Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Falken Azenis RS820: The all-new 2025 Falken Azenis RS820 has arrived—and it’s gunning straight for the top of the ultra-ultra high performance (UUHP) segment. Standing in its way? The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, a reigning benchmark since 2017. Can the newcomer unseat the king, or will the 4S hold its crown? Let the battle begin.
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Falken Azenis RS820
Results below were taken from 2025 Sport Auto UUHP Tire Test with a total of 4 tires tested, The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Falken Azenis RS820 based on the relevant performance category. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 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 a 275/35 R19 at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear which is a common tire size configuration for BMW M4 . You can check out our latest tire size table for more information. The testing vehicle is a G series BMW M4 .
Dry
Dry performance is the most important aspect for tires in the UUHP segment, and while the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S stops slightly shorter in dry braking with a 33.3-meter distance compared to 33.8 meters for the Falken Azenis RS820, that’s just a 0.5-meter or 1% advantage for the 4S. In dry handling, the Michelin also edges ahead, averaging 129.3 km/h versus 126.4 km/h for the RS820—a 2.9 km/h or 2% difference in cornering speed. The 4S proves it’s still tough to beat when it comes to dry performance.
Azenis RS820 :
- -1% in dry braking
- -2% in dry handling (average speed)
Wet
Dry performance remains the most important aspect for UUHP segment tires, but wet grip plays a critical supporting role. In wet braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S stops in 30.7 meters, while the Falken Azenis RS820 needs 32.8 meters—that’s a 2.1-meter gap or 6% longer distance for the Falken. In wet handling, the Michelin is just slightly quicker, clocking 79.9 km/h versus 79.4 km/h for the Falken, a marginal 0.5 km/h or 1% difference. For straight-line aquaplaning, the 4S holds a slim edge again at 86.2 km/h compared to 85.1 km/h for the RS820, a 1.1 km/h or 1% advantage. Overall, Michelin maintains a small but clear lead in the wet.
Azenis RS820 :
- -6% in wet braking
- -1% in wet handling (average speed)
- -1% in straight aquaplaning
Exterior Noise
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S runs quieter on the road, producing 73.4 dB compared to 74.8 dB from the Falken Azenis RS820. That’s a 1.4 dB difference, which translates to a 2% lower noise level from the Michelin, making it the more refined choice when it comes to exterior sound.
Azenis RS820 :
- -2% in exterior noise (+1.4 dB)
Rolling Resistance
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S records a rolling resistance of 9.1 N/kN, slightly higher than the Falken Azenis RS820 at 8.9 N/kN. That’s a difference of 0.2 N/kN or about 2% lower rolling resistance for the Falken, giving it a slight edge in fuel efficiency.
Azenis RS820 :
- +2% in rolling resistance
Price
In 275/35 R19, the Falken Azenis RS820 costs €242, making it 28% cheaper than the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S at €310. While the 4S offers better dry and wet performance along with lower noise, the RS820 delivers close performance at a significantly lower price—making it a strong value choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
Tire size: 275/35 R19
- Pilot Sport 4S: € 310
- Azenis RS820 : € 242
Difference: -28% more cheaper for Azenis RS820.
Summary
As a tire expert, I’d say the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S remains the benchmark for dry and wet grip, handling precision, and overall refinement. However, the Falken Azenis RS820 is seriously impressive—it delivers close performance in all key areas at 28% less cost. If you want the ultimate in balanced performance, the 4S is still king. But if value matters, the RS820 is a smart, no-compromise alternative in the UUHP segment.
Dr Edwin Pang