The Michelin Primacy 5 is Here!

Michelin has announced the Primacy 5, a new tire for passenger cars and SUVs that brings substantial improvements in key performance areas. The new Primacy 5 tire offers over 20% better wear than its predecessor, the Primacy 4+, which translates to approximately 7,000 additional kilometers (4,300 miles) of use before needing replacement.

The gains in longevity haven't come at the cost of wet performance. Independent testing by TÜV SÜD showed the Primacy 5 delivers a 8% improvement in wet braking when new compared to the Primacy 4+. Tests were conducted between 80 and 20 kph on a VW Golf 8 using 205/55 R16 91V tires. Importantly, the tire maintains its wet grip performance when worn down to the legal tread depth indicators.

Rolling resistance sees a 5% reduction over the previous model, tested on the same size by TÜV SÜD. This improvement helps reduce fuel consumption in petrol vehicles and extends range in electric cars. The lower rolling resistance, combined with the extended wear life, contributes to a 6% reduction in environmental impact across the tire's lifecycle.

Technical improvements include a new patented tread pattern featuring 10% deeper channels for improved water evacuation. Michelin has also developed new rubber compounds specifically for this tire. The tread pattern design pays particular attention to noise reduction, with harmonized positioning of the blocks and sipes helping to minimize both interior and exterior noise levels.

The development focused on making the Primacy 5 suitable for all powertrains. Modern vehicles, particularly EVs and SUVs, place increased demands on tires due to their higher weight and instant torque delivery. The tire's construction has been optimized to handle these demands while maintaining performance across petrol, hybrid, and electric applications.

Test Data Details:

• Wear testing conducted by DEKRA Test Center using 235/45 R18 98W & Y tires on a Tesla Model 3
• Wet braking tests performed by TÜV SÜD on 205/55 R16 91V comparing new and worn specimens
• Rolling resistance measured through machine testing at TÜV SÜD using 205/55 R16 91V

The tire launches with EU wet grip rating of A, positioning it among the top performers in this safety-critical area. Initial availability includes 64 sizes from January 2025 in Europe. The range expands to 87 sizes through 2025, with Asian markets receiving the tire from March 2025. Michelin plans to offer 149 sizes by mid-2026, covering a broad range of passenger cars and SUVs.

The improvements in wear life and rolling resistance contribute to lower running costs, while the maintained wet grip performance ensures safety throughout the tire's extended life. These advancements reflect Michelin's focus on developing tires that meet the evolving demands of modern vehicles while reducing environmental impact.