Buying tires for daily driving sedans is not easy. With so many options on the market, how do you know which tire is the right one?
In this article, we will focus on two of Michelin’s best-selling tires in the Grand Touring All-Season segment, the Premier A/S, and the Primacy MXM4. Each one is aimed at a specific type of driver.
Are you one of them? Read on to find out.
TL;DR: Michelin Premier A/S vs Primacy MXM4
Ready to learn more about these two great tires? Let’s first go over its pros and cons.
Michelin Premier A/S
PROS
- Available in a wide variety of sizes
- Offers adequate grip on light snow roads
- Built for maximum wet and dry performance
CONS
- Its durability is slightly lower than that of the MXM4
Best For:
Sedan and coupe drivers looking for a tire that gives them maximum performance throughout the year
Michelin Primacy MXM4
PROS
- Eco-friendly design
- Amazing tread durability
- Offers excellent ride quality
- Good wet and dry performance
CONS
- Its performance is generally lower than that of the Premier A/S
Best For:
Drivers of luxury sedans and coupes looking for a tire that provides maximum comfort and durability
Performance Ratings: Michelin Premier A/S vs Primacy MXM4
Whenever we talk about tires, a fundamental aspect is the total miles reported. This is because the greater the number of miles reported, the greater the reliability of the ratings.
In this sense, the two tires we analyze in this review have more than 10 million reported miles, which means they have solid ratings.
This also means that the ranking of 18 out of 57 in the Grand Touring All-Season segment held by the Premier A/S will hardly be surpassed by the MXM4, which currently ranks 24th in that same segment.
That said, feel free to use the links below to skip to any section.
- Dry Performance
- Wet Performance
- Snow / Ice Performance
- Comfort Performance
- Treadwear Performance
- Warranty
- Specs & Options
- Reviews
Dry Performance: Michelin Premier A/S vs Primacy MXM4
|
Dry Performance Ratings |
Michelin Premier A/S |
Primacy MXM4 |
|---|---|---|
|
Dry Overall |
9.0 |
8.7 |
|
Cornering Stability |
9.0 |
8.6 |
|
Dry Traction |
9.2 |
8.9 |
|
Steering Response |
8.9 |
8.5 |
Considering that the MXM4 is a tire that meets Michelin’s Green X standard for low rolling resistance, its dry traction values are quite good. Nevertheless, they are below the Premier A/S ratings.
In large part, this is because the latter is a Michelin Total Performance tire, which means that both the design of its tread and the compound used are aimed at providing the maximum possible performance.
In other words, if you are looking for a tire that offers extraordinary stopping power, and predictable cornering control, the Premier is the best option.
Wet Performance: Michelin Premier A/S vs Primacy MXM4
|
Wet Performance Ratings |
Michelin Premier A/S |
Primacy MXM4 |
|---|---|---|
|
Wet Overall |
9.1 |
8.3 |
|
Hydroplaning Resistance |
9.0 |
8.3 |
|
Wet Traction |
9.1 |
8.3 |
In this category, the design difference between the two tires is even more evident. On the one hand, the Premier uses Michelin’s EverGrip Technology, including Expanding Rain Grooves around the tire’s circumference and Emerging Grooves across the shoulders. This gives the tire a remarkable grip in the wet.
On the other hand, the Primacy uses Michelin’s patented sunflower oil-enriched Helio Compound technology and 3-D Variable Thickness Sipe Technology to minimize hydroplaning and improve grip in the wet. As you might expect, the Premier A/S once again defeats its rival, providing the best handling even in adverse weather conditions.
Snow / Ice Performance: Michelin Premier A/S vs Primacy MXM4
|
Snow / Ice Performance Ratings |
Michelin Premier A/S |
Primacy MXM4 |
|---|---|---|
|
Snow / Ice Overall |
7.5 |
5.7 |
|
Light Snow Traction |
8.2 |
6.6 |
|
Deep Snow Traction |
7.2 |
5.3 |
|
Ice Traction |
6.9 |
5.1 |
One of the most notable disadvantages of tires with low rolling resistance is their difficulty in offering adequate grip at low temperatures. The MXM4 is proof of this.
Despite the advanced compound used in its tread, its ratings pale against those of the Premier. In other words, while neither tire is recommended for anything other than light snow driving, the Premier A/S provides more consistent and adequate traction on snowy/icy roads.
Comfort Performance: Michelin Premier A/S vs Primacy MXM4
|
Comfort Performance Ratings |
Michelin Premier A/S |
Primacy MXM4 |
|---|---|---|
|
Overall Comfort |
8.7 |
8.3 |
|
Ride Quality |
8.9 |
8.5 |
|
Noise |
8.5 |
8.1 |
Given that the Primacy is a tire designed with luxury sedans and coupes in mind, it’s no wonder its comfort ratings are so close to those of the Premier. In fact, the Primacy MXM4 uses the exclusive Michelin Comfort Control Technology to reduce vibration and road noise. While the MXM4 still ranks second, the difference in ride quality between the two tires is imperceptible in terms of road use.
Treadwear Performance: Michelin Premier A/S vs Primacy MXM4
|
Treadwear Performance Ratings |
Michelin Premier A/S |
Primacy MXM4 |
|---|---|---|
|
Treadwear |
6.8 |
7.2 |
When it comes to durability, the ratings for both tires are very similar. However, in this category, Michelin’s BAZ (Banded At Zero) spiral-wrapped polyamide cord has paid off for the MXM4 as it is the only occasion where it manages to outperform the Premier A/S.
That said, as will be shown in the following sections, the Treadlife of both contenders is basically the same. In summary, if you are looking for a tire with good durability, you cannot go wrong choosing either one.
Warranty: Michelin Premier A/S vs Primacy MXM4
|
Warranty Type |
Michelin Premier A/S |
Primacy MXM4 |
|---|---|---|
|
Treadlife Warranty |
6-year warranty or 60,000 miles (whichever occurs first). This warranty is halved for rear tires when they are different in size from the front tires. |
6-year warranty or 55,000 miles (whichever occurs first). This warranty is halved for rear tires when they are different in size from the front tires. |
|
Uniformity Warranty |
One year of use or the first 2/32″ of wear. |
One year of use or the first 2/32″ of wear. |
|
Workmanship / Materials Warranty |
6-year warranty and free tire replacement for the first year, 2/32″ wear, or 25% wear. |
6-year warranty and free tire replacement for the first year, 2/32″ wear, or 25% wear. |
|
Road Hazard Warranty |
None. |
None. |
|
Tire Rack Road Hazard Warranty |
Refunds of up to $40 for repairs per tire per occurrence. Refund of the original purchase price or replacement purchase price (whichever is less) when the tire suffers non-repairable damage (valid within the first 2 years of use). |
Refunds of up to $40 for repairs per tire per occurrence. Refund of the original purchase price or replacement purchase price (whichever is less) when the tire suffers non-repairable damage (valid within the first 2 years of use). |
When it comes to the manufacturer’s warranty, both tires are solidly backed by Michelin. This coupled with Tire Rack’s generous Road Hazard Warranty, ensures that you have nothing to worry about regardless of your choice.
Specs & Options: Michelin Premier A/S vs Primacy MXM4
Offering broad market coverage is crucial, and Michelin knows it. On the one hand, the Premier A/S is available in sizes ranging from 15 inches to 19 inches and rim widths ranging from 195 to 245. For its part, the Primacy MXM4 is available in sizes ranging from 17 inches to 20 inches, with rim widths from 215 to 255.
About the UTQG, the Premier is rated as 640 AA while the MXM4 is rated as `500 AA A, which is in line with the type of compounds used in each tire. To learn more about UTQG, click here.
If we talk about market coverage, the Premier A/S is available in more sizes, but the MXM4 is the only one available in vehicles with a 20-inch rim.
Photo credit: tiredeets.com
Reviews: Michelin Premier A/S vs Primacy MXM4
As expected, the reviews of both tires are highly positive. Whether the driving style is spirited or easy-going, both the Primacy MXM4 and Premier A/S have lived up to drivers’ expectations.
With that said, there are two things worth digging into, durability and snow/ice performance.
Starting the snow performance, despite the values shown in the ratings, the vast majority of drivers praise the MXM4’s grip on light snow roads. Considering that these tires are mostly used on midsize luxury sedans, such positive comments are quite an achievement for Michelin.
In terms of durability, something similar happens. It is not difficult to find drivers who have more than 85k miles on either tire. In fact, many drivers estimate that they could easily hit 100,000 miles before requiring replacement.
Does this mean that the ratings are wrong? No, they simply have to be interpreted from the correct perspective. When a driver rates a tire, he or she does so based on previous experiences with other tires. The Primacy MXM4 is an excellent tire that provides an astonishing level of grip under all road conditions, superior to many other similar tires. The Premier A/S, for its part, is a performance-oriented tire. If your driving style is average, you may notice little difference between the two tires. However, if you are a spirited driver, the Premier will definitely give you that extra grip and confidence you need.
All in all, both the MXM4 and Premier A/S are excellent tires that won’t let you down.
Quick Recap
|
Michelin Premier A/S |
|
|---|---|
|
Dry |
9.0 |
|
Wet |
9.1 |
|
Snow / Ice |
7.5 |
|
Comfort |
8.7 |
|
Treadwear |
6.8 |
|
Michelin Primacy MXM4 |
|
|---|---|
|
Dry |
8.7 |
|
Wet |
8.3 |
|
Snow / Ice |
5.7 |
|
Comfort |
8.3 |
|
Treadwear |
7.2 |
End of the Road
In this review, we have explored two tires, each focused on a specific type of driver. The Premier A/S is aimed at spirited drivers looking for maximum performance in dry and wet as well as occasional use in light snow.
On the other hand, Primacy MXM4 is designed for drivers who favor more durability, low fuel consumption, and comfort. That said, both tires have a fabulous warranty and are backed by hundreds of positive reviews from satisfied drivers.