Michelin Primacy 4+

The Michelin Primacy 4+ updates the hugely successful Primacy 4 with better braking performance when worn. The new Michelin EverGrip technology combines two layers of rubber to offset the loss of tread depth when worn.

Tire review data from 30 tire reviews averaging 81% over 230,200 miles driven, and 10 tests with an average result of 4th.

First On MarketJanuary 2022
Wheel Size16 - 21"
Width175 - 255mm
Profile40 - 70
Rolling ResistanceB - C
Wet GripA - A
Noise (dB)68 - 72
Winter RatingNot Winter Rated

The Primacy 4+ is ranked 41st of 152 Summer Premium Touring tires.

This tire replaced the Michelin Primacy 4.

In Depth Tire Comparisons

Tests Included

10

Best Result

1st

Worst Result

8th

Average Result

4th

Latest Tire Test Results

2024 AZ Summer Tire Test
7th of 9 tires
  • The Michelin Primacy 4+ prioritises comfort and fuel efficiency above all else. It provides an exceptionally quiet and smooth ride while helping you save on fuel, but its wet braking performance isn't the best and it lacks the sporty handling of some competitors.
View Full Test >>
2024 AMS Summer SUV Tire Test
8th of 8 tires
  • Short braking distances and spontaneous steering behavior on dry asphalt.
  • Long braking distances, weak cornering grip, and poor traction on wet surfaces. Deficiencies in aquaplaning protection. On dry asphalt, increased risk of oversteering during fast lane changes and in load change situations.
  • With low rolling resistance, great in the fuel-saving chapter. Unfortunately, at the expense of safety.
View Full Test >>

2024 Tire Tests

2023 Tire Tests

2022 Tire Tests

Reports

  • Whats new with the Michelin Primacy 4+
  • SizeFuelWetNoise
    16 inch
    205/60R16 92 VCA69
    205/55R16 94 V XLCA70
    215/60R16 99 V XLBA70
    215/60R16 95 HBA69
    215/60R16 95 VBA69
    205/55R16 94 H XLCA70
    205/60R16 92 HCA69
    205/55R16 91 VCA69
    205/55R16 91 WCA69
    215/70R16 100 HCA69
    205/55R16 91 HCA69
    205/60R16 96 W XLBA70
    215/60R16 99 H XLBA70
    205/60R16 96 H XLBA70
    17 inch
    215/45R17 91 V XLCA70
    225/45R17 94 V XLCA70
    205/50R17 93 V XLCA70
    225/45R17 94 W XLCA70
    225/50R17 94 WCA69
    225/50R17 98 V XLBA70
    225/45R17 91 VCA69
    205/50R17 93 W XLCA70
    205/50R17 89 VCA69
    225/50R17 94 YCA69
    215/45R17 87 WCA69
    215/45R17 91 W XLCA70
    225/45R17 91 WCA69
    205/50R17 93 H XLCA70
    225/50R17 98 Y XLBA70
    225/60R17 99 VBA69
    215/55R17 98 W XLBA70
    225/45R17 91 YCA69
    215/55R17 94 WCA69
    215/55R17 94 VCA69
    225/50R17 94 VCA69
    225/50R17 98 W XLBA70
    18 inch
    245/45R18 100 W XLBA70
    225/40R18 92 Y XLCA70
    20 inch
    255/45R20 101 VBA70
    View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus >>

    Questions and Answers for the Michelin Primacy 4 Plus

    2023-01-22 - Can a Primacy 4 Plus be combined with a Primacy 4 on the same axle

    A good question. Ideally you will always keep the same two tires 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.


    2023-04-19 - 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?
    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.

    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 tires. 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.


    2023-11-01 - 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

    If you don't mind losing a small amount of steering feel and dynamic qualities, the Primacy 4+ will be a significantly better tire.


    2024-02-23 - Does the primacy 4+ has a rim guard / rim protector lip just like the michelin pilot sport? Thanks

    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 tires for added aero benefit.


    2024-03-22 - Hello does the primacy 4+ offers the rim fringe protection? Thx

    The sizes I've tested does not have significant rim protection.


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    YouTube Review

    Top 3 Michelin Primacy 4 Plus Reviews

    Given 97% while driving a Honda Civic FK7 Sport (235/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 1,000 average miles
    Coming from the Civics original tires Primacy 3 that’s lasted 25Kmls or just over 4 years, I don’t do a lot of miles daily but those Primacy 3 tires served me well with just the road noise being a little loud at times I liked the dry, wet, handling and comfort of these Michelin’s.

    So with not a lot of info on the new Primacy 4Plus and needing 4tires I decided to go with these anyway as only £1.oo each dearer than the primacy 4 when I purchased, in for a penny in for a pound, these are the XL reinforced version I went for as they are a whole 1DB quieter than the non XL version according to the tire info.

    Noise loudness will always be dependent on the surface you drive on, so as surfaces change so does the tire noise but the difference between these Primacy 4Plus and the old Primacy 3 is night and day and worth the price of entry alone in my ears, no they ain’t dead quiet/ silent but are a lot more bearable and not as intrusive, as I’ve went from listening out to hear the difference to now not noticing the noise like I did with the old tires.

    Comfort - oh yeah less noise and there’s a softness, definitely more comfortable drive

    In the dry the tires are good , nice feedback from the road however sharp corners taken fast pushing the limit there is a give there that you are wary of after the first time, but this will make you safer as you won’t push quite as hard, it’s that softness mentioned earlier that gives you this feeling/ feedback on hairpin bends.

    In the wet, love them, it rains in Scotland and the surface water can be a bit deeper and running on the roads in areas, but these Primacy 4 plus, just grip grip and grip and provide a lot of confidence way bettering than the old Primacy 3 on the civic, a tire for Scotland without doubt

    The tread is less on the 4 plus than on my new Primacy 3 when got the car but these P4 plus are meant to be harder wearing tire so only time will tell, but if they last 20Kmls or 4 years then I’d be more than happy.

    Initial thoughts on first 1Kmls is if you want a premium tire live in a wet summer area and enjoy less noise and improved comfort give these a go.
    Helpful 289 - tire reviewed on July 24, 2022
    Given 60% while driving a BMW 320i (205/60 R16) on a combination of roads for 1,100 spirited miles
    Initial review after a few days of driving with these brand new Michelin tires for a long distance on various roads and weather. According to the tire-dealer this is the very latest Michelin tires, same size as the original tires. This is not my car but I have often driven this car since it was new with two other different set of tires from two other premium tire brands. The original OEM tires were Run-Flats which I did not like at all, rather mediocre tires in every aspect. The second set of tires were from yet another premium tire brand, not Run-Flat tires but the same original size, and I really liked those tires on this car, very good comfort and noise level, very good performance in every aspect except wear which was rather mediocre. The new Michelins are significantly better than the original Run-Flat in every way, but they can not quite match the second set of tires from another brand. The Michelins have in general a little bit more diffuse feeling and tendencies to instability on certain surfaces, I preferred the previous set of tires regarding feel, handling and stability, but it is very small differences. The comfort and noise level on the Michelins are much better than the OEM Run-Flat and about the same as the second set of tires, I did however prefer the second set of tires, I just liked them a little bit better. The Michelins are in general predictable and controllable in wet and dry and will probably not surprise with bad behavior although I would say that the tires probably do not like cold rainy weather, I had a ”surprise” in a wet rainy roundabout coming home from the long drive, the temperature was ca 2-3 degrees, I was caught in this "surprising" skid and the stability systems on the car really had to work overtime, it's the only ”surprise” I had so far with these tires, and maybe in all honesty I might have been over-optimistic in that roundabout, but I have done the same with the other tires in the same circumstances in the same roundabout without "surprises". There is nothing particular wrong with the Michelins, not huge differences, good grip wet and dry, relatively good comfort and noise level, acceptable handling and feel, but they are not worth the extra cost, they do not exceed other tire brands, in fact they do not quite match the previous set of tires from 2020. I guess the joker here would be the wear rate, the other tire brands had rather poor wear, if the Michelins have significantly better wear rate then this could probably persuade some buyers, but not for me, I prefer the best handling and feel over wear rate.
    Helpful 74 - tire reviewed on April 23, 2022
    Given 100% while driving a Mercedes Benz A45 S AMG (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 0 spirited miles
    fantastic tires , oh my god , michelin best brand
    Helpful 67 - tire reviewed on April 29, 2022
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    Latest Michelin Primacy 4 Plus Reviews

    Given 94% while driving a Toyota Prius (215/45 R17) on mostly motorways for 0 average miles
    Very good tires in : comfort, handling wet and dry,tread life good,aquaplaning good.
    Negative is price ,but quality always it will be expensive.
    Helpful 0 - tire reviewed on November 4, 2024
    Given 59% while driving a Ford Focus 1.5tdci (2016) (215/55 R16) on mostly motorways for 6,500 average miles
    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.
    Helpful 2 - tire reviewed on September 15, 2024
    What to know the BEST All Season Tires for 2024? Click to find out!
    Given 86% while driving a Skoda Superb MK3 (2015 Present) (225/45 R18) on mostly town for 3,000 average miles
    I have a Superb Skoda 1.5 Tsi SEL executive auto.Whilst the car is no fireball it is certainly not slow.My car came with Pirelli tires and in all honesty I did have not issues with them.I fancied a change of tire and after careful consideration I chose the Michelin Primacy 4+ with it's compliant side wall and a limousine type ride on the car.I did not want to spoil the potential combinations and it did not.My previous car was a 2+2 Mercedes C207E400 that came from the factory fitted with Continental tires , no issues with them but tire wear could have been better , changed to Goodyear Asy 5 , again a great tire but changed the car but no wear in 6000 miles.

    The handing is good for a large car with little body driven in a sensibly manor with good grip both in dry and wet conditions.I find that the car is set up with a neutral bias and is very easy to drive.I have only had to use the brakes in anger once in the wet and the car just stopped.

    I understand that not everyone likes Michelin tires but I can only say as I previously stated on the Skoda Superb / Michelin tires the combination works.
    Helpful 0 - tire reviewed on September 8, 2024
    Given 57% while driving a SEAT Altea (225/55 R17) on a combination of roads for 2,000 average miles
    For the first time in a decade I decided to use Michelin tires again. I splurged on a set of 4 Primacy 4+. The performance of the tire doesn't let me down it is what I expected. Fells very safe on any road. However these tires make a very loud and dreadful drone on my Skoda Yeti. So annoying. I have to exceed 70 MPH in order to find a sweet spot that the noise id lessened. I guess I am stuck with these for a few years now. I will go back to Hankook when I buy tires again.
    Helpful 2 - tire reviewed on July 30, 2024
    Given 67% while driving a Skoda (235/45 R18) on mostly country roads for 5,000 average miles
    I used tire reviews as a bench mark against other tire premium tires suitable for my car.My current car is a 5 door Skoda hatch back that is a family car and not a fast high performance vehicle. To date Johnathan recommendation have never let me down
    in tire choice to match tire to car type.I have always purchased premium brands and to-date have always been reasonably pleased with my choice.I would suggest that most European premium brand tire should be capable of providing good results on british roads keeping to national speed limits and driving with road conditions in mind.
    Helpful 6 - tire reviewed on May 3, 2024
    Given 70% while driving a Lexus IS250 RWD (225/45 R17) on mostly country roads for 500 average miles
    Super disappointed from these tires.I wanted premium touring tire for my Lexus and purchased the latest Michelins.
    Grip dry and wet - good.They have soft sidewalls and bend in the corner but that's to be expected.I prefer the comfort over the bumps which they provide.
    The big disappointment is the NOISE.On rough road its dissaster.With 80kmh you cant here the passenger talking.On smooth asphalt they are okay.On rough surface they are MUCH worse than my previous Bridgestone , Kleber , Kumho.
    Never again Michelins first and last try.Expensive mistake
    Helpful 5 - tire reviewed on April 6, 2024
    Given 100% while driving a BMW 530D (235/45 R17) on mostly motorways for 500 average miles
    Excellent tire very very comfortable no road noise the car drives like on clouds!
    Helpful 26 - tire reviewed on December 13, 2023
    Given 90% while driving a Volkswagen Golf (205/55 R16) on mostly country roads for 10,000 spirited miles
    My car is old and do not have any esp/asr systems, but have a lot of torque(450nm+) for a small car. I try few mid class tires, but all was the same-very low grip, wheels spin and burnouts, dry and wet. So I buy michelin primacy 4+ and is all good. after 10k miles, I dint notice any wear or problems. Great tires!
    Helpful 30 - tire reviewed on November 17, 2023
    Given 78% while driving a Subaru Outback (225/60 R18) on a combination of roads for 1,500 average miles
    My tires are Primacy+ SUV which I believe is equivalent to Primacy 4+ in Australia for this size of tire. It's early days, but initial impressions are very positive. Grip in all conditions seems to be excellent, as does braking performance. I have not specifically rated wear (too soon) or handling (not tried anything beyond routine suburban and highway driving). The Subaru Outback is fairly softly sprung and the tire certainly complements that, giving an excellent ride. At first I thought the steering seemed a bit light and slightly flighty but then I discovered that the fitting centre had managed to get a 6lb difference between the pressures across the axle (in fact every one of the tires was at a different pressure, none of which were per the placard!). Having set the pressures correctly all round the slight lightness compared with the OE Bridgestone Dueler Sports remained, but the flightiness was gone. The steering is very linear and progressive and the car tracks true even in cross-winds. Note these are touring, not sports, tires and their characteristics (especially with a 60-profile side wall) reflect that. If you want precision, get Pilot Sports or Pirelli PZ4s which is what I have on my other cars. Initially the tires were not as quiet as I had expected, but they seem to be improving as they wear in a little. In any event they are a definite improvement on the Duelers in that respect. I have an impression that the rolling resistance is better, leading to slightly improved fuel consumption, which will be tested when we do our first long trip on these tires in a few weeks' time. Overall, I'm very positive, as I would have expected given previous/current experience on different cars with Michelin's Primacy ST, Primacy 3, Primacy 4 and Pilot Sport 2 & 4.
    Helpful 21 - tire reviewed on September 20, 2023
    Given 91% while driving a Kia Motors Carnival 2.2 Diesel (235/65 R17) on a combination of roads for 10,000 average miles
    Absolutely brilliant. I drive a kia carnival and have the primacy 4 plus suv variant. I bought the car 2nd hand and it was wearing bridgestone supercats. I only realised how bad the bridgestones were after i swapped them for the Michelins. The difference is huge. They have much better grip in both the dry and wet. My carnival used to spin the tires too easily on wet roads at the traffic lights with not even firm acceleration, that stopped after changing to Michellins. Better still is how more comfortable and quiet the tires are. I have had them for over 14,000km now and they are wearing very well. I highly recommend these tires
    Helpful 23 - tire reviewed on September 3, 2023
    Mercedes Benz E Class Estate (245/45 R18) on a combination of roads for 2,000 average miles
    When I put the tires on I was actually a bit disappointed. I got a strange "resounding" sound that I couldn't identify, as it didn't always have anything to do with the road surface. But after 2-3000 km the resounding sound disappeared and today I am really very happy with the tires. I'm not into "sports tires" anymore (used to be) and don't drive hard in the car etc. so for me the tire is absolutely perfect. It is extremely quiet compared to the Primacy 3, Primacy 4 that I have been driving on before the Primacy 4+. It is admittedly a somewhat softer tire which gives a little less feedback in sharp curves, but it is really comfortable as potholes etc. are heard and felt much less. So I am very happy with the Pimacy4+
    Helpful 32 - tire reviewed on May 12, 2023
    Given 81% while driving a Alfa Romeo 147 JTD (205/55 R16) on mostly country roads for 1,500 spirited miles
    My car is tuned, have more torque and HP(than stock model) and this tires fits to my drving style, very good tires.
    Helpful 21 - tire reviewed on April 26, 2023