Michelin Pilot Sport S5 vs Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R (MO1 spec): After a 7-year wait, the Michelin Pilot Sport S5 was finally launched in 2023 as the successor to the Pilot Sport 4S, positioned in the Ultra-High Performance (UUHP) tire segment. However, it is currently available only as an Original Equipment (OE) spec tire. On the other hand, the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, launched in 2018, is a highly specialized track tire that sits a level above the Pilot Sport Cup 2. Both tires in this comparison are dedicated OE specifications for Mercedes. So, what are the key differences between these two tires?
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Results: Michelin Pilot Sport S5 vs Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R
Results below were taken from Tyre Review’s “The NEW Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 [MO] vs Cup 2 R!” test. The graph below shows the comparison between Michelin Pilot Sport S5 vs Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R based on the relevant performance category. The Michelin Pilot Sport S5 was set as a reference hence at the 100% mark.
In this special test featuring MO1 tires, which are specifically Mercedes AMG-approved OE tires, the chosen test vehicle is none other than the Mercedes AMG GT63, the car for which these tires were designed. The tire sizes being tested are 305/30R21 on the front axle and 295/30R21 on the rear, a size commonly used on the Audi e-tron GT RS as well. For more details, you can refer to our latest tire size table.
Dry
In the world of track day tires and the Ultra-High Performance (UUHP) segment, dry handling is paramount. Track day tires, like the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, are laser-focused on delivering maximum dry performance, often sacrificing other aspects like wet handling to achieve this goal. In contrast, the Michelin Pilot Sport S5, while a top-tier UUHP tire, is expected to be slightly weaker in dry handling compared to a dedicated track tire. But the question is: how much weaker, and what are the subjective differences?
When comparing the two, the Pilot Sport S5 recorded a lap time of 69.41 seconds, while the Cup 2 R clocked in at 66.92 seconds. This indicates that the Cup 2 R is approximately 2.5 seconds faster on a dry track, emphasizing its superior grip and handling precision. However, the subjective experience reveals that while the S5 provides excellent responsiveness and stability, it lacks the razor-sharp precision and feedback of the Cup 2 R, which is designed to excel in these areas. The S5 is more forgiving and comfortable for everyday driving, but on the track, the Cup 2 R’s focused design shines through, making it the better choice for those seeking ultimate dry performance.
Pilot Sport Cup 2 R (MO1):
- +4% in dry handling (lap time)
Wet
When it comes to wet performance, we already know that the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R is going to be much weaker due to its extreme focus on dry performance, sacrificing wet grip in the process. This trade-off is clear from the EU labels: the Cup 2 R is rated “D” for wet braking, while the similarly sized Pilot Sport S5 holds a “B” rating. The real question is: how big is the difference, and what are the subjective differences?
On the track, the Pilot Sport S5 completed the wet handling lap in 95.24 seconds, whereas the Cup 2 R lagged significantly behind with a time of 104.62 seconds. This substantial gap of over 9 seconds underscores the Cup 2 R’s struggle in wet conditions, where it experiences notable hydroplaning and lacks the stability and control of the S5. Subjectively, the S5 feels more composed and predictable in the wet, with better steering feedback and easier handling, making it far more suitable for wet weather driving. The Cup 2 R, on the other hand, feels skittish and unstable, reinforcing its design as a tire meant strictly for dry conditions.
Pilot Sport Cup 2 R (MO1):
- -9% in wet handling (lap time)
Mileage
When comparing the mileage potential between the Michelin Pilot Sport S5 and the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R based on their UTQG tread wear ratings, the difference is significant. The Pilot Sport S5 has a UTQG tread wear rating of 300, which indicates it is designed to offer more durability and comes with a 30,000-mile warranty.
| Brand | Tireline | Size | Tread Wear | Traction | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michelin | Pilot Sport S5 | All | 300 | A | A |
| Michelin | Pilot Sport Cup 2 R | All | 140 | A | A |
In contrast, the Pilot Sport Cup 2 R has a much lower UTQG tread wear rating of 140, suggesting it will wear out more than 50% faster than the S5, specifically 53% less mileage. This reflects the Cup 2 R’s focus on maximum performance at the expense of longevity, making the S5 the better choice for drivers prioritizing tire life.
Pilot Sport Cup 2 R (MO1):
- -53% in Mileage (Based on UTQG tread wear)
Price
In the 295/30R20 tire size, the Michelin Pilot Sport S5 is priced at $468, while the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R costs $569. This makes the Cup 2 R approximately 22% more expensive than the S5, reflecting its higher segmentation position of ” highly specialized track focus tire”.
Tire size: 295/30R20
- Pilot Sport S5: $468
- Pilot Sport Cup 2 R: $569
Difference: +22% more expensive for Pilot Sport Cup 2 R
Summary
If you haven’t seen the testing video yet, please check out Tyre Review’s video here—he did a wonderful job testing these two tires!
From a tire expert’s perspective, the differences between the Michelin Pilot Sport S5 and the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R were evident from the beginning due to their distinct segmentation. The S5 offers a balanced performance with better wet handling and longer mileage, while the Cup 2 R excels in dry performance but sacrifices wet grip and durability. It’s reassuring to see these differences clearly demonstrated in testing. The next big question is when the replacement spec of the Michelin Pilot Sport S5 will launch and how it will compare to competitors like the Continental SportContact 7. Only time will tell!
Dr Edwin Pang