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Michelin Primacy 4+

Replaced by the Michelin Primacy 5 Replaces the Michelin Primacy 4

A refined, efficiency-led premium touring tyre that majors on comfort, low running costs and long life, while keeping dry-road safety strong. Wet performance is more mixed than the “Primacy” name might suggest, and it isn't the sharpest steer for keen drivers.

The quick answer

Owners say 78% from 40 owner reviews 68% would buy again Read the reviews
Tests say 4th average finish across 12 independent tests · 1 wins Latest: P4 of 8 · 2025 See every test
Strengths & weaknesses Value, Comfort Wet Relative to its rivals across every test we hold

Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tyre - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated October 2026.

  • 40owner reviews
  • 365,700miles driven
  • 12professional tests

Tyre Reviews Score

Michelin Primacy 4+

8.8/10

Better than 82% of summer tyres

  • High Confidence
  • 11 tests
  • 40 owner reviews
Scores of the 406 summer tyres we have tested

How this score is built

Source Better than Weight
Independent tests11 tests · 6 publications · 2023-2025 84% 87%
Owner reviews40 owner reviews · rated 78% 72% 13%
Combined 82% 8.8

A fixed curve turns the combined figure into the 0 to 10 score, so roughly the top 10% of a group score 9 or more.

Category by category

How it compares with other summer tyres in each area, and how much each area counts. 50 is the middle of the group.

Category Better than Weight Tests
WetBraking, handling and aquaplaning in the wet 74% 44% 11
DryBraking and handling on dry roads 77% 40% 11
ValueWear, efficiency and cost 84% 9% 10
ComfortNoise and ride comfort 81% 7% 10

Weights are shares of the test result. Owner reviews are blended in afterwards.

By discipline

The same results grouped by what the tyre was doing. They are not counted a second time.

BrakingEvery braking test, on any surface 84% 11
HandlingEvery handling test, on any surface 58% 8

Confidence

  1. Limited
  2. Medium
  3. High

Its own test results decide 99% of the test figure. The other 1% comes from its predecessor, the Michelin Primacy 4, and it shrinks as more tests arrive.

High needs at least 3 tests, with its own results deciding 90% or more. Medium needs 2 tests and 70%. Anything less is Limited: expect the number to move as tests arrive.

The tests behind it

Only measured results count. A test that published its placings alone is listed, but not scored.

  1. 2025 2025 EV Tyre Test Auto Bild · 215/55 R18 P4 / 8
  2. 2025 The Best Touring Tyres for 2025 Tested Tyre Reviews · 225/50 R17 P5 / 7
  3. 2024 2024 Motorhome Summer Tyre Test Auto Bild · 225/55 R17 P3 / 10
  4. 2024 2024 AMS Summer SUV Tyre Test Auto Motor Und Sport · 235/55 R18 P8 / 8
  5. 2024 2024 AZ Summer Tyre Test Auto Zeitung · 225/45 R17 P7 / 9
  6. 2024 2024 AutoBild Summer Tyre Test Auto Bild · 205/55 R16 P1 / 20
Show all 12 tests
  1. 2024 2024 ADAC Summer Tyre Test ADAC · 215/55 R17 P2 / 16
  2. 2024 2024 Summer Tyre Market Overview Auto Bild · 205/55 R16 P5 / 55
  3. 2023 2023 Motor Summer Tyre Test Motor · 205/55 R16 P2 / 8
  4. 2023 2023 ADAC Summer Tyre Test ADAC · 205/55 R16 P3 / 50
  5. 2023 Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring Tyres Tyre Reviews · 205/55 R16 P5 / 13
  6. 2022 2022 Auto Express SUV Tyre Test Auto Express · 235/55 R18 P5 / 7 Placing only

Tested 12 times by independent publications, the Michelin Primacy 4+ has taken 1 test wins with an average finish of 4th.

12 Tests
1 Test Wins
4th Average
1st Best
8th Worst
Finishing position in each test1stLast20222025

Finishing position in each test

The latest test

2025 EV Tyre Test P4 of 8

The Michelin Primacy 4+ delivered good all-round performance with short braking distances (43.2m wet, 35.1m dry) and solid handling. It showed low rolling resistance (6.51 kg/t) and delivered 377.2km of range in the test. As the most expensive tyre (€735), it offered strong longevity (44,920km) but suffered from limited aquaplaning resistance, especially in curved conditions. While not explicitly marketed as an EV tyre, it performed well in efficiency metrics.

Strong: Subj. Comfort, Wear, Rolling Resistance Weak: Wet Circle, Straight Aqua, Curved Aquaplaning, Value Winner: Hankook iON Evo

Every independent test of the Michelin Primacy 4+, newest first
YearTestResultAward
20252025 EV Tyre TestAuto Bild · 215/55 R18P4 / 8
2025The Best Touring Tyres for 2025 TestedTyre Reviews · 225/50 R17P5 / 7Tested by Tyre Reviews Recommended
20242024 Motorhome Summer Tyre TestAuto Bild · 225/55 R17P3 / 10
20242024 AMS Summer SUV Tyre TestAuto Motor Und Sport · 235/55 R18P8 / 8
20242024 AZ Summer Tyre TestAuto Zeitung · 225/45 R17P7 / 9
20242024 AutoBild Summer Tyre TestAuto Bild · 205/55 R16P1 / 20
20242024 ADAC Summer Tyre TestADAC · 215/55 R17P2 / 16gut (Good)
20242024 Summer Tyre Market OverviewAuto Bild · 205/55 R16P5 / 55
20232023 Motor Summer Tyre TestMotor · 205/55 R16P2 / 8
20232023 ADAC Summer Tyre TestADAC · 205/55 R16P3 / 50
2023Tyre Reviews Best Summer Touring TyresTyre Reviews · 205/55 R16P5 / 13Tested by Tyre Reviews Highly Rec.
20222022 Auto Express SUV Tyre TestAuto Express · 235/55 R18P5 / 7

On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict

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Running Costs
View Test

In 215/55 R18, the Michelin Primacy 4+ is projected to cost €19.52 per 1,000 km to buy and run - about €781 over 40,000 km - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2025 EV Tyre Test.

Michelin Primacy 4+€19.52
Tyre purchase + fittingExtra energy vs the most efficient tyrecost per 1,000 km
Assumes a typical EV using 18 kWh/100km (with rolling resistance causing 25% of energy use), electricity at €0.32 per kWh and €70 fitting per set of four. Purchase prices are from the time of the 2025 test; financing costs are excluded.
Rim Protection
Small

A modest lip. Enough for a slow scrape against a kerb, but it will not save a wheel from a real hit.

Assessed by eye on the tyres we tested, in the sizes listed. No manufacturer publishes rim protection as a specification, so treat this as a guide rather than a measurement.
Dimensions & Label Scores
View All

Size Range66 sizes available

175-255Width40-70Profile16-21Rim81-112 T-YLoad/Speed Index2022First On Market

EU LabelAcross 66 sizes - the grade depends on the size you buy.

Noise

68-72dB B

Frequently Asked Questions
How good is the Michelin Primacy 4+ in the wet?
Across the 11 wet-braking tests it has featured in, the Michelin Primacy 4+ stops 0.7% longer than premium rivals, 2.6% shorter than mid-range rivals and 14.5% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tyre Reviews wet score of 74/100, and owners rate it 8.1/10 in the wet from 40 reviews.
How good is the Michelin Primacy 4+ in the dry?
Across the 11 dry-braking tests it has featured in, the Michelin Primacy 4+ stops 0.4% longer than premium rivals, 1.6% shorter than mid-range rivals and 6% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tyre Reviews dry score of 77/100, and owners rate it 8.5/10 in the dry from 40 reviews.
How fuel efficient is the Michelin Primacy 4+?
Across the 8 tests measuring rolling resistance, the Michelin Primacy 4+'s rolling resistance is 1.1% lower than premium rivals, 6.2% lower than mid-range rivals and 5.7% lower than budget rivals.
How many miles does the Michelin Primacy 4+ last?
Based on test and owner data, the Michelin Primacy 4+ is expected to last around 31,268 miles (50,321 km).
What do owners say about the Michelin Primacy 4+?
Across 40 owner ratings the Michelin Primacy 4+ averages 78%. Owners rate Dry Grip highest at 8.5 out of 10 and Handling lowest at 7.2. 10 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles. 68% of owners score it 70% or better.
More questions about the Michelin Primacy 4+ (12)
How much does the Michelin Primacy 4+ cost to run?
In 215/55 R18, the Michelin Primacy 4+ is projected to cost €19.52 per 1,000 km to buy and run - about €781 over 40,000 km - based on the price, wear and rolling resistance measured in the 2025 EV Tyre Test. The cheapest to run in that test is the Goodyear EfficientGrip 2 SUV, at €16.63.
What is the Michelin Primacy 4+'s EU tyre label rating?
Across its range, the Michelin Primacy 4+ most commonly carries EU label ratings of C for fuel efficiency, A for wet grip and 69 dB for noise.
How comfortable and quiet are the Michelin Primacy 4+?
Owners rate the Michelin Primacy 4+ 8.1 out of 10 for comfort and noise across 35 reviews.
How well do the Michelin Primacy 4+ wear, according to owners?
Owners rate the Michelin Primacy 4+ 8 out of 10 for wear across 35 reviews. 10 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles, and the typical review covers 3,750 miles.
Would owners buy the Michelin Primacy 4+ again?
68% of owners say they would buy the Michelin Primacy 4+ again, based on the 37 owner reviews that answered the question. 49% of them gave it the highest possible answer.
What do owners say about the Michelin Primacy 4+'s dry grip?
Of the 35 owner reviews analysed for the Michelin Primacy 4+, 14 mention dry grip: 13 praise it (strong dry grip) and 1 criticise it (limited dry grip). One owner wrote: "They have much better grip in both the dry and wet". Read those reviews
What do owners say about the Michelin Primacy 4+'s road noise?
Of the 35 owner reviews analysed for the Michelin Primacy 4+, 14 mention road noise: 9 praise it (quiet) and 5 criticise it (noisy). One owner wrote: "more comfortable and quiet the tyres". Read those reviews
What do owners say about the Michelin Primacy 4+'s wet grip?
Of the 35 owner reviews analysed for the Michelin Primacy 4+, 13 mention wet grip: 11 praise it (confident wet grip) and 2 criticise it (weak wet grip). One owner wrote: "They have much better grip in both the dry and wet". Read those reviews
Does the Michelin Primacy 4+ have a rim protector?
Yes. Rim protection on the Michelin Primacy 4+ is small, measured in 225/50 R17. No manufacturer publishes rim protection as a specification; this is assessed by eye when the tyres are mounted for our own testing. The Best Touring Tyres for 2025 Tested
What does the Michelin Primacy 4+ replace?
The Michelin Primacy 4+ is the successor to the Michelin Primacy 4 in Michelin's range.
Has the Michelin Primacy 4+ been replaced?
The Michelin Primacy 4+ has been replaced by the Michelin Primacy 5.
What sizes does the Michelin Primacy 4+ come in?
The Michelin Primacy 4+ is available in 126 sizes, ranging from 175-255/40-70 R16-21.
Owner Questions (6)
Ask a question

Questions and Answers for the Michelin Primacy 4+

I have a Genesis GV70 that is fitted with Michelin Pilot SPort SUV. I find the tyres a little hard and noisy for my liking and would prefer a more relaxed feeling… Show more I have a Genesis GV70 that is fitted with Michelin Pilot SPort SUV. I find the tyres a little hard and noisy for my liking and would prefer a more relaxed feeling tyre. I would prefer to lose some road feedback or sporting qualities in favour of a more comfortable drive. Would the Primacy 4(+/SUV) be a good option to achieve this or would there be another option with another brand? Show less
February 8, 2025
The Primacy 4+ is the natural choice and would be a good swap. The Primacy 5 does now exist but it might be a while until you get your sizes! Other good options would be the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 or the Vredestein Ultrac.
Show all questions (6)
Hello does the primacy 4+ offers the rim fringe protection? Thx
March 22, 2024
The sizes I've tested does not have significant rim protection.
Does the primacy 4+ has a rim guard / rim protector lip just like the michelin pilot sport? Thanks
February 24, 2024
Rim protection can vary by size, however I don't recall testing a Primacy 4+ with significant rim protection as that is often removed on non-performance tyres for added aero benefit.
I drive a 2006 Mitsubishi Colt CZT with 220HP, FWD, 1060kg. Currently Michelin Pilot Sport 3 in 205/45R16, however not updated and tire is end of life, practically… Show more I drive a 2006 Mitsubishi Colt CZT with 220HP, FWD, 1060kg.
Currently Michelin Pilot Sport 3 in 205/45R16, however not updated and tire is end of life, practically no new tires in that size except for Michelin Primacy 4+
Question: Rather again buy the now super old Pilot Sport 3 or go with Premacy 4+? or?

Thank you, Alexander Show less
November 1, 2023
If you don't mind losing a small amount of steering feel and dynamic qualities, the Primacy 4+ will be a significantly better tyre.
I have just bought Primacy 4+ (245/45-18 100W XL) for my 2017 Mercedes E220d (model S213). The tire is very quiet in general, but there is often a strange… Show more I have just bought Primacy 4+ (245/45-18 100W XL) for my 2017 Mercedes E220d (model S213). The tire is very quiet in general, but there is often a strange "resounding" sound. Not extremely loud, but significant and annoying when I drive the car so much every day (approx. 3500 km / month). The sound is intermittent and it is not dependent on the road surface. Is this a "phenomenon" you have encountered?
<br>
I used to drive Primacy 3, which I have been very happy with, but they are noisier in general and extremely noisy when they are half worn. Show less
April 20, 2023
Unfortunately I've not come across any noise issues with the Primacy 4+, or seen any references to this in other tests or online.
If it is intermittent and it is not dependent on the road surface I wonder if it's something from the car systems you weren't able to hear with the older, noisier tyres. If the sound seems like it's coming from one corner of the car you could try moving wheels around to see if it changes.
Can a Primacy 4 Plus be combined with a Primacy 4 on the same axle
January 22, 2023
A good question. Ideally you will always keep the same two tyres across an axle so I'm not sure anyone would recommend mixing, however the changes from the Primacy 4 to 4+ were small so of all the mixed axle combinations, this is one of the better ones.

Michelin Primacy 4+ Owner Reviews

Review this tyre

What owners say summarised from 34 reviews

Owners generally describe the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus as a comfortable, confidence-inspiring touring tyre with strong grip, particularly in the dry and usually in the wet. Around two in five mention low road noise and good refinement, though noise is split and a noticeable minority find it loud or droning on rough surfaces. Where criticisms cluster, it's most often about a less sporty, slower steering response (around one in five owners), with a smaller group also disappointed by cold/damp performance and the tyre's price.

What owners mention most counted across 35 reviews

Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.

Owner ratings averaged from 40 ratings

  • Owner score 78%
  • Dry Grip 85%
  • Comfort 81%
  • Wet Grip 81%
  • Wear 80%
  • Road Feedback 73%
  • Handling 72%

Featured reviews

Most helpful 97%

“Very good tyres, no issues regarding grip level in wet or dry weather. The handling is great and so is road noise, noticeably quieter than the Nexen on the rear of the car. So far tread level looks nearly identical to...”

  • SEAT Ibiza
  • 7,000 miles
Read full review → 812 found this helpful
Most critical 36%

“I hated these tyres from the start as they were extremely noisy on my Skoda Yeti. I got a puncture in one rith away as they are quite soft and it was not repairable so I bought a pair mid-range replacements. They were...”

  • Skoda Yeti
  • 4,500 miles
Read full review → 4 found this helpful
Longest term 56%

“Tires are suppose to last 80,000 so they said on the warranty. Rotated every oil changes. Drove only 30,000 and now need replacement. Too expensive and doesn't back up what the tires advertised. Goodyear or Dunlop are...”

  • Toyota Sienna
  • 80,000 miles
Read full review → 941 found this helpful

All 35 Michelin Primacy 4+ reviews

Score spread across 34 written reviews
83%
Member
Initial Impressions

Tyres responded about the same as other manufacturers

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 5
Helpful 1
66%
Member
Initial Impressions

Average dry grip , super wet grip....very low wear.Good comfort, but quite noisy on rough asphalt...basicly my only complain.I have never drived more noisy tyres in my life.

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 5
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 6
  • Handling 6
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 3
Helpful 6
76%
GGs
Initial Impressions

Greece with scorching temps and warm summer. Mix of highway and country roads.
Generally a nice tyre with long life, I did approx 60k KM (have 2 sets summer/winters) so maybe +/- 5%. Most probably is a very good tyre for majority of people, safe also even after 50k KM!
Good on dry and generally felt nice even on the warmest days 40c
Decent on wet, not wow! not comparable with conti PC6 for example! Especially after 45k KM you fill a drop of performance, PC6 though will never last so much.
It drives good on wet but few times that I had to brake hard it didnt felt nice, same on stip hills when I start or have to accelerate.
Not sporty or direct feeling. Drives close to my winter hankook icept (till temps

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 7
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 3
Helpful 8

Which tyres do you drive?

Researching the Michelin Primacy 4+? Rate the tyres you actually drive - and help the next buyer choose.

Own the Michelin Primacy 4+?
36%
Member
Initial Impressions

I hated these tyres from the start as they were extremely noisy on my Skoda Yeti. I got a puncture in one rith away as they are quite soft and it was not repairable so I bought a pair mid-range replacements. They were much quieter and performed better too so I got two more and sold on the Michelins with only 4000+ miles on them. Will never buy Michelin again.

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 7
  • Road Feedback 3
  • Handling 4
  • Wear 1
  • Comfort 1
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 4
83%
Member
Initial Impressions

In reality overall tyre performance is down to the driver of the car.I am not a fast driver but try to keep to the speed limit if conditions allow.

The tyres didn't not appear to loose pressure.

I live on the Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester and the road conditions are quite frankly in certain areas are dangerous. My tyres do handle the road conditions extremely well.

I run the tyre pressures at 36 psi all round at have achieved 61 mpg but my wife was not speaking to me during our journey !

Generally on a good journey I achieve 50 + and I believe much of that comes down to tyre choice.The car was fitted with Perrelli tyre from the factory and in all honesty no issues with them but I do prefer the Michelin product.

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 10
Helpful 11
41%
Member
Initial Impressions

These tyres are just average in good dry weather, but when it gets cold and mildly damp, they behave like cheap budget tyres and I just lose all confidence in them. They rate really well on paper, but they are absolutely awful. I can’t wait to replace them which at 12k miles it would appear won’t be long.

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 1
  • Road Feedback 5
  • Handling 5
  • Wear 5
  • Comfort 5
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 12
49%
Member
These tyres are frightening on damp cold roads. Came new with my car and I can’t wait to replace them. They’re good in warm conditions but nothing special, but as soon as it gets cold they behave like budget tyres. I’ve had a lot of summer tyres in my time and none have suffered in the colder British weather like these do.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 1
  • Road Feedback 6
  • Handling 5
  • Wear 7
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 389
97%
Member
  • SEAT Ibiza
  • 195/55 R16
  • 7,000 miles
  • A Combination of Roads
  • Spirited
Very good tyres, no issues regarding grip level in wet or dry weather. The handling is great and so is road noise, noticeably quieter than the Nexen on the rear of the car. So far tread level looks nearly identical to new having done around 7000 miles. All in all they are great tyres as you’d expect from Michelin.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 10
  • Wet Grip 10
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 10
  • Comfort 10
  • Buy again 10
Helpful 812
84%
Member
From frequently doing long 1200km+ drives across Australian highways, the Primacys have been very comfortable and safe, especially in the wet. Tuned manual turbo diesel & very happy with dry grip on twisty roads. Having to emergency brake for wildlife (kangaroos) multiple times, braking is fantastic dry/wet. Wear seems reasonable, they still look new and look great on the car. Would definitely get these again.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 9
Helpful 954
90%
Member
Update on the Michelin Primacy 4+

I turned all the electronic driving aids of on my car and everything improved all round on my Skoda.
The car felt more sure footed and planted on the road and the steering feel was transformed.

Electronic driving aids have a use but it's up to each driver to judge the benefit of not.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 9
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 8
  • Handling 9
  • Buy again 10
Helpful 975
94%
Member
Very good tyres in : comfort, handling wet and dry,tread life good,aquaplaning good.
Negative is price ,but quality always it will be expensive.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 10
  • Wet Grip 10
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 8
  • Wear 10
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 10
Helpful 1,203
59%
Member
Changed over Michelin P4, almost 80k before sliding started. The NEW P4+ is softer hushed maybe rain tire but already slippery on dry!? Had MOT and depth lost is significant for highway drive.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 7
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 3
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 3
Helpful 1,038
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