Last time, the Linglong Sport Master surprised us against the Michelin Pilot Sport 5, even beating it in wet braking and proving that this Chinese performance tyre could genuinely challenge the established premium brands.
Now the test gets much tougher. This time, Linglong steps up into the UUHP segment against the legendary Michelin Pilot Sport 4S — a tyre built around serious dry and wet performance. Can the Sport Master deliver another upset, or is this where Michelin finally pulls clear?
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Linglong Sport Master
The results presented here are from the ABV 2026 Summer Tire Test, where 20 of the best summer tire models were selected. The accompanying graph provides a side-by-side comparison of the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S vs Linglong Sport Master across various performance categories, with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S serving as the benchmark at 100%.
The tire size of interest is the 245/40R19 tire size, a popular choice for vehicles like the BMW 3 series & Audi A4. For further insights into various tire sizes, feel free to consult our latest tire size table. The tests were conducted using a CUPRA Formentor as the test vehicle.
Wet
In wet braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S stopped in 42.5 m, while the Linglong Sport Master needed 47.84 m. That is a 5.34 m shorter stopping distance for Michelin, with Linglong 11% behind.
The Michelin was also faster in wet handling at 81.52 km/h compared with 76.33 km/h, a difference of 5.19 km/h, with Linglong 6% behind. In straight aquaplaning, Michelin reached 72.8 km/h versus 69.2 km/h, giving it a 3.6 km/h advantage, with Linglong 5% behind. Overall, Michelin held a clear advantage across all three wet tests, especially in braking.
Sport Master :
- -11% in Wet Braking
- -6% in Wet Handling (Avg lap speed)
- -5% in Aquaplaning
Dry
In dry braking, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S stopped in 34.34 m, while the Linglong Sport Master needed 36.69 m. That is a 2.35 m shorter stopping distance for Michelin, with Linglong 6% behind.
The Michelin was also faster in dry handling at 123.87 km/h compared with 120.96 km/h, a difference of 2.91 km/h, with Linglong 2% behind. Subjectively, the Michelin scored 7.4 versus 5.9, a significant 1.5-point advantage, putting Linglong 7.5% behind. Overall, Linglong stayed reasonably close on the stopwatch, but the Michelin had the stronger dry performance and a noticeably better handling feel.
Sport Master :
- -6% in Dry Braking
- -2% in Dry Handling
- -7.5% in Dry Handling (subj)
Comfort & Noise
Cabin noise was essentially identical. The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S measured 65.8 dB(A), while the Linglong Sport Master recorded 65.7 dB(A), just 0.1 dB quieter for Linglong. In percentage terms, this is effectively 0% difference, so there is no meaningful advantage between the two here.
Sport Master :
- 0% in Interior Noise
Rolling Resistance
For rolling resistance, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S measured 8.74 N/kN, while the Linglong Sport Master recorded 8.14 N/kN. That is 0.60 N/kN lower for Linglong, giving it a 7% advantage. So while Michelin was stronger for grip, the Linglong was clearly more efficient in rolling resistance.
Sport Master :
- +7% in Rolling Resistance
Price
For pricing, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S costs €215, while the Linglong Sport Master is €142 in the same 245/40 R19 size. That is a €73 saving with Linglong. The Michelin costs about 51% more than the Linglong.
Tire size: 245/40 R19
- Sport Master : € 142
Difference: -51% cheaper for Sport Master
Summary
From my perspective as a tyre engineer, the Linglong Sport Master is not yet a match for the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S in the UUHP segment. Michelin is clearly stronger where it matters most, especially in wet braking, wet handling and overall dry driving feel.
That said, Linglong is moving in the right direction. It stays reasonably close in some areas, matches Michelin on cabin noise and even delivers 7% better rolling resistance, while costing much less. The gap is still clear today, but the Sport Master shows that Chinese performance tyres are getting closer.
Dr Edwin Pang