Comparison: Continental UltraContact vs. Michelin Primacy 4+ vs. Pirelli P ZERO PZ4 vs. Hankook ION Evo

Premium

Continental

UltraContact

VS

Also compare with

SportContact 7

Cinturato (C3)

PremiumContact 7

The Michelin is the refined all-rounder; the Continental excels in dry braking and longevity.

Both the Continental UltraContact and the Michelin Primacy 4+ sit in the premium summer touring segment, but they arrive there with noticeably different priorities. Continental has built the UltraContact around dry-road confidence and exceptional longevity — it is a tyre that rewards methodical, safety-conscious drivers who cover high mileage. Michelin's Primacy 4+, the evolution of the well-regarded Primacy 4 and now with a successor in the Primacy 5, leans harder into refinement: low noise, a supple ride, and a well-rounded character across conditions. In their one shared test — the ADAC 2023 benchmark across 50 summer tyres — the Primacy 4+ finished third while the UltraContact came seventh, which gives a useful early indicator of where the gap lies.

UltraContact

Good for

Dry-road safety as the top priority High annual mileage on a budget Drivers wanting class-leading tread life Smaller wheels, R14–R17 fitments

Not ideal for

Drivers frequently encountering standing water Those prioritising cabin comfort and low noise Larger SUV fitments above R20

Primacy 4+

Good for

Comfort-focused motorway and mixed-road drivers EV and hybrid owners valuing low rolling resistance Families wanting a quiet, refined ride Those prioritising wet safety over time

Not ideal for

Drivers wanting maximum dry braking performance Those expecting cutting-edge wet grip vs newer rivals Budget-conscious buyers — premium pricing applies

Test Profile

UltraContact

Primacy 4+

P ZERO PZ4

ION Evo

Number of tests

1

13

14

1

Best position

#7

#1

#2

#1

Average position

7.0

4.3

5.5

1.0

Latest test

2023

2025

Available sizes

88

123

700

66

Tread pattern comparison

Continental UltraContact

Michelin Primacy 4+

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Verdict

The UltraContact is a strong, safety-focused option if dry braking performance and long tyre life are your primary metrics — and at the right price point, it represents solid value. But the Primacy 4+ is the more accomplished all-round tyre. It combines competitive wet credentials, superior comfort and noise suppression, better aquaplaning reserves, and impressive longevity into a package that covers more of what most drivers actually need day-to-day. For family car drivers, motorway commuters, and anyone who values a refined, low-stress ownership experience, the Michelin Primacy 4+ is the clearer recommendation. The Continental UltraContact earns its place for drivers who spend most of their time on dry roads and want class-leading stopping distances paired with exceptional tread life.