Passing on the legacy: Michelin Primacy 4 vs Primacy 3

Michelin Primacy 4 vs Primacy 3: After a long waited 6 years, Michelin finally launch the successor of Primacy 3 in 2017. Based on the press test results of Primacy 4 from 2018 till 2020, it managed to bag first or 2nd place close to 40% of the time. This makes it on of the best performing touring class tireline. Let’s have a quick look on how much improvement Primacy 4 made against it predecessor.

The comparison below utilizes the EU label data and also marketing data directly from Michelin. We will use a common touring tire size of 225/45 R17 as our basis.

Wet Braking

Michelin Primacy 4 : A

Michelin Primacy 3 : A

Primacy 4 is able to maintain is A label ranking compared to the Primacy 3. This came as no surprise as wet braking is one of the key focus of this tireline.

Aquaplaning @ worn

Michelin Primacy 4 : +20%

According to the marketing text, Primacy 4 is able to dissipate much more water (20%) compared to primacy 3 even when the tires are worn.

Rolling Resistance

Michelin Primacy 4 : C ,+11%

Michelin Primacy 3 : C

The Primacy 4 was still ranked “C” in rolling resistance which is the same ranking as Primacy 3. However on the marketing disclosure, the Primacy 4 was noted to be 11% better compared to Primacy 3.

Wear

Michelin Primacy 4 : +20%

As Primacy 3 was extremely good in wear, we were thinking what will Michelin bring to the table this time around? Michelin noted that the Primacy 4 has a 20% mileage improvement compare to its predecessor which is the cherry on the cake 🙂

Performance over life time

One of the major push from Michelin with its newer tireline was to show that its performance still maintains over the tire life time. This was shown via a worn tire test* indicating its superior performance over life time.

* Wet braking test, between 80 and 20 kph, conducted by TÜV SÜD product service, on Michelin’s request, between June and July 2017, on dimension 205/55 R16 91V on VW Golf 7 comparing MICHELIN PRIMACY 4 versus BRIDGESTONE TURANZA T001 EVO; CONTINENTAL PREMIUM CONTACT 5;
DUNLOP BLURESPONSE; GOODYEAR EFFICIENT GRIP PERFORMANCE; PIRELLI CINTURATO P7 BLUE competitors.

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Summary

Overall, Primacy 4 is an excellent successor product which demonstrates better wet braking , rolling resistance and wear performances. It also comes with new performance over life time features to ensure your “Safety is made to last“