Pirelli P Zero PZ4

The Pirelli P Zero (PZ4) is the latest update to the iconic P Zero sports car tyre.

This tyre replaced the Pirelli P Zero.

Dry Grip 89%
Wet Grip 80%
Road Feedback 85%
Handling 82%
Wear 63%
Comfort 72%
Buy again 69%

Tyre review data from 55 tyre reviews averaging 77% over 470,347 miles driven.

The P Zero PZ4 is ranked 39th of 74 Summer Max Performance tyres.

In Depth Tyre Comparisons

Reports

Latest Tyre Test Results

2023 ACE / Gute Fahrt UHP Summer Tyre Test - 2nd of 7 tyres

  • Overall - No weakness at all.

    Very Good.
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2023 AutoBild UHP Summer Tyre Test - 11th of 21 tyres

  • Positive - The PZ4 is an excellent sporty tire with excellent driving dynamic qualities, short wet and dry braking distances.
  • Negative - Limited mileage and high price lead to devaluation.
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2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test - 3rd of 10 tyres

  • Overall - Once again the Pirelli P Zero, this time in the PZ4 S.C. version, can establish itself at the forefront with its dynamic talents and its meticulously balanced steering characteristics. Level on points with Goodyear.
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Questions and Answers for the Pirelli P Zero PZ4

2019-10-09 - I find there is a lot of information on Continental, Goodyear and Michelin, but not as much on Pirelli. My understanding is that the P Zero PZ4 goes up against the Continental Premium Contact 6, Goodyear F1 Asymmetric 5, and Michelin PS4. Recent tests fare the PZ4 well, although the general opinion on the internet is that Pirellis are to be avoided. However sometimes tests include higher performance variants such as the ExtremeContact, Sport Contact 6, F1 Poleposition or PS4S. At the same time the Premium Contact 6 in smaller sizes goes against Premium Touring tyres. I guess I am just confused by the classification. What is Pirelli take on these higher performance tyres (PS4S, PSS, Sport Contact 6, ExtremeContact, F1 Poleposition) ? P Zero Corsa? A video inclusive of these tyres would be interesting to compare the PZ4. Thanks

The PZ4 is intended to compete with the likes of the PS4S and CSC6. It works very well in OE fitment especially in the larger sizes, but the aftermarket versions were quite soft on the sidewall initially. This might have been updated recently as it's started to test a lot better more recently.

2022-12-27 - Hello! I’m looking to replace the tyres on my 2006 E85 Z4M. It’s currently outfitted with Continental SportContact5 in the front and Continental SportContact in the rear. These last ones are pretty old, which is why I want to fit the car with a new set. Question is: which ones? I’m running the OEM 225/45/18 and 255/40/18 on the car. It’s only used as a fun/weekend car and is not driven during winter or in the rain if we can avoid it. in this size, I have the feeling there is not as much choice as for bigger wheels. My shortlist consists of Bridgestone Potenza Sport, Pirelli PZ4 Sports Car and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport. The car is not used on track, only for roadtrips, fun drives on public roads and cruising. Max mileage per year is 5000 kilometers. From this point of view, what would you recommend for us? Thanks a lot!

All good options! I'm a big fan of the F1 SuperSport but it's perhaps not the most rounded tyre as it gives up a bit in the wet. The Bridgestone is a great fun tyre but the wear seems to be really high. The PZ4 is very well rounded! As the Z4M is a great chassis I'd probably fit the Goodyear!

2023-01-06 - Hi,

Love the site. I’ve a new UK M5 and I read online that I’ve “lost the tyre lottery” by finding I have Pirelli P Zero PZ4’s fitted as opposed to the Michelin PS4.

Both are going to be OE versions - I can’t find a proper review of the two.

If you have time I’d really appreciate your thoughts - should I stick with the Pirelli’s or is the difference that much that I should stomach the cost of swapping out for Michelins? Do you have thoughts on the key differences?

The car won’t be tracked, wear isn’t that important but I do enjoy the performance of the car and want to be secure on the knowledge that I won’t find out the hard way that I have the wrong tyre.

Thank you,

Greg

There are tests with the PZ4 and PS4S in on the site, such as here. In aftermarket there is generally a small difference where the PS4S has the advantage, but it's nothing worth getting upset about. As far as I'm aware, no one has actually back to back tested the OE versions of the PZ4 and PS4S however if BMW signed them both off the OE program, they should have similar levels of performance.

Michelin certainly make some of the best tyres in the world, but the internet seems to put them on a pedestal. If I was in your position, I would run the PZ4 until they're worn out, change to the PS4S and see how you feel about them. Just remember there will be difference in performances between a worn tyre and new.

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Top 3 Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Reviews

SEAT (225/40 R18 W) on for 0 miles
Really good !
Replace very very good Yokohama V105 one year old.
To try them out.
First-class comfort (top) + rolling silence
A little above the Yoko on the dry,
In the rain, they are incredible ! Well above all that I have tried :
Dunlop RT, PS3, Yoko V105, Hankook V12 K110.
No idea about wear again ... The +:
- Braking (this is a big highlight)
- Motricity
- Handling
They are equipped with protections of the rims although the option is not specified (in France).
The sides are stiffer than the PS3 for example. The precision is much better.
In short, conquered...
Remains to be seen at mid-wear behavior ... exotic productions are often very disappointing after 40/50% wear ...
Although cheaper than Michelin Super Sport for overall performance not so far away ... Probably in terms of PS4 performance for lower price...
Helpful 208 - tyre reviewed on June 28, 2017
Given 53% while driving a Alfa Romeo Giulietta (225/40 R18) on a combination of roads for 12,427 average miles
Was offered these in comparison to my initial choice of 2nd set of PS4 which these supposedly handles just as well and have lower noise.
1.5yrs with 20k KM (12427.424 miles) milage and they are worn and due for a change.
Helpful 113 - tyre reviewed on October 19, 2018
Given 63% while driving a Mercedes Benz A35 AMG 4MATIC (235/35 R19 W) on mostly motorways for 1,200 spirited miles
Pros - High level of grip in the dry with direct/precise steering feel. Neutral balance. Impressive braking in dry/wet. Cons - Average aquaplaning resistance, it can bite when travelling at medium speeds even in a straight line by losing straight line controllability. Harsh ride. High wear. Overall - Very good tyre especially in the dry. Would like to see the wet aquaplaning resistance improved.
Helpful 67 - tyre reviewed on May 5, 2020
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Latest Pirelli P Zero PZ4 Reviews

Given 50% while driving a BMW M340I X Drive (255/35 R19) on for 0 miles
Got PZ4 RFT on a new M340i LCI. It's love-hate relationship so far. Above average in the dry, but lacking grip at the limit. Very poor in the wet, car is tail happy even at low speeds. Comfort is fine, not very noisy.
They are ok, but my previous PS4 (not S) were more linear and predictable in all situations, especially in the wet and cold. Could drive them at 2 degrees C with no problem at all.
Helpful 0 - tyre reviewed on September 15, 2023
Given 81% while driving a Hyundai i20N (215/40 R18) on a combination of roads for 4,000 spirited miles
Good predictability in the dry, I didn't particularly dare in the wet, the front tires wear out quite quickly, especially if you use the car properly.
Helpful 0 - tyre reviewed on August 29, 2023
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Given 84% while driving a Alfa Romeo GT 2.0 JTS (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 4,000 spirited miles
Even on the track, they were predictable and sticky, not the same as a semi-slick of course but in its class one of if not the best.
Noted I have the Sport with the Tyre protection
A great-performance tyre and a good allrounder, Perfect for the sporty daily driver

Aquaplaning resistance is the only thing I'm not so fond of.
Helpful 3 - tyre reviewed on August 11, 2023
Given 81% while driving a SEAT Ibiza 1.0 TSI 115 (215/40 R18) on mostly country roads for 3,000 average miles
Good tyre, especially in comparison to the standard fit Turanza. No cons so far. Good bang for the buck on this size.
Helpful 3 - tyre reviewed on August 10, 2023
Given 86% while driving a Volkswagen (235/35 R19) on mostly motorways for 10,000 spirited miles
Amazing summer tires, dry grip is incredible, displaces water very well. BAD for snow (lol)
Helpful 2 - tyre reviewed on August 1, 2023
Given 87% while driving a Dodge Charger SRT (305/35 R20) on mostly country roads for 3,000 spirited miles
Used them tp replace the all seasons on the front axle, driven fpr around 3.000km, they grip very good on dry tarmac, i did not drive in the wet except when the roads were a bit damp, but they were confident enought, and did not get any surprises.
They do very well on heavy braking, and are comfortable enought. So far no wear on them but not really driven that much. I drive the car on street , in a spirited manner. Sp far very happy with them, once the Pzero allseasons on the other axle will wear, i will also use Pzero pz4 as i am satisfied woth them.
Helpful 3 - tyre reviewed on May 11, 2023
Given 76% while driving a Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.9T V6 Quadrifoglio (285/40 R20) on mostly country roads for 11,000 spirited miles
Much better than I thought. Wet excellent dry fine. I would try something else next time as when wear down to 4mm they are noisy. Sidewalls are ok softish load rating. Car is Stelvio QF so powerful heavyish. I don’t do track so want same grip but more refinement.
Helpful 4 - tyre reviewed on April 16, 2023
Given 57% while driving a Tesla Model S (245/45 R19) on a combination of roads for 0 average miles
Good tyre in a warm weather (over 15c). It is dangerous when worn down to 3mm and less on a wet in cold weather. It is aquaplaning like crazy.
Helpful 2 - tyre reviewed on April 15, 2023
Given 70% while driving a Porsche TAYCAN (305/30 R21) on a combination of roads for 1,500 spirited miles
OEM tyre for the Taycan GTS. Quite a ride I had with these tyres. The Taycan is nothing to play with. It is a 600hp, 2,3 tone, elecric beast with instant torque. This NF0 version of the PZ4 can really hold its own ground against this car. Dry performance is excellent, you can pretty much do whatever you want to do. Traction is great, balance is great, steering is delightful even when you push really hard. Really love it. My only complaint is that it is a bit clumsy when it begins to slide. You get used to it through, it is not something really scary. Wet perfomance is equally good. A click below dry performance but very good overall. Comfort is kind of average, same goes for noise, it is actually a bit noisy. I really liked this tyre, until...I decided to try dry drifting. The tyre was literally torn to pieces after 4-5 minutes (not consecutive). Half the tyre was gone after this very short session. It really cannot handle it and I am quite surprised that it is approved by Porsche for OEM. Did the same thing with different tyre setup and it was just fine (considering the weight of the car). I bought a second pair right after and tried wet drifting this time. Same thing! Much less this time, but a few tyre blocks were once again detached. I now have a weird love and hate relatiosnhip with this tyre. Will not buy them again, even though I admire what they can do.
Helpful 5 - tyre reviewed on March 16, 2023
Given 74% while driving a Mercedes Benz A35 AMG 4MATIC (235/35 R19) on a combination of roads for 15,000 average miles
These tires are very good when new, providing everything beyond expectations in terms of handling, comfort and feedback. However, they wear down very fast. Drove about 20k kms on these tires and they get chewed up awfully fast, especially in the front given the car I drive is AWD. My feeling is that these tires perform better on RWD vehicles.

As the wear progresses, these tires start to lose the great characteristics that they once had - fast. First thing that is the most noticable is the noise. I believe the thread pattern of these tires influence the noise dampening, as as they wear down, it loses a lot of that ability. Second thing that you will start to feel is the reactiveness. The sidewalls begin to feel rather soft and you do not get the same kind of precision as you would when new to around 5k kms

I have switched to the Michelin PS5's since, and am finding them a lot better in terms of comfort, and similar in terms of performance.
Helpful 5 - tyre reviewed on March 3, 2023
Given 83% while driving a Skoda (225/40 R18) on mostly country roads for 15,000 spirited miles
15k to get down to 2.5mm. Almost all UK B road. Some “eco” driving, some pushing a bit. Moved to Pirelli’s from Avon’s. Night and day better, not worth comparing. Far more interesting to compare to the Goodyear F1 Asym 6 I fitted after the PZ4s. The PZ4s felt like I’d fitted new dampers on the the Skoda. Not as quiet as the Asym 6 but still a pleasant low-pitch noise. Comfort is higher on the Asym but sportier on the PZ4s. I find the PZ4s balance is a touch further towards the front axle on the estate VRS than the completely neutral Asym 6. Both tyres maintaining their same balance in the dry and damp (I say damp as the roads I drove on don’t get any standing water regardless of how much it’s rained) With the PZ4s I want to push the car harder, be less precise and get the car sideways. But the VRS’s stability control doesn’t like that and even with the stability turned to sport it’s pretty unpredictable how it will brake the wheels. With the Asym 6 it’s more fun to be precise, clipping drains and catseyes, enjoying balancing front and rear grip, the VRS’s stability control likes that more. At “kids in the car” brisk pace the Asym 6 is more fun. On your own, pushing harder, the PZ4s give more feedback. Both lose traction predictably with the PZ4s being a fair bit noisier when it does. The PZ4s seems very pressure sensitive. I settled on 36.5psi for summer driving - 1.5psi either way feeling either harsh or sloppy. The Asym doesn’t seem to care what pressure’s in them. Overall the Asym 6 is a more rounded tyre. I can see why it wins all the tests. The PZ4 will never beat it in a test unless subjective (sporty) feel is weighted very highly and even then the Asym might nudge it. What would I buy next time? I ask myself this a lot. When used as a family car the Asym wins every time. But for driving pleasure…..I have an alternative route to work that takes 40 mins and has some of the most famous sections of driving road in the south of England. On the PZ4s I’ll often go the longer fun route, on the Asym 6’s I hardly ever do, staying on the smoothly meandering B roads!
Helpful 6 - tyre reviewed on December 25, 2022
Given 71% while driving a Audi A4 b9 2.0 tdi (245/35 R19) on mostly motorways for 12,500 average miles
I have used 3 sets of non PZ4 P-Zero on my previous car, as I was happy with their performance. On the contrary, i will not replace this PZ4 (AO Sport cars version) with the same ones. I have read the rest of the comments, and I fully agree with most of them. The tire has strong areas such as very nice feedback, dry grip, wet grip under low water quantity, low noise when new and reasonable comfort (much better than the Hankook S1 Evo2 R01 I had before), but its two drawbacks are too heavy: First, wear is too high. I am changing the front ones (FWD car) with just 20.000 km, while I have always been able to run at least 30-35k from previous tires under the same routes and speeds. Second, aquaplaning resistance when new is low but acceptable, but it gets simply scary when the tread depth is below 3.5-4 mm. It is now at 3 mm, and I have been overtaken twice by a track, as the car was aquaplaning at only moderate speeds (90 km/h), while the rest of the traffic was moving wihout issues. I consider totally impossible to keep the tyres up to the legal 1.6 mm depth. I don´t think they found the right balance in the design.
Helpful 8 - tyre reviewed on November 16, 2022