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Comparison: Continental UltraContact vs. Michelin Primacy 4+ vs. Michelin Primacy 5 vs. Falken e.Ziex

Michelin wins on comfort and refinement; Continental fights back with best-in-class dry braking.

The Continental UltraContact and the Michelin Primacy 4+ share the premium summer touring category but tell very different stories. The UltraContact is a dry-road specialist — its braking scores are among the best in class, and its long tread life gives it real economy credentials. The Michelin, successor to the Primacy 4 and built around the brand's EverGrip compound technology, is the more rounded performer: quieter, more comfortable, and significantly better at aquaplaning resistance. In their one shared test — ADAC 2023 — Michelin finished 3rd out of 50 tyres; Continental came 7th. That gap in overall standing reflects something meaningful about their character.

Continental UltraContact
Good for
High-mileage drivers prioritising tread longevity Dry-road commuters valuing short stopping distances Fuel-conscious motorists seeking low running costs Drivers on predominantly dry, urban roads
Not ideal for
Drivers regularly facing heavy rain or standing water Those prioritising cabin refinement above all else
Michelin Primacy 4+
Good for
Comfort-focused drivers wanting a quiet, smooth ride Mixed-weather drivers needing stronger aquaplaning protection Family car owners prioritising all-round safety Highway cruisers valuing low rolling resistance
Not ideal for
Drivers demanding maximum dry braking performance High-mileage users focused purely on tread life

Test Profile

Continental
UltraContact
Michelin
Primacy 4+
Michelin
Primacy 5
Falken
e.Ziex
Number of tests
1
13
5
3
Best position
#7
#1
#1
#2
Average position
7.0
4.3
4.8
3.7
Latest test
2023
2025
2026
2025
Available sizes
88
123
158
36

Tread pattern comparison

Continental UltraContact
Michelin Primacy 4+
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Verdict

The Michelin Primacy 4+ is the more complete tyre — better rounded across comfort, noise, aquaplaning, and overall test performance — and for most drivers covering a mix of roads and weather, it is the stronger recommendation. Its EverGrip compound is designed to maintain safety performance even as the tread wears, which adds genuine long-term reassurance. The Continental UltraContact makes a compelling case for drivers whose priority is outright dry braking confidence and maximum tread life — its dry scores are exceptional, and high-mileage motorway users will find real value in its longevity. But its aquaplaning weakness and lower overall test standing mean it suits a narrower profile of buyer. If comfort and all-round safety matter most, choose the Michelin. If dry stopping power and tyre longevity are your priorities, the Continental delivers.

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