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Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT View Gallery (1)
225-325/25-50 R17-23 49 sizes 2021

Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT

The Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT is a Extreme Performance Summer tyre designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

6.6
Tyre Reviews Score Based on User Reviews
Limited Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
86%
Wet Grip
67%
Road Feedback
76%
Handling
72%
Wear
66%
Comfort
68%
Buy again
57%
71 Reviews
70% Average
904,895 miles driven
9 Tests (avg: 6th)
Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT

Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT

Summer Premium
BETA
6.6 / 10
Based on User Reviews · Limited Confidence · Updated 23 Feb 2026

The Tyre Reviews Score is the most comprehensive tyre scoring system available. It aggregates professional test data from multiple independent publications, user reviews, and consistency analysis using Bayesian statistical methods, weighted normalisation, and recency-adjusted scoring to produce a single, reliable performance rating.

Learn more about our methodology
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 9
Publications: 5
Period: 2010 - 2016
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 71
Avg Rating: 70.1%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.13
History Points: 10
Methodology & Configuration
Scoring Process
  1. Collect Test Data: Gather results from professional tyre tests across multiple publications. Minimum 1 test(s) required.
  2. Normalize Positions: Convert test positions to percentile scores using exponential weighting (factor: 1.2).
  3. Apply Recency Weighting: More recent tests are weighted higher with a decay rate of 0.95.
  4. Incorporate User Reviews: Factor in user review data (minimum 5 reviews). Weight: 15%.
  5. Bayesian Smoothing: Apply Bayesian prior (score: 7, weight: 1.5) to prevent extreme scores with limited data.
  6. Calculate Final Score: Combine all components using normalization factor of 1.1. Max score with limited data: 9.5.
Component Weights
Test Data
80%
User Reviews
15%
Consistency
5%
All Configuration Parameters
ParameterValueDescription
safety_weight 0.7 Weight multiplier for safety-related metrics
performance_weight 0.55 Weight multiplier for performance metrics
comfort_weight 0.4 Weight multiplier for comfort metrics
value_weight 0.45 Weight multiplier for value-for-money metrics
user_reviews_weight 0.15 How much user reviews contribute to the final score
test_data_weight 0.8 How much professional test data contributes to the final score
consistency_weight 0.05 How much score consistency contributes to the final score
recency_decay_rate 0.95 Rate at which older test results lose influence (higher = slower decay)
min_test_count 1 Minimum number of professional tests required
min_review_count 5 Minimum number of user reviews required
score_version 1.9 Current version of the scoring algorithm
score_normalization_factor 1.1 Factor used to normalize raw scores to the 0-10 scale
confidence_factor_weight 0.2 How much data confidence affects the final score
position_penalty_weight 0.2 Penalty applied for poor test positions
gap_penalty_threshold 12 Score gap (%) that triggers additional penalties
min_metrics_count 2 Minimum number of test metrics needed per test
limited_data_threshold 2 Number of tests below which data is considered limited
single_test_penalty 0.75 Score multiplier when only one test is available
critical_metric_penalty 0.7 Penalty for poor performance on critical safety metrics
critical_metric_threshold 70 Score below which a critical metric penalty applies
position_exponential_factor 1.2 Exponent used to amplify position-based scoring
position_exponential_threshold 0.9 Position percentile below which exponential scoring applies
gap_multiplier_critical 3 Multiplier for critical gap penalties
max_category_weight 2 Maximum weight any single category can have
max_score_limited_data 9.5 Score cap when data is limited
bayesian_prior_weight 1.5 Weight of the Bayesian prior in smoothing
bayesian_prior_score 7 Prior score used for Bayesian smoothing
evidence_test_multiplier 1.9 Multiplier for test evidence in confidence calculation
evidence_metric_divisor 3 Divisor for metric count in evidence calculation
evidence_review_divisor 10 Divisor for review count in evidence calculation
combined_penalty_floor 0.2
Data Sources
TestPublicationDateSizePositionMetrics
2016 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test Auto Bild Sportscars 2016 255/35 R20 6/6 0 metrics
2012 Auto Bild 20 inch Tyre Test Auto Bild Sportscars 2012 245/30 R20 3/8 0 metrics
2012 Sport Auto Summer Tyre Test Sport Auto 2012 235/35 R19 5/9 0 metrics
2012 EVO Max Performance Tyre Test EVO 2012 235/40 R18 7/10 0 metrics
2011 Sport Auto Max Performance Summer Tyre Test Sport Auto 2011 245/40 R18 6/7 0 metrics
2010 EVO FWD Tyre Test EVO 2010 235/35 R19 6/9 0 metrics
2010 Sport Auto Ultra High Performance Tyre Test Sport Auto 2010 235/35 R19 7/11 0 metrics
2010 Auto Bild Ultra High Performance Tyre Test Auto Bild 2010 255/30 R19 4/6 0 metrics
2010 Auto Zeitung Ultra High Performance Summer Tyre Test Auto Zeitung 2010 235/40 R18 8/9 0 metrics
9
Tests
6th
Average
3rd
Best
8th
Worst
Latest Tyre Test Results
6th/6
SHort braking in the wet and dry
Poor handling and oversteer balance in the wet
Satisfactory
7th/10
Echoing our own long term test findings, while the Dunlop Sport Maxx GT offers excellent grip in the wet and dry, it's somewhat let down by the average steering feel it provides.
5th/9
As far as the safety-relevant test such as braking or aquaplaning so, the Dunlop Sport Maxx GT the best in the field.

Not the fastest tyre in the dry but the Dunlop has a good balance, in the wet there is understeer.
Size Fuel Wet Noise
18 inch
255/35R18 94 Y XL D B 70
255/35R18 94 Y XL D B 70
20 inch
245/35R20 95 Y XL D B 70
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT >>

Questions and Answers for the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT

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September 5, 2016

Hi, could i buy a full set of these in the exact size as my pireli pzero on my bmw x3 3.0d xdrive 2012? Would these cause a problem with the xdrive?

Yes, as long as you match the size and load rating, there will be no problem swapping P Zeros for Dunlop SportMaxx GT
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Size Price Range  
255/35 R19 £162.99 - £162.99 (1 Price) Compare Prices >>
Available in 17 tyre sizes - View all.

Review Summary

Based on 64 user reviews

Across 64 reviews, the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT is most often praised for strong dry grip, confident handling, and performance feel, with many higher-scoring drivers also reporting surprisingly good mileage for an ultra-high-performance tyre. Wet performance is the most divisive area: some users find it planted, but a meaningful minority describe low confidence on wet/greasy roads and increased aquaplaning risk in standing water, especially as the tyre wears. Comfort is generally acceptable for the category, though a number of drivers report a firm/harsh ride.

Strengths
  • Very strong dry grip and cornering stability
  • Predictable handling/controlled breakaway and good steering feedback once warmed/bedded in
  • Often good tread life for a uhp tyre (many reports of 20k-40k+ miles depending on vehicle/usage)
  • Generally acceptable comfort and noise levels for the performance category
Areas for Improvement
  • Wet-road confidence can be poor for some drivers
  • With reports of aquaplaning/instability in standing water (worse as the tyre wears)
  • Treadwear is inconsistent: some users experience rapid wear or grip drop-off as tread gets low
  • Firm/harsh ride noted on some vehicles (especially with runflat fitments)

Top 3 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT Reviews

Given 71% while driving a Subaru 2022 WRX (245/40 R18) on a combination of roads for 10,000 spirited miles
On a Subaru WRX, i found it impossible to get it loose on dry concrete. I really felt confident on these tires. In the wet, same story. It is a solid summer tire. It is a bit harsh of a ride, you feel the bumps quite a bit. Durability also seems mediocre, after 10,000 miles or so, over 2 years of summer driving, they appear to only have another season or two in them. But overall, no complaints. It does what a performance tire is meant to do.
May 29, 2024
Given 37% while driving a Audi TT S (255/35 R19) on mostly country roads for 4,000 average miles
These tyres were fitted to my Audi TTS Roadster . I purchased the car 2nd hand in Feb 2023 and these were the tyres fitted. I found the ride very harsh and would get a pronounced shimmy . Turn in felt very slow. I checked the manufacture date on the tyres and found they were from early 2018. They were very dry and cracked on the shoulders, they felt almost brittle . I just didnt have any confidence in them. During heavy braking ABS seemed to cut in earlier than i would have thought they should.
I have replaced all 4 tyres now with Goodyear eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 and the difference is night and day
October 13, 2023
Given 85% while driving a Volkswagen Golf GTI 7.5 (235/40 R18) on a combination of roads for 500 spirited miles
This is an initial impressions review of the Sport Maxx GT on my Golf GTI so unable to comment on wear. Will focus mainly on performance and feel during warm weather driving.

Dry grip is very good. No complaints whatsover. Slightly better than the Falken FK510, another popular UHP summer tyre. The tyres turn well without much understeer and the car darts into corners. Feedback is perhaps not the best but the tyres are predictable and placing the car is easy.

Wet grip is very good as well. Drove on these tyres through a tropical storm and they felt planted and never hydroplaned even with puddles all over the roads. Of course, this is dependent on driving sensibly. Drive like a hooligan in the rain and you’ll crash regardless of whatever tyres you fit.

Comfort and noise level is decent. The tyre isn’t harsh over bumps and noise level is acceptable by UHP standards. If this is your priority, get touring tyres instead!

Overall, very good first impressions when fitted on a FWD hot hatch. Price wise, it undercuts all the big brands by quite some margin. Does everything reasonably well, at least in warm climates.
September 7, 2023

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Latest Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT Reviews

Given 86% while driving a BMW 640 d gran coupe (275/30 R20) on mostly motorways for 15,000 average miles
I bought my bmw 640d GC with 34,985 miles on it and thrt had 7mm all round. As of todays review 10.01.23 the car is on 50,800 miles and thr tyres are down to 5mm all round. Now thats 1mm of wear per 7,500 miles which is excellent. They are runflat and the wear rate is amazing. I will probably get 20,000 miles and more out of these and so far thet are excellent.
January 10, 2023
Given 46% while driving a Jaguar XJ (X351) SWB 3.0d (275/35 R20) on a combination of roads for 2,000 spirited miles
Had these as OE fit on a Jaguar XJ, and while they were fine in the dry the car was like Bambi on ice in the wet, huge slides available at will which is fun but not really safe. Threw them in the bin with most of the life left in them. I can see why the supercharged Jaguars have a reputation for randomly spinning out in the rain with these as OE fit.
January 2, 2023
Given 80% while driving a Audi A5 (/35 R19) on a combination of roads for 0 spirited miles
I had those tires on my 2008 Audi A5 V6 manual transmission for 12 years. I’m not a daily driver , average around 5K a year. First time I had to replace the tires was when they were too old and started to fall apart. I think they are rated for max 6 years which is normal. Next time I had to replace tires was when I hit big potholes created after snow removals on the streets. I hit some serious potholes and they still held pretty well surprisingly but they’re not indestructible ( I had to replace 3 or 4 not -in the same season). Tires would break when the rim bent from impact. Understandable. One thing that pulls me back to them is grip. I was braking really hard couple of time because people are idiots, and not once did I feel my anti-lock brakes activate. It was a solid hard glued to the road stop! One car behind me had to go into emergency lane while braking to avoid hitting me. On wet surface it had pretty good grip but I wasn’t pushing it in the rain. Snow driving: while it’s not a snow tire it did get me in and out of snowy situation. Front wheel sedans were getting stuck while going up the hill in the snow but I was able to manage to keep moving because my car is quattro. My current 2015 audi S5 has Continental ultra-high performance all seasons tires , and while they’re great overall tires I already felt anti-lock brakes activate when suddenly I had to stop (it wasn’t that hard of a braking I must say). I’m currently looking to get the Dunlops as replacement. Braking>Acceleration.
July 28, 2022
Given 82% while driving a Mercedes Benz GLA 250 (245/50 R18) on a combination of roads for 700 average miles
Done the first 1000km on this set and it's much more comfortable and quiet ride compared to the Continental Contact 5 (RFT) that came with the Mercedes GLA 250 (managed to get ~50K kms out of them). Will be good to see the mileage of these Dunlops RFT.
April 27, 2022
Given 54% while driving a Audi A7 3.0TDi Auto (245/45 R21) on a combination of roads for 0 average miles
Had these in 21 inch on my A7. Generally ok with no grip or traction issues. The main issue was the known fault of the side wall splitting. One nearly new tyre failed an MOT and had to be replaced. And one that still had a few mm left virtually disintegrated and could have killed me. Tried to raise the issue with Dunlop but the couldn't care less. Disgusted with their complete lack of ownership. Needless to say they were all replaced with other brands. Will never buy Dunlop again.
February 9, 2022
Given 61% while driving a Mercedes Benz S65 AMG (/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 2,500 easy going miles
Put them on a S63 AMG, Thread lasted less than 3000 miles. Good looking tires and confortable ride but wear is horrible.
January 15, 2022
Given 51% while driving a BMW 640 d gran coupe (245/30 R20) on a combination of roads for 15,000 average miles
I have these tyres fitted to a BMW 6 series this was the OEM spec that the car was purchased with , i really do not recommend these tyres as at present the car is on its tenth tyre be it a combo of front and rear regardless of the size the issue is exactly the same the tread separates from the tyre, a vehicle with less than 55000 miles. I have no confidence in traveling too far as it seems that every long journey these tyres do not withstand consistent driving yes tyre pressures are checked on a regular basis , tracking and balance checked and all checks out.
August 9, 2021
Audi (255/35 R19) on a combination of roads for 13,000 miles
Had new tyres fitted all round. Fronts are now in need of replacing after 13,000 miles. Great grip but they wear out like cheese. Rears are okay. I drive a Remapped 2.7 A5. I don't drive like an imbecile. Very disappointed with such a well known Brand
June 13, 2021
Given 63% while driving a Audi A7 Bi Turbo black edition (275/30 R21) on mostly town for 5,000 average miles
I drive a Audi A7 Quattro. These tyres are good when new but are lasting not even a year and around 5000 miles. Have so far replaced 7 tyres due to inner side wall splits. These are the most dangerous tyres I have ever purchased. The splits show no sign of coming they just happen when driving. The car is totally standard. They are now being replaced with Continentals.
April 1, 2020
Given 21% while driving a Jaguar F Type coupe (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 300 spirited miles
I had the Dunlop Sport 01 prior to this and only had these fitted because I left the dealer to fit new tyres at a service. This was a poor decision as these are the worst performing tyres I have ever had. They have no grip in the dry let alone the wet. I now have no confidence in the cornering of my F-Type, which prior to these being fitted, went round corners like it was on rails.
DO NOT BUY THESE.!
January 7, 2019
Given 90% while driving a Audi Q5 (255/40 R21) on a combination of roads for 29,000 average miles
These were fitted from new and have 29k on them. I have a new set ordered and am about to put them on again. I was particularly impressed with how well they handled but also how comfortable the vehicle was considering it's weight on these tyres. Tyre feedback was excellent but the main factor for buying them again was the performance they gave over such a long life of 29k
October 4, 2018
Given 66% while driving a Audi A4 1.8T S Line (255/35 R19 W) on a combination of roads for 14,000 spirited miles
Good performance tyres, they look very nice. excellent grip on motorways, occasionally skidding on quick start, need to be cautious in wet weather, and a big No No on snow. they are hard and not comfortable in bad city roads. after 14000 miles from brand new car 3mm remains in front and 4mm back
January 25, 2018
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