Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV vs Continental PremiumContact 7: The rivalry between the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the Continental PremiumContact 7 is a captivating showcase of modern tire technology, especially for electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts. Both tires boast of being “EV ready,” tailored to meet the unique demands of electric SUVs.
This face-off pits Michelin’s commitment to high performance and stability against Continental’s focus on comfort and efficiency, offering a glimpse into the future of EV mobility. As the automotive world leans increasingly towards electric power, the battle between these two tire titans underscores a key aspect of EV ownership: choosing the right tire to complement the electric driving experience. Let the battle begin!
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV vs Continental PremiumContact 7
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 Continental PremiumContact 7 based on the relevant performance category. 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
We dive deep into the most crucial factor for EV drivers: the rolling resistance of the tire. Rolling resistance significantly affects an EV’s battery range, making it a key consideration. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV shows a rolling resistance of 7.99 N/kN while the Continental PremiumContact 7 is more efficient at N/kN. This lower figure for the Continental translates to a 20% advantage, indicating that it is better optimized for energy conservation, potentially extending the driving range of an EV.
When we look at the energy consumption rates, the Continental PremiumContact 7 continues to demonstrate its efficiency with only 18.46 kWh per 100 km, compared to the Michelin’s 19.17 kWh per 100 km. This means that for every 100 km driven, the Continental tire can save approximately 0.71 kWh compared to the Michelin, which translates to an improved energy consumption by about 4%.
Overall, the Continental PremiumContact 7 outperforms the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV in both rolling resistance and energy consumption, making it a potentially better choice for EV drivers who prioritize efficiency and longer battery range.
PremiumContact 7:
- +20% in rolling resistance
- +4% in energy consumption
Wet
When assessing the wet performance of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the Continental PremiumContact 7, we observe some interesting contrasts. In wet braking, the Michelin tire takes 39.2 meters to stop from 100 km/h, while the Continental tire stops slightly quicker at 37.7 meters, showing a difference of 1.5 meters which could be crucial in rainy conditions.
For wet handling, which measures how fast a tire can go around a track under wet conditions, the Michelin tire achieves an average speed of 58.5 km/h, outpacing the Continental, which manages 57.6 km/h. This indicates that the Michelin offers slightly better handling in wet conditions.
In the wet circle test, which times how long it takes to complete a circle on a wet surface, the Michelin and Continental are closely matched, with times of 12.93 seconds and 12.88 seconds, respectively, showing only a slight advantage for the Continental.
Looking at straight aquaplaning, where higher speeds indicate better performance in resisting water buildup under the tire, the Michelin holds an advantage with a slipping speed of 95.5 km/h compared to Continental’s 93.4 km/h.
Finally, in curved aquaplaning, which measures the maximum lateral acceleration on a wet curved track, Michelin’s tire again shows superior performance, achieving 3.25 m/sec² compared to Continental’s 2.96 m/sec². This suggests better resistance to aquaplaning in curves for the Michelin tire.
Overall, while the Continental PremiumContact 7 shows slightly better performance in wet braking and the wet circle test, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV excels in wet handling, straight aquaplaning, and curved aquaplaning, indicating a robust performance across various wet conditions.
PremiumContact 7:
- +4% in wet braking
- -2% in wet handling (average speed)
- ~0% in wet circle
- -2% in straight aquaplaning
- -9% in curved aquaplaning
Dry
In dry conditions, both the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the Continental PremiumContact 7 exhibit notable differences. The Michelin tire requires 34.1 meters to brake from 100 km/h, while the Continental stops at 33.2 meters, a critical 0.9-meter advantage in emergency braking situations. Additionally, in dry handling tests, the Continental achieves an average speed of 71.3 km/h, slightly surpassing the Michelin’s 70.9 km/h, suggesting better agility and responsiveness. Overall, the Continental PremiumContact 7 outperforms the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV in dry braking and handling, indicating a potentially safer and more responsive drive in dry conditions.
PremiumContact 7:
- +3% in dry braking
- +1% in dry handling (average speed)
Mileage
When comparing the wear performance of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the Continental PremiumContact 7, there is a noticeable difference in longevity. The Michelin tire can last up to 35,865 kilometers under typical driving conditions, while the Continental tire extends slightly further, capable of reaching up to 36,885 kilometers. This gives the Continental an advantage of about 1,020 kilometers over the Michelin. This increased durability could mean a longer period before replacements are necessary, potentially offering better value over the tire’s lifespan for drivers who prioritize longevity and cost-efficiency in their tire choices.
PremiumContact 7:
- +3% in mileage
Noise
The exterior noise levels of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the Continental PremiumContact 7 are extremely close, making both tires comparably quiet. The Michelin produces a noise level of 70 decibels, while the Continental is slightly louder at 70.3 decibels. The difference of just 0.3 decibels is minimal, suggesting that both tires offer a similar level of comfort regarding noise reduction. This minimal difference means that noise performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for drivers choosing between these two tires.
PremiumContact 7:
- ~0% in exterior noise (+0.3 dB)
Price
The Continental PremiumContact 7, priced at €178, is approximately 9% cheaper than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV, which costs €194 for the same tire size of 235/35 R19. This price difference makes the Continental tire a more budget-friendly option.
Tire size: 235/35 R19
Difference: -9% more cheaper for PremiumContact 7.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’ve thoroughly analyzed the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV and the Continental PremiumContact 7, each showcasing distinct advantages. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV excels in wet handling, straight aquaplaning, and curved aquaplaning, offering robust performance across various wet conditions. It stands out for those who prioritize safety and stability in challenging weather.
On the other hand, the Continental PremiumContact 7 shines with its lower rolling resistance and enhanced energy efficiency, which are crucial for electric vehicles. It also offers slightly better performance in dry conditions and is more budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious consumers.
Considering the specific needs of EV SUV vehicles, which benefit greatly from reduced rolling resistance to extend battery life and overall efficiency, the Continental PremiumContact 7 emerges as the better choice. Its performance characteristics align closely with the priorities of electric vehicle drivers, making it an ideal fit for those looking to maximize their vehicle’s range and operational economy.
Dr Edwin Pang