Michelin Primacy 4 - Test Results

Test Statistics

30

Tests Completed

4th

Average Position

1st

Best Result

8th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Across 30 summer tests, the Michelin Primacy 4 delivers consistently strong all-round touring performance with standout braking, low rolling resistance, high comfort and excellent wear. It frequently wins or places on the podium (multiple test wins in 2018-2022, average overall position 3.6), with repeated top results in dry braking and competitive wet braking, and class-leading efficiency. Comfort and noise scores are regularly among the best, and wear performance is often top-tier.

Key trade-offs are weaker aquaplaning/deep-water capability and middling wet handling relative to its braking strength, plus very high purchase price. Several SUV-size tests show pronounced aquaplaning deficits, and value is hampered by premium pricing despite low running costs.

Performance Strengths

Dry Braking and Dry Performance Strong
• 1st place dry braking in 2021 Tire Reviews SUV test
• 1st place dry braking in 2020 Teknikens Värld; large advantage vs field
• 2nd place dry braking in 2022 AutoBild SUV (34.8 m, +1.2%)
• 1st place dry handling in 2022 AZ SUV test
• 1st place dry braking in 2019 AMS SUV test
Wet Braking Strong
• 1st place wet braking in 2021 Sport Auto
• 1st place wet braking in 2021 Camper Van/SUV test (tied)
• 1st place wet braking in 2020 Auto Zeitung
• 1st place wet braking in 2019 NAF
• Top-3 wet braking in 2022 AZ SUV (+0.4%)
Rolling Resistance / Efficiency Strong
• 1st rolling resistance in 2022 AutoBild SUV (6.83 kg/t)
• 2nd rolling resistance in 2022 AutoBild (6.83 kg/t, best of regular tires)
• 1st rolling resistance in 2021 Tire Reviews SUV
• 1st rolling resistance in 2021 Sport Auto
• 1st rolling resistance in 2019 AMS SUV; noted least fuel used
Wear / Longevity Moderate
• 2nd wear in 2022 AutoBild (44,880 km, +12.6% vs best)
• High wear rating in 2020 ADAC SUV (4/12 with strong overall win)
• Low wear noted in 2019 mixed test (Primacy 4 among lowest wear)
Noise/Comfort Moderate
• 1st noise in 2021 Sport Auto (70 dB)
• Top comfort in 2020 Tire Reviews (2nd subjective comfort)
• 1st subjective comfort in 2020 Teknikens Värld
• Low noise in 2021 Auto Bild 16" (2/20, 67.3 dB)
• Top-3 noise in 2022 AZ SUV (71 dB, 3/10)
Overall Awards/Consistency Strong
• Overall wins: 2022 ADAC 16" SUV (1/18), 2021 Sport Auto (1/11), 2021 Tire Reviews SUV (1/9), 2021 Camper Van/SUV (1/8), 2020 Teknikens Värld (1/10), 2020 ADAC SUV (1/12), 2019 mixed summer test (1/18), 2018 Auto Navigator (1/17)
• Frequent top-3 overall finishes (e.g., 2022 Auto Bild 3/22; 2022 AZ SUV 3/10; 2019 AZ 2/10; 2019 AMS SUV 2/11)

Performance Weaknesses

Aquaplaning Resistance (Straight and Curved) Strong
• Straight aqua last place 2021 Tire Reviews SUV (9/9, +15.4%) and curved aqua last (9/9, +27.9%)
• Both aquaplaning tests last in 2021 Camper Van/SUV (8/8)
• Straight and curved aqua last in 2022 AutoBild SUV (11/11 in both, +~9.6-9.7%)
• Mid-to-poor aqua in multiple tests (e.g., 2022 Auto Bild curved aqua 14/22, +14.4%)
Wet Handling (consistency vs braking) Moderate
• Wet handling mid-pack: 2022 AutoBild 14/22 (+2.5%)
• 2022 AutoBild SUV 8/11 (+2.5%) and wet circle 9/11 (+3.1%)
• 2021 Tire Reviews SUV 7/9 (+1.2%) despite 2nd wet braking
• 2019 AMS SUV 8/11 (+3.4%)
Value/Purchase Price Strong
• Most expensive on test: 2022 AZ SUV (price 10/10, +57.1%)
• Very high price: 2022 AutoBild (20/21, +88.3%)
• Most expensive: 2021 Camper Van/SUV (8/8, +81.3%)
• High price: 2019 AZ (9/10, +122.6%)
• Most expensive: 2020 Tire Reviews (12/12, +71.2%)
Dry/Wet Handling Balance (subjective/objective) Minor
• Dry handling mid-pack: 2021 Auto Bild 16" 19/20 (+2.2%)
• Wet circle/handling mid: 2022 AutoBild 14/22 and 14/22
• Dry handling 2020 Tire Reviews 9/12 (+1.4%) vs strong braking
• Subjective handling mid in 2020 AZ (12/20)

Performance Over Time

Test History

of 10

2022 AZ SUV Tire Test

2022
Winner: Bridgestone Turanza T005

The Primacy 4 has balanced grip in the dry and wet, focusing on safety qualities rather than dynamic driving.

Strong:
Dry Handling, Wet Braking

Weak:
Price