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Michelin Primacy 3 - Test Results

Test Statistics

24

Tests Completed

6th

Average Position

1st

Best Result

14th

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Michelin Primacy 3 - Official Image

Michelin Primacy 3 delivers consistently solid, comfort-oriented touring performance with standout results in mainstream sizes and several overall wins, but shows variability in dynamic wet/dry handling in sportier fitments. Across 24 summer tests it averages 5.9th, with multiple podiums and three notable wins (ADAC 2015, Auto Bild 2014 full test, ADAC 2018), plus strong wear/efficiency traits. However, several mid-pack to lower top-10 finishes, particularly in dynamic handling and some wet metrics, temper its overall profile versus newer UHP-focused rivals.
Overall, the pattern favors safe braking, longevity, and balanced road manners over sharp handling. It excels in comprehensive consumer-focused tests and SUV touring contexts, while trailing the best in wet/dry handling speed and some wet braking outliers.

Performance Strengths
  • Overall Test Competitiveness Strong
    • 1/16 in 2018 ADAC 205/55 R16
    • 1/19 in 2015 ADAC/Stiftung Warentest 205/55 R16
    • 1/15 in 2014 Auto Bild full test 225/50 R17
    • 3/50 in 2014 Auto Bild 50-tyre shootout
  • Wear/Longevity and Efficiency Strong
    • 3/20 wear with +16.9% vs best in 2017 Auto Bild 225/50 R17
    • 2nd highest wear at 40,981 km in 2016 AutoBild 205/55 R16
  • Dry Braking Performance Moderate
    • 4/20 dry braking (+1.5% from best) in 2017 Auto Bild 225/50 R17
    • Top-tier braking to reach 3/50 in 2014 Auto Bild shootout (wet+dry braking)
  • SUV Touring Performance Moderate
    • 2/9 in 2016 AMS SUV 215/60 R17
    • 4/10 in 2017 Auto Bild SUV 235/50 R18 with top-4 dry metrics
  • Comfort/Refinement Bias Moderate
    • 2015 Auto Review 225/45 R17: noted for higher comfort, lower noise, better fuel economy
    • Multiple touring-focused wins vs UHP rivals (2014/2015/2018 mainstream size tests)
Performance Weaknesses
  • Wet Weather Performance (Braking/Handling) Strong
    • 14/20 wet braking (+11.6%) and 17/20 wet handling (+2.8%) in 2017 Auto Bild 225/50 R17
    • Mid-pack wet results contributing to 9/15-9/20 overall finishes in several 2013-2015 tests
  • Dynamic Handling (Dry/Wet Handling Speed) Strong
    • 16/20 dry handling (+1.7%) and 17/20 wet handling (+2.8%) in 2017 Auto Bild 225/50 R17
    • Lower placements in sportier sizes: 9/11 in 2018 ACE 235/45 R18; 8/14 in 2016 GTU 225/45 R17; 8/12 in 2013 AZ 215/55 R16
  • Result Variability Across Sizes/Tests Moderate
    • Wins (1/16, 1/19, 1/15) contrasted with lower top-10 or mid-pack finishes (9/20 in 2017 Auto Bild; 9/15 in 2015 Test World; 7/10 in 2014 Auto Express; 14/45 in 2012 Auto Bild braking)
Performance Over Time

Test History

9
of 11
2018 Ace 235/45 R18 Summer Tyre Test

2018
Winner: Falken Azenis FK510

9
of 20
2017 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test

2017
Winner: Continental Premium Contact 6

Recommended
4
of 10
2017 Auto Bild Summer SUV Tyre Test

2017
Winner: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3

10
of 43
2017 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Shootout

2017
Winner: Continental Premium Contact 6

2
of 9
2016 AMS SUV / 4x4 Tyre Test

2016
Winner: Goodyear EfficientGrip SUV

7
of 15
2016 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test

2016
Winner: Hankook Ventus Prime 3 K125

Recommended
10
of 50
2016 Market Overview - Braking Test

2016
Winner: Pirelli Cinturato P7 Blue

8
of 14
2016 GTU Performance Summer Tyre Test

2016
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

3
of 9
2015 Auto Review Summer Tyre Test

2015
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

Excellent wet performance, but slightly sluggish steering in the dry. Good wet and dry braking. Quiet and comfortable tyres, and with a mid pack impact test score the Michelin Primacy 3 is a wel...
3
of 10
2015 Auto Bild 215/55 R16 Technical Tyre Test

2015
Winner: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance

9
of 15
2015 Test World Summer Tyre Test

2015
Winner: Continental Premium Contact 5

The Michelin Primacy 3 allow easy enough control of the car on a wet surface and control is not lost in the case of an emergency. On dry roads they behave confidently, but in braking they are on...
7
of 10
2014 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test

2014
Winner: Dunlop Sport BluResponse

Fifth, sixth and seventh were extremely close, with the Michelin Primacy 3 just losing out. Michelin are known for wearing extremely well, unfortunately this wasn't tested in this test which made t...
5
of 16
2014 Auto Review Summer Tyre Test - 205/55 R16

2014
Winner: Continental Premium Contact 5

Michelin Primacy 3 tyre appeared in last year seats test. On wet roads these stopped 2.5 meters more than the tyres Continental, and were slower on a wet track. In turns the tyre understeers, but n...
5
of 12
2014 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test

2014
Winner: Continental Sport Contact 5

A rather inconspicuous test drives the Michelin Primacy 3 to fifth. The low rolling resistance and the driving characteristics convince the dry tests
5
of 16
2014 Test World Summer Tyre Test

2014
Winner: Continental Premium Contact 5

The Michelin provides good handling in all conditions and is difficult to get to lose grip in a sharp turn. Braking efficiency is also high, but not quite with the leaders. The only drawback - a re...
3
of 50
2014 Auto Bild 50 Summer Tyre Shootout

2014
Winner: Pirelli Cinturato P 7 Ecoimpact

9
of 13
2013 Test World Summer Tyre Test

2013
Winner: Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance

The Michelin demonstrated understeer in the wet. Resistance to aquaplaning is also one of the weakest among the tested tyres and traction on the front axle is lost very quickly, affecting the...
8
of 12
2013 Auto Zeitung Summer Tyre Test

2013
Winner: Dunlop Sport BluResponse

8
of 15
2012 Auto Bild Max Performance Tyre Test

2012
Winner: Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2

14
of 45
2012 Autobild 50 Tyre Braking Test

2012
Winner: Nokian Z G2