Drivers of the Dunlop SportMaxx RT largely praise its strong dry and confident wet grip, stable high-speed manners, and generally quiet, comfortable ride with good aquaplaning resistance. Many note predictable handling and strong braking, often comparing it favorably to OE or budget tyres. The most consistent drawback is very fast wear, with several owners reporting short lifespans and rising noise as the tread diminishes; a minority also mention softer sidewalls that dull initial steering response. Overall, it's a high-performing summer tyre best for those prioritizing grip over longevity.
What owners mention most counted across 157 reviews
good sports tyre, effective on dry or rain, but does not prevent oversteer when. The limits are still very far away. A little hard for everyday use, not comfortable, but silent. The structure is rigid and gives good steering feel. The price is right compared to Michelin (about € 120 against € 150 for Pilot Exalto 2).
Fantastic tyres, fitted the Sportmaxx RT to the rear of my BMW 728i after coming from a set of cheapo Wanli's, and the difference is night and day.
Dry grip is excellent, wet grip so much better that I now no longer need to nervously take a bend with sweaty palms waiting for the back end to slide out. The best thing about these tyres however has been the noise, or rather lack of it. They are just so quiet at motorway speeds, the car is now a pleasure to drive.
I can't comment on wear as I am only 1,000 miles in but so far no apparent scrubbing or undue wear.
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I was proposed those to replace my OEM Potenza Bridgestone on my Opel Signum (Vectra C chassis) last week.
Engine 2.8 turbo V6 petrol 230cv (1997) front wheels drive.
@195.55R16
I have to say that the choice I faced was reduced by the speed factor: having a 93 rank, not many tires were offered...
Price was 113 euros each excl. labour cost. but incl. VAT.
Pressure with family and luggages: 2.6 // 2.8
I drove 700km. And I am very pleased to read comments that confirm my feelings... indeed I bought those without having internet access so it was a blind purchase !
On dry roads / curves: as said in other reviews, the handling is just superb, improved feeling of being on a rail track compared to originals Potenza. Excellent feeling. Very progressive in curves. And soft and silent.
Comfort seems better cause 'softer' dono how to explain... again silent and just smooth ride compared to firm rebbbonding Potenza.
On highways: sound level much lower. Comfort higher. Handling just straight and provide a feeling of 'being in control' without fighting with the car.
I read one or two comments stating it changed the car behaviour. Now that I think about it, I think it is a fair comment. So all in all, very good tires, Irecommend them for sporty sedan/SW and family use !
Fantastic tyre. Made all the difference to my citroen ds5, a car not known for its ride quality. Like driving a different car, it's now more refined, steers more accurately & uses less fuel compared to the conti's that were on previously. Not pushed too far in the wet but dry performance is more than adequate at any speed. Highly recommended.
My Alfa GTV V6's handling has been totally transformed since fitting x4 Sportmaxx RT's. Much, much better than Potenza RE050A, and now the car is properly planted through the bends at a pace. Very sure footed under heavy braking and almost zero tyre/road noice (Potenza's were very harsh in noise).
Also, they are very cost effective for a 225/45/17/Y Profile, at £96.00 a corner fitted, over £20.00 a corner cheaper than other makes.
In the wet the grip is still very high, no aqua planning on surface water and still corners like its on the dry. A really good, high performance summer tyre that is a must have for any performance car IMO.
Put the SportMaxx RTs on my new Mazda 3 (SP20). Goes without saying they leave the stock tyre (a cheap Toyo) for dead. Not only that, they are the best tyre I have ever driven on. I have owned BMWs, and Ford Falcons and enjoyed Pirelli, Yokohama and other Dunlop performance tyres. The RTs leave them all behind. They are made in Germany.
Quieter than other tyres I've had. Grippier in the dry and wet (though I'd say there is some difference between wet and dry performance, whereas the Perelli P7 had no difference... that said the RT is still better in the wet). Very progressive cornering, especially for a front wheel drive.
My driving is done on winding undulating roads in a wet in winter, hot in summer Tasmania, Australia.
These tyres are the tyres Mazda ought to provide with the 3 series. Does the car designers much more justice than the stock tyre which was terrible in the wet. I finally have something approaching the fuel economy advertised with the high compression Skyactive engine, so I assume the rolling resistance is pretty good. The heat rating is A and the traction rating AA. Never thought I'd buy anything other than a Perelli P7 (or successor), but I have to say, if you have a medium sized car these tyres are great.
Only concern is tread wear. The rubber is soft. My supplier suggested the'd get me 35,000 Kms with family driving. Much less with spirited driving, and not recommended for heavier cars unless tread wear wasn't an issue.
Excellent tyre in all conditions. Made my TVR safe and predictable even on standing water. Has given me the confidence to accelerate and brake in wet without wincing.
What a difference to run flats, ridiculous. I decided to swap on basis of the reviews on this website, but was a bit reluctant as there was no BMW owner. But what a revelation, I have grip in both dry an wet, the back tires never slip with cornering anymore. And with increasing speed it just handles great, if on the motorway with loads of puddles, my warming light never comes on anymore.
If you own a e92 with run flats, swap!
Just bought these to replace a mismatched set of Michelins and on Continental. My size of 205/50/17 was not cheap for any manufacturer, but at they were £30 cheaper than the Michelin Pilot Sports.
Did a lot of reading before going for these, mainly for me noise and wet grip are the most important and on those two fronts these tyre have lived up to expectations.
Ride and quietness are better than the Michelins and traction off the line is better. I have yet to push the tyres to their limits but the fell like they will have higher ultimate grip and certainly very quite, I now here all the wind noise.
They have also reduce some jumping around on transverse ridges that the car seems to suffer from.
I expect wear will be high but fuel economy seems to be the same as on the previous set.
