The Continental stops shorter on dry; the Michelin rides quieter and smoother everywhere else.
Both the Continental UltraContact and the Michelin Primacy 4+ sit firmly in the premium summer touring segment, targeting drivers who want safety and longevity over outright sportiness. But their characters differ more than the shared segment label suggests. The UltraContact is a dry-focused, safety-first tyre with exceptional mileage credentials — built on Continental's strength in braking performance. The Primacy 4+, a refined evolution of the Michelin Primacy 4 and a stepping stone toward the newer Primacy 5, is the comfort and refinement specialist: quieter, smoother, and supremely well-rounded on paper — though its wet performance is beginning to show its age against more modern designs. In their one direct head-to-head (ADAC 2023, 205/55 R16 across 50 tyres), the Primacy 4+ came out on top, finishing 3rd against the UltraContact's 7th place.
UltraContact
Primacy 4+




The Continental UltraContact suits drivers who put dry safety and long tyre life at the top of their checklist — it brakes shorter on dry tarmac, scores very highly for mileage, and delivers solid all-round ability at a price point owners describe as fair. It's the pragmatist's pick. The Michelin Primacy 4+ is the better all-rounder for drivers who spend hours on motorways and want the quietest, most comfortable ride in the premium touring bracket, with balanced wet safety and low running costs. Its wet performance is ageing against newer competition, so buyers who frequently drive in heavy rain might want to look at its successor, the Michelin Primacy 5, instead. But for a quiet, confidence-inspiring everyday tyre with outstanding refinement, the Primacy 4+ remains a compelling choice.
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