Sportauto: UHP Summer Tire Test R19/20 2025

Sportauto: UHP Summer Tire Test R19/20

BMW’s M-series uses staggered tires (narrower front, wider rear) to handle rear-wheel power and maintain grip. Front: 275/35 R19, rear: 285/30 R20. Matching tire circumferences prevent ABS/stability system errors.

The test compared BMW’s factory-approved Pirelli P Zero PZ4 (€1,300/set) against aftermarket rivals:

  • Falken Azenis RS 820 (€910/set)
  • Continental SportContact 7 (€1,070/set)
  • Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S (€1,360/set).

OEM Pirellis are tuned for BMW’s suspension and electronics. Aftermarket tires aim to match or exceed this at lower costs. Focus areas: high-speed stability, cornering precision, daily comfort vs track performance

  1. Continental SportContact 7 - Winner Recommended
    Continental SportContact 7
    95 62
    · Summer · 2022 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Continental SportContact 7 claims 1st place, delivering unmatched dry braking (33.0m, 10 points) and precise steering (10/10 subjective dry handling). Its wet performance shines with best-in-class aquaplaning resistance (89.6 km/h longitudinal, 10 points) and strong lateral grip (2.43 m/s², 9 points). Combined with low rolling resistance (7.8 kg/t, 10 points) and quiet operation (73.2 dB, 10 points), it balances sporty dynamics with efficiency, making it ideal for BMW M-series drivers seeking performance and refinement.

    Noise   Dry Handling   Dry Braking   Wet Braking   Aquaplaning   Rolling Resistance  
    USA+ USA+ · Mexico Mexico · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East
    Test Score:
    9.6
  2. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
    Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
    87 72
    · Summer · 2017 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S secures 2nd place, excelling in dry track performance with rapid lap times (129.3 km/h wet handling speed, 10 points) and strong lateral grip (9.72 m/s² wet circle, 10 points). However, its weak straight aquaplaning resistance (86.2 km/h, 7 points) and elevated rolling resistance (9.1 kg/t, 7 points) limit its versatility. While ideal for aggressive dry driving, its premium price (328/354 € per front/rear tire) and compromises in deep-water stability hold it back from the top spot.

    Dry Braking   Wet Lateral Stability   Dry Handling   Price   Rolling Resistance   Straight Aquaplaning  
    North America North America · Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · Japan Japan · South Korea South Korea · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · Africa Africa · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    8.5
  3. Falken Azenis RS820
    Falken Azenis RS820
    N/A 29
    · Summer · 2024 · Passenger - Ultra High Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Falken Azenis RS 820 (275/35 R19 и 285/30 R20) ranks 3rd, offering a budget-friendly price (213/242 € per front/rear tire) and decent dry braking (33.8m, 8 points). However, its nervous handling on dry tracks and weak aquaplaning resistance (85.1 km/h longitudinal, 6 points) undermine its suitability for high-performance driving. While cost-effective, its higher rolling resistance (8.9 kg/t, 7 points) and elevated noise levels (74.8 dB, 5 points) highlight compromises typical of non-premium sport tires.

    Price   Dry Braking   Aquaplaning   Subj. Dry Handling   Rolling Resistance   Noise  
    Europe Europe
    Test Score:
    7
  4. Pirelli P Zero PZ4
    Pirelli P Zero PZ4
    81 63
    · Summer · 2016 · Passenger - Max Performance Summer
    Verdict:

    The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 (BMW M-series homologated) ranks last in the test, sacrificing dry braking performance (+8m vs. class leader) due to a harder rubber compound optimized for treadwear and rolling resistance to meet BMW’s OEM requirements. While durable and efficient, its focus on longevity compromises wet grip and dynamic responsiveness, highlighting the trade-offs inherent in OEM-specific tyre design.

    Rolling Resistance   Treadwear   Dry Braking   Subj. Wet Handling   Wet Performance   Wet Braking  
    North America North America · Central & South America Central & South America · Europe Europe · Russia+ Russia+ · East Asia East Asia · Southeast Asia Southeast Asia · Middle East Middle East · Oceania Oceania
    Test Score:
    6.8
Year
2025
Max Score, points
10
Tire Size
275/35R19
Season
Summer
Auto Type
Passenger
List Type
Professional Tire Test
Region
Europe
Date added
Apr 27, 2025

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