Michelin Pilot Sport 4 review

The Pilot Sport 4 is Michelin’s high performance summer road tyre, and we had high expectations in spite of the fact our test pitted it against a group that included equally well known and respected brands.

Although it’s a summer fit, according to Michelin the tyre has been designed to generate high levels of reactivity and steering control on wet roads, to demonstrate excellent wet braking, and also to be resistant to wear. That ought to make it ideal for Britain’s mixed summer conditions.

> Best car tyres: evo performance tyre test

The manufacturer boasts of a tread pattern that adapts continuously to the road using Dynamic Response Tech to optimise contact and steering control. The tyre is constructed from a new mix of elastomers and hydrophobic silica that, when combined with wide grooves and an optimised tread pattern, is designed to ensure top-notch braking performance.

• Size tested: 235/35 ZR19
• Test vehicle: Volkswagen Golf GTI
• Price when tested: £142
• Available size range: 205/55 ZR16 - 325/30 ZR21
• Location: Hanover Test Track/MIRA Proving Ground

Tester’s notes

We tested the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 alongside the following rival products in the 2020 evo Performance Tyre Test held at Continental’s Hanover test track and MIRA in the UK: Continental SportContact 6; Dunlop Sport Maxx RT2; Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport; Nokian Powerproof; Pirelli PZero (PZ4); Vredestein Ultrac Vorti. 

In spite of the manufacturer’s claims and some excellent test scores, we subjectively ranked the Michelin Sport Pilot 4 only 7th for wet handling. Although it had the 4th fastest lap time on the wet track and offered good stability under braking, sharp turn-in and great traction, the impressive front-end feel was compromised by a rear end that seemed loose at times, giving the car a nervous feel. However the tyre triumphed in the wet circle with the highest lateral G and fastest lap times. Impressively the Michelin also topped the table for both wet and dry braking, and by some margin in the wet. 

5

It’s performance was middling in the straight line aquaplaning test, but a bit off the pace when we measured lateral acceleration in the curved aquaplaning section.

In the dry handling tests the Michelin excelled, not only recording the fastest lap but also impressing with a feel that was keyed to the surface, grippy and stable, and carrying speed with confidence through even the most challenging corners. The result? The Michelin Sport Pilot 4 was the worthy winner of the 2021 evo Performance Tyre Test crown.

Test results: Michelin Sport Pilot 4

The full test results for the Michelin Sport Pilot 4 are below...