Michelin Pilot Alpin 4

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 is a Ultra High Performance Winter tire designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

Tire review data from 26 tire reviews averaging 94% over 273,224 miles driven, and 13 tests with an average result of 3rd.

Dry Grip 92%
Wet Grip 95%
Road Feedback 93%
Handling 95%
Wear 93%
Comfort 91%
Buy again 98%
Snow Grip 95%
Ice Grip 92%

First On MarketMay 2012
Wheel Size17 - 21"
Width225 - 345mm
Profile25 - 55
Rolling ResistanceC - D
Wet GripC - D
Noise (dB)70 - 75
Winter Rating3PMSF Rated

The Pilot Alpin 4 is ranked 1st of 43 Winter Ultra High Performance tires.

This tire replaced the Michelin Pilot Alpin PA3 and this tire has been replaced by the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.

Tests Included

13

Best Result

1st

Worst Result

6th

Average Result

3rd

Latest Tire Test Results

2019 19 Inch Performance Winter Tire Test
6th of 12 tires
  • Stable safe handling on wet and dry roads, precise steering, good feedback, short snow braking.
  • Understeer in the snow, average comfort, expensive.
View Full Test >>
2017 Sport Auto Winter Tire Test
3rd of 10 tires
  • Good results in the wet, good handling in the dry
  • Relatively weak resistance to aquaplaning, long dry braking distances
  • Recommended
View Full Test >>
2017 AMS Performance 18 inch Winter Tire Test
4th of 10 tires
  • Reliable grip on snow, balanced behavior on wet surfaces, very well balanced on dry surfaces
  • Relatively long braking distances on wet surfaces, weak resistance to transverse aquaplaning
  • Recommended
View Full Test >>

SizeFuelWetNoise
18 inch
245/40R18 97 V XLDC70
255/35R18 94 V XLDC71
19 inch
235/35R19 91 W XLDC70
20 inch
245/35R20 95 W XLDC70
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 >>

Questions and Answers for the Michelin Pilot Alpin 4

2016-11-20 - I have Michelin pilot Alpin PA4s on my car but I'm unsure if they are mounted correctly. The Outside is correctly on the outside with the curved part of the tread pattern always on the inside of the tire. However because the rotation is different on one side of the car than the other because the wheels are mounted the opposite way round the curved part of the tread faces the opposite way too. Is this just how this asymmetric tread pattern works? Seems strange that the rotational direction should allow the curves splines to be facing what looks like the wrong way on one side of the car. I guess only way to solve would be if two different tread patterns were made for left and right side of the car. But mine are all the same. Would welcome any views?

This is normal, and while it might seem counter productive it apparently has no notiable impact in performance. The Uniroyal Rainsport 3 and Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta are more extreme examples of this.

2017-10-23 - This is probably a lame question, but are these tires Run Flat? Some Tire stores list then in the Run Flat section and Michelin themselves say nothing about such feature. I would like to put a set of these on a BMW X3, where there is no spare wheel.

There are both runflat and non-runflat versions of the Michelin Pilot Alpin 4. Michelin name their runflat technology ZP, for zero pressure.

2018-09-10 - I am currently looking at winter tires for my Nissan Juke Nismo RS of which the fitment of tire I need would be 225/45R18 Y 95. I was wondering if you have any suggestions as to what tire I should be looking at in this fitment as I would have preferred the Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 as I love my Michelin Pilot Sport 4's which I currently have and would have thought the Pilot Alpin 4's would have been the ideal winter equivalent to my current tire, but from the research I have done I cannot find the Alpin 4's in this size nor can I even find a Michelin winter tire in this size (I do know about the Michelin CrossClimate+ and they do make it in my fitment but I am looking for a pure winter tire and not an all-season tire). To cut a long story short I am looking for a premium brand of winter tire and although my preference would have been a tire from Michelin I am open to other suggestions as I really do want a decent winter tire that is the next best class leading alternative.

If the Michelin isn't available in your size then there is only one answer, the Continental WinterContact TS850P, which is available in 225/45 R18.

2019-09-06 - Im currently looking at purchasing new winter tires for my Mercedes E63 wagon. 285/30 r19 There isnt much choice imo, especially winter tires. Im Currently running Pirelli slottozero II but fancied the alpin4 or conti 830P but wasnt sure which model was newer and any reason why newer model tires arent being launched in some sizes for powerful vehicles, i also wondered if dropping a size would be ok(more choice 275/35 r19) Or would it mess about with the traction control? Thanks

I believe the Michelin is newer, though the Conti has won more tests. Regarding changing sizes, officially I can't recommend anything due to the amount of variables involved, but it might be worth checking an owners forum.

2019-09-26 - I’m considering winter tires this year in the UK. Ideally, I wanted an all season tire but the Michelin Cross Climate+ are not available in 225/40 R19. Therefore, I am thinking about the PA4’s. Some US tests suggest they are fine under temperatures of 15C and make a great all season tire. That’s a different climate/location though. Or are they really that good in the dry? I want an all season solution. Thanks

From the testing I've seen, the Continental WinterContact TS 860 S might make the better all season, winter tire option as it's more dry optimised.

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Size Price Range  
225/40 R18 $164.99 - $164.99 (1 Prices) Compare Prices >>
245/40 R18 $353.99 - $353.99 (1 Prices) Compare Prices >>
Available in 23 tire sizes - View all.

YouTube Review

Top 3 Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 Reviews

Given 86% while driving a BMW 330D Touring (255/35 R18) on mostly town for 3,100 spirited miles
Bought the tires at the start of this winter season (2023). Fronts are 225/40/R18 rears 255/35/R18. We didn't get too much snow or cold temperatures but still managed to test them on a mountain road with a fair bit of snow which by the end of the day had been blown away and left a thin layer of ice. Tires performed superbly. Car is xDrive which certainly helped going uphill but handling and grip downhill were still very predictable. Noise is decent, our road surfaces are poor but compared to other tires they do seem to generate more road noise but nothing bothersome.
For a winter tire road feedback and feel is very good, the best I've ever felt. Cannot comment on wear yet as I've only put about 5000km on them so far. But thread is barely worn so I expect they will have a pretty good life.
Only downside is that after ~3000km the car developed a very slight vibration when cruising at above 120kph and a very noticeable shudder under braking from the same speeds and it was fixed by balancing all four tires again. Have never had such behavior before with any car. But a simple balance took care of it and I have had other tires need a second balancing after some initial break in. Overall extremely happy with the tires. Recommend them to anyone that wants a sporty tire with amazing snow performance.
Helpful 26 - tire reviewed on March 3, 2023
Given 98% while driving a Mercedes Benz S class 350 (275/35 R20) on a combination of roads for 400 easy going miles
Exceptionally comfortable, silent tires with excellent road feedback both on dry and wet surfaces. I haven't tried the snow yet and I can't comment on wear.
Helpful 27 - tire reviewed on December 17, 2022
Given 93% while driving a Volkswagen Passat CC (235/45 R17 V) on a combination of roads for 6,000 spirited miles
This is the third winter that I am using these tires, I have done around 12.000 km so far and the tread still looks as new. On the dry in everyday driving they feel almost as summer tire. Wet grip is amazing, snow grip also. On highway speeds they shine the most.
Only objection would be increased noise in comparison to my previous Alpin 4, but still rather comfortable.
Helpful 110 - tire reviewed on December 29, 2014
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Latest Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 Reviews

Given 88% while driving a BMW X3 2.0d Sport (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 12,000 average miles
Fantastic winter tire for everyday use. I have the ZP / run flat version, while using Pirelli P7 run flat for summer. I considered several times not changing the tires back from winter to summer just because how good Michelins are: comfortable, good road feedback, good braking distance, decent road noise (actually can't hear them much ..). Make sure you do a proper tire alignment to avoid unequal tire wear. During 5 years of use, equal wear for all tires, without caring too much about rotating them. Used them between -20 and +10 (occasionally +20) and performed beautifully. Thread also looks very nice. About 5-6mm left after 20k km. Never had issues with snow or ice.
Helpful 28 - tire reviewed on March 25, 2022
Given 96% while driving a BMW (225/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 500 average miles
The best tires I have ever tried. They feel like my Pilot Sport 4S. I love how the handle, they feel so sporty. The handling on snow is like if there is no snow. On ice, the car feels planted, and on dry is where they shine. I love them. I used to have Continental ts830 RFT and honestly I changed them after 1 winter because i felt that they were dangerous. I am glad I picked the Michelin PA4 and not the Michelin X-Ice.
Helpful 35 - tire reviewed on January 19, 2022
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Given 100% while driving a BMW 520d M Sport (245/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 0 miles
Bmw 520d (190hp) 2013 year. It's perfect tire !!!!!
Helpful 27 - tire reviewed on October 23, 2021
Given 92% while driving a Skoda (225/40 R18 W) on mostly motorways for 23,424 easy going miles
I drive these tires since 2014 on my Skoda Octavia Combi vRS TDI M6 FWD 184PS/380NM MY2014. Now they are rolling their 7th season / 37697 km / 23424 mi, still have 5 mm profile and I plan to drive them during the next winter till 2022. My verdict: a very reliable tire on all weather conditions - great balance of good grip on dry, wet, snow and ice, comfortable and somehow quiet for a winter tire (just a bit louder at 40/80/160km/h). Sporty handling on dry and cold weather, below 10-15*C, if above 15*C slippery). Not slippery on wet and cold/warm (in contrast to my old summer tires Bridgestone Potenza S001 (same size, Y speed index). Very reliable on snow (and maybe ice). I am keen on sporty night driving through the snowy mountains... I actually got in the car and just drive some hundred kilometers just to "slide" on the snowy roads. Those tires are really confident if it comes to active driving on snow. ESP off, side-sliding in the corners, the car keeps its directional stable behaviour... No seesaw pattern at all (I rotate my tires every season)! Because this is a outdated model I plan to replace this set of tires either with Continental Winter Contact TS 860 S or its successor - the TS 870 in its performance/sport asymmetrical version. The Michlines (Pilot Alpin 5 or the upcoming 6) are out because of their symmetrical pattern.
Helpful 32 - tire reviewed on January 16, 2021
Given 98% while driving a BMW 525D (245/45 R18 V) on a combination of roads for 30,000 average miles
Best winter tire on the World !!!
Helpful 33 - tire reviewed on January 15, 2021
Given 92% while driving a BMW 428i m sport coupe (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 10,000 average miles
These were the most expensive and even the most beautiful (thread/sidewall) winter/all season tires I have found for my car. The comfort is superb from the begin to years after. They are also very quiet no matter the road you drive on. Road feedback couldn't be any better that I wish I had that combination of comfort/stability in a track tire. These are marked for speed up to 240 km/h, but don't even think about taking them anywhere over 190 km/h because the deep thread cannot cope with such speeds and starts to shake and wander on the road and probably rapidly wear out. Speaking of thread wear characteristics, it wears somewhat more in the middle exactly where it has less material which could be because I had them mostly lightly overfilled. Driving with these tires on lower specified tire pressure is great when going on bad roads or daily it where you need less responsive ride, but put another 0.2 bar (or equivalent) per tire for a higher specified pressure and it turns the car into a precise sports machine. Would buy them again...
Helpful 36 - tire reviewed on January 7, 2021
Given 89% while driving a Audi A3 (225/40 R18 W) on mostly town for 4,500 average miles
It's a top level winter tire except the above average noise level. It's because of the thread pattern.
Michelin Alpin A4 tires which I had before are quiter than these and a bit better when climbing uphill (They had V shaped pattern).
Very good in the dry and wet, good in snow and ice.
If you do not have a sporty car with lots of power and stiff suspension I think these tires are too much for you, and expensive. I recommend cheaper (not sporty) versions such as Alpin A5.
Helpful 40 - tire reviewed on May 3, 2019
Given 91% while driving a BMW 520d M Sport (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 30,000 spirited miles
I run Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 all year round, getting a full year out of them, that’s about 30k open road miles. They give great confidence which why they have been my tire of choice for about 4 years. I put new on in December ready for my trip to the Alps and then they stay on all year round (UK). The tire and Bimmer electronics combo makes driving in slippery conditions a breeze (and fun), even when others are struggling.

Despite being RWD (I prefer it) I’ve never got struck. I also carry chains but have never fitted them other than to prove they will fit. In the mountains on compulsory chains or winters, winters every time! Unfortunately, those with chains inevitably get in the way.

I’m aware they “soft”, so I don’t abuse them apart from the necessary blast when entering a dual carriageway from a minor road. Most of my miles are morning and evening,not mid day sun. I tried Yokos, half the price, half the mileage and no confidence so the Michelin’s cost no more per mile plus they are nice to drive and grip better.
Helpful 40 - tire reviewed on January 27, 2019
Given 100% while driving a Audi A4 TDi Quattro Sport (255/35 R19) on a combination of roads for 10,000 average miles
This is the third winter these tires are back on the car. Tread depth is still 6mm. Just as comfortable as the michelin ps4 taken off but when the roads get greasy and wet these will keep you safe. Last winter drove the car from leeds to Norwich and back in the worst snow and no drama or fuss, that's how good these tires are. Superb and will buy another set when these are worn out.
Helpful 41 - tire reviewed on November 27, 2018
Given 99% while driving a Toyota RAV4 (235/55 R18 H) on mostly town for 4,000 spirited miles
I got to tell you that I am amazed by this tires performance. I bought immediately after car purchasing equipped with all season Dunlop Grandtrek ST30 which by the way, do not use it even somebody give its for free, but this will be another topic. PA4 is quite expensive,as it should be a high performence tire but overall worth the money. I drove 4000km on icey roads, wet and what I've liked the most on -10 degree dry surface and I had no wear what so ever, no significal noise and great grip in 10cm of snow. Brake on wet and dry is also great . I will say this tires are great for FWD and AWD and higly recommend for Central East European weather.
Helpful 43 - tire reviewed on October 4, 2018
Given 89% while driving a BMW 525i (245/40 R18 W) on a combination of roads for 3,000 average miles
I purchased these tires in December 2017 for my BMW525i Tourer as this is the car we use to transport my two little kids. Within weeks of delivery the snow started to fall & I was eager to test them. Overall far exceeded my expectations. I climbed hills no problem at all for a rear wheel drive car leaving other cars in my wake. We then had the beat from the east in March 18 & I did feel extremely smug as these tires handled & performed flawlessly. I cannot stress how important the safety aspect of these tires when driving I. Winter conditions. I reverted to summer tires in April 18- little or no where after 3000 miles or so. All in all highly recommend
Helpful 43 - tire reviewed on July 8, 2018
Given 93% while driving a BMW bmw (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 2,500 spirited miles
1st impression was a little strange as I was not used to winter tires to begin with and could feel the movement of the tire surface on the road where the rubber was moving (not losing traction) a little. I soon got used to it and it settled down very quickly. I used them in dry, wet (full blown surface water standing) to 2ft of snow with iced surfaces. The tires got a full work out in all conditions over the winter and I have to say performed really well in all conditions. Got stuck once in snow but this was due to the chassis settling down on the ice more than the tires losing traction i.e. got beached. I didn't experience aquaplaning once even though the water was about 1-2 inches deep. Overall the tires worked really well and having just taken them off today, the wear is about 2mm after 2,500 miles, including lighting up the back tires on the M4 often enough. I have driven cars with other winter tire brands and they didn't create near the confidence level the Michelin Alpine PA4's did. Would definitely buy again considering the car is powerful and needs all the help it can get in the ice and snow, they will be going on this winter again, definitely...
Helpful 45 - tire reviewed on May 3, 2018