Bridgestone Potenza S005 Review — Premium UHP Between Sport and S007
Overall Rating: 9.1 / 10
Category: Ultra High Performance Summer
Price in NZ: From $447 per tyre
Best for: High-performance sports cars and GTs — BMW M, Mercedes AMG, Porsche
Quick Verdict
The Bridgestone Potenza S005 sits in the Potenza hierarchy between the mass-market Sport ($411) and the supercar-exclusive S007 ($629). It delivers supercar-grade compound technology at a price accessible to high-performance car owners — OEM on selected Porsche 911 Carrera, Audi R8, and BMW M4 configurations. For NZ performance car owners who want the S007’s compound quality in more accessible sizes and at a lower price — the S005 is the right choice.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Ultra High Performance Summer |
| EU Label — Wet Grip | A (highest) |
| EU Label — Fuel Efficiency | D |
| Speed Ratings | Y (300 km/h), ZR |
| Available Rim Sizes | 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″ |
| NZ Price Range | $447 – $720 (varies by size) |
| OEM History | Porsche 911 Carrera, Audi R8, BMW M4 |
Performance Profile
Dry performance: The S005’s strength — developed from the same Ultimat Eye compound as the S007 but in a construction accessible to a wider range of vehicles. Lateral grip and dry braking approach supercar tyre levels.
Wet safety: EU Label A — maintained under high-performance loads. Bridgestone’s compound engineering delivers wet grip that S005-equipped vehicles require.
Tread life: Good for a premium UHP — the S005 compound delivers better longevity than track-focused alternatives.
NZ Road Conditions Assessment
Auckland — Premium Performance Cars: Excellent. BMW M4, Porsche 911 Carrera, and Audi R8 owners in Auckland who are OEM-specified for S005s will find the tyre provides the wet grip needed in Auckland’s constant rain and the dry handling precision these cars deliver.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- OEM on Porsche 911 Carrera, Audi R8, BMW M4 — premium factory calibration
- EU Label A wet grip — top safety rating
- More accessible price ($447) than S007 ($629) in most sizes
Cons
- EU Label D fuel efficiency — high rolling resistance
- Summer compound only
- Superseded in some sizes by the Potenza Sport EVO for new purchases
Sources
- Bridgestone Potenza S005 — bridgestone.com — accessed 2026-06-01
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/bridgestone/ — accessed 2026-06-01
Related Pages
- Bridgestone Potenza Sport — the EVO 2025 test winner
- Bridgestone Potenza S007 — supercar tier
- Bridgestone Tyres NZ — brand overview