 : € 119
Difference: +27% more expensive for Primacy 5
Summary
As a tire expert, I can confidently say both tires bring strong advantages to the table. The Continental PremiumContact 7 delivers sharper dry handling and shorter dry braking, making it the more dynamic option for spirited drivers. On the other hand, the Michelin Primacy 5 impresses with its superior wet braking, quieter ride, lower rolling resistance, and significantly better projected mileage. While it does come at a higher price, the performance gains are clear. Michelin has truly raised the bar — the Primacy 5 is definitely a game changer in the touring segment!
Dr Edwin Pang