Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Dunlop Blue Response TG: Can the New Dunlop Challenge a Legend? A new era has begun for Dunlop! Following its acquisition by Japanese tire giant Sumitomo Rubber Industries in 2025, Dunlop is making a bold comeback with the all-new Blue Response TG, one of its first major European tire launches under the new ownership. With fresh technology and renewed ambitions, Dunlop is ready to prove itself against the industry’s biggest names.
But standing in its way is the legendary Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, a benchmark in ultra-high-performance summer tires, renowned for its exceptional wet and dry grip. Can Dunlop’s new-generation touring tire deliver a genuine surprise against this performance icon, or is the Michelin simply in another league? Let’s find out!
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Dunlop Blue Response TG
The results presented here are from EVO’s 2026 Summer Tire Test, where 9 of the best summer tire models were selected. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Dunlop Blue Response TG across various performance categories, with the Michelin Primacy 5 serving as the benchmark at 100%.
The tire size of interest is the225/40R18 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the BMW3 series & Audi A3. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a Hyundai i30 N as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S takes the lead, stopping in approximately 27.0 meters, compared with 27.9 meters for the Dunlop Blue Response TG. That gives Michelin a 0.9-meter advantage, or 3% better braking performance.
However, the Dunlop fights back in wet handling, completing the lap 1.2 seconds faster than Michelin, giving it a 1% advantage. Both tires receive identical subjective wet handling scores, while the Dunlop also holds a slight 1% advantage in straight aquaplaning resistance.
Overall, the Michelin delivers better wet braking, but the new Dunlop Blue Response TG proves surprisingly competitive, matching Michelin’s subjective handling score while edging ahead in wet lap time and aquaplaning resistance. An impressive showing from Dunlop against the legendary Pilot Sport 4S!
Blue Response TG :
- -3% in wet braking
- +1% in wet handling (lap time)
- 0% in wet handling (subj)
- +1% in aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S maintains a narrow lead, stopping in approximately 33.9 meters, compared with 34.2 meters for the Dunlop Blue Response TG. That gives Michelin a 0.3-meter advantage, or 1% better braking performance.
The Michelin also completes the dry handling lap slightly faster, holding a 1% advantage over the Dunlop. However, the biggest difference comes in subjective dry handling, where the Pilot Sport 4S scores 15% higher, highlighting its superior steering response, handling precision and overall driving feel.
Overall, the Dunlop Blue Response TG comes remarkably close in dry braking and lap times, but the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S clearly stands out when it comes to driving dynamics. The legendary Michelin still has the upper hand when driving enjoyment matters most.
Blue Response TG :
- -1% in dry braking
- -1% in dry handling (lap time)
- -15% in dry handling (subj)
Comfort
In ride comfort, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S takes the lead, scoring 6% higher than the Dunlop Blue Response TG. Despite its ultra-high-performance focus, the Michelin delivers a more comfortable ride, showing that sporty handling does not necessarily have to come at the expense of comfort.
Blue Response TG :
- -6% in comfort
Rolling Resistance
In rolling resistance, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S holds a slight 1% advantage over the Dunlop Blue Response TG, suggesting marginally better fuel efficiency. However, the difference is extremely small and unlikely to have a noticeable impact on everyday fuel consumption.
Blue Response TG :
- -1% in rolling resistance
Price
When it comes to price, the Dunlop Blue Response TG has a clear advantage, costing just €102 compared with €148 for the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. That makes the Dunlop 31% cheaper, offering substantial savings while remaining surprisingly competitive in overall performance.
Tire size: 225/40R18
Difference: -31% more cheaper for Blue Response TG
Summary
From my perspective as a tire expert, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S remains the superior performance tire, offering better braking, sharper dry handling and greater comfort.However, the new Dunlop Blue Response TG is surprisingly competitive, delivering faster wet handling lap times and better aquaplaning resistance while costing 31% less.
For driving enthusiasts, I would still choose the Michelin. But for everyday drivers, the Dunlop offers exceptional value, proving that impressive performance doesn’t always come with a premium price tag.
Dr Edwin Pang