Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV Review — Sporty SUV Performance Without Compromise
Overall Rating: 9.2 / 10
Category: Ultra High Performance SUV
Price in NZ: From $433 per tyre
Best for: BMW X3 M, Audi SQ5, Mercedes GLC 43, Volkswagen Tiguan R — performance SUVs
Available sizes: 17″ – 22″ rims
Quick Verdict
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV brings genuine UHP performance to the SUV segment at a more accessible price than the Latitude Sport 3. Using the same compound technology as the Pilot Sport 4 passenger tyre, the PS4 SUV delivers EU Label A wet grip and sharp handling precision in a construction designed for the higher loads and centres of gravity that SUVs present. For NZ owners of performance SUVs — BMW X3 M Competition, Audi SQ5, VW Tiguan R — who want the Michelin Pilot Sport character in their 4×4, the PS4 SUV is the correct choice.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Category | Ultra High Performance SUV |
| EU Label — Wet Grip | A (highest) |
| EU Label — Fuel Efficiency | B |
| Speed Ratings | V (240), W (270), Y (300 km/h) |
| Available Rim Sizes | 17″, 18″, 19″, 20″, 21″, 22″ |
| NZ Price Range | $433 – $820 (varies by size) |
| OEM | BMW X3 M, selected Audi Q, Volkswagen performance SUVs |
Performance Profile
Wet safety: EU Label A — the PS4 SUV’s compound delivers top wet-grip performance under SUV loads. In NZ’s rain, this A-rating maintains the safety margins these high-powered SUVs demand.
Dry handling: The defining upgrade over standard highway SUV tyres. The PS4 SUV’s stiff shoulder blocks and high-grip compound transform the handling feel of performance SUVs — more steering feedback, sharper turn-in, higher lateral grip. BMW X3 M owners will find their vehicle handles closer to its design intent on PS4 SUVs versus generic HT alternatives.
Comfort and noise: More refined than the Latitude Sport 3 in everyday use — the PS4 SUV balances performance with acceptable noise levels for regular road driving.
NZ Road Conditions Assessment
Auckland: Excellent — performance SUV owners in Auckland benefit from the PS4 SUV’s wet grip on rain-soaked motorways and the dry handling precision on the city’s winding suburban roads. BMW X3 M and Audi SQ5 owners will find this tyre significantly more engaging than standard fitments.
South Island: Good — summer compound limits alpine winter use. CrossContact RX is preferable for South Island alpine year-round use.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- EU Label A wet grip — top safety rating for performance SUV loads
- Transforms handling of performance SUVs — more engaging than standard HT tyres
- More accessible price ($433) than Latitude Sport 3 ($539) for similar performance character
- Wide size range (17″–22″)
Cons
- Summer compound only
- Higher road noise than comfort-oriented SUV alternatives
Sources
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV — michelin.com — accessed 2026-06-01
- Tyroola NZ pricing — tyroola.co.nz/tyre/michelin/ — accessed 2026-06-01
Related Pages
- Michelin Latitude Sport 3 — premium performance SUV step up
- Continental CrossContact LX Sport — German competitor
- Michelin Tyres NZ — brand overview