Comparison: Continental UltraContact vs. Michelin Primacy 4+ vs. Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance 2 vs. Goodyear Efficientgrip 2 SUV vs. GoodYear Efficientgrip Performance 2 vs. Michelin Primacy 5

Wet performance is where the comparison gets complicated — and where the Primacy 4+ shows its age most clearly. Michelin's EverGrip technology was designed to maintain grip as the tyre wears, and earlier Primacy 4 variants earned strong wet credentials, but the 2025 tyre review cycle found the Primacy 4+'s wet stopping distances and handling times trailing newer designs. Its aquaplaning score of 76.9 is adequate, though both ADAC and Autobild flag modest reserves in standing water. The UltraContact has a wet braking score of 85 versus the Primacy 4+'s 80, suggesting a genuine advantage at the limit — yet its aquaplaning score of just 64.5 is the weakest aspect of its profile, lagging notably behind the Michelin. Real-world feedback on the Primacy 4+ is mixed on wet grip: some owners report confident wet-road behaviour, while at least one noted aquaplaning in heavy rain. For drivers whose priority is wet braking over aquaplaning, the UltraContact actually edges ahead; for those worried about motorway spray, the Primacy 4+ holds more reserve.

This is where the Primacy 4+ establishes a clear lead. Its comfort score of 86.6 and noise score of 84.1 place it among the best in class — tyre review testing in 2025 awarded it best-in-test comfort scores and second-quietest overall. Real owners consistently back this up: quietness on motorways, smooth ride quality, and low cabin intrusion are the most frequently cited positives. One owner switching from an E-Class's previous tyres described the car as feeling noticeably more refined. The UltraContact is no slouch — user feedback, though limited in volume, highlights low noise and comfort as genuine strengths, with one Mercedes E-Class owner calling it extremely quiet in highways and very comfortable on B roads. But its comfort score of 75 is a step behind. On rolling resistance and fuel economy, the Primacy 4+ again leads with a score of 82.4 versus the UltraContact's B-label fuel rating. Mileage is strong on both — the UltraContact scores 88, the Primacy 4+ 83.8 — so both are economical long-term choices, with Continental holding a slight edge in projected tread life.

On dry roads, the UltraContact has the edge in pure braking. Its dry braking score of 91 is genuinely class-leading, and ADAC testing highlights it as balanced with strong dry-road capability — a tyre that inspires confidence in emergency stops. The Primacy 4+ scores 86.2 for dry braking, which is still competitive, with multiple independent tests confirming short dry stopping distances and precise, direct turn-in. Where they diverge is in limit behaviour: one evaluator flagged a tendency for the Primacy 4+ to oversteer during fast lane changes and load transitions on dry asphalt — not a concern for typical touring use, but worth noting for spirited drivers. The UltraContact is the safer statistical bet if stopping distance in dry conditions is your primary concern.