Key Takeaways
- Pirelli is the most synonymous name with tires in the world, providing tires for Formula 1
- Pirelli offer a wide range of high performance tires for all vehicles and all weather applications
- Some of their ultra high performance tires are falling short of other high end tire manufacturers
When looking for new tires, the name that comes to mind first for everyone in the world is surely Pirelli Tires. When it comes to achieving remarkable performance, durability, and safety on the road, there is a reason Pirelli Tires has established itself as a dominant force in the automotive industry.
For decades, Pirelli has consistently pushed the boundaries of tire technology, delivering exceptional products that cater to the needs of discerning drivers around the world.
We tested the most popular Pirelli tires and will also delve into their key aspects, reviewing their best tires across various performance metrics to see what exactly makes their tires so good and which tires you should have on your shortlist
Why choose Pirelli Tires
Pirelli Tires offer unmatched performance, safety, durability, comfort, and environmental responsibility. Pirelli excels in delivering exceptional performance on various road conditions. Their tires undergo rigorous testing, ensuring optimal control and responsiveness.
With a focus on safety, Pirelli integrates innovative tread patterns and braking technologies, as well as being built to last, providing reliability and value. They prioritize comfort by reducing noise and vibrations. Pirelli’s commitment to environmental sustainability includes fuel-saving technologies.
With a wide range of options available, Pirelli caters to different vehicle types and driving preferences. Pirelli’s strong reputation for excellence and customer satisfaction makes them a trusted choice. Choose Pirelli and experience tires that surpass expectations and enhance your driving pleasure.
Pirelli and Formula 1
Pirelli’s relationship with Formula 1 is a testament to their tire expertise and commitment to performance.
Since 2011, Pirelli has been the exclusive tire supplier for the pinnacle of motorsport, the Formula 1 World Championship. This partnership showcases Pirelli’s ability to develop tires that withstand the extreme heat and demands of high-speed racing while delivering optimal performance and safety.
As the sole tire supplier, Pirelli is responsible for designing and producing tires to cater to the needs of Formula 1 teams and drivers. They must create tires that offer exceptional grip and responsiveness, and that are suitable for the varying track conditions or weather circumstances encountered throughout a racing.
Pirelli’s involvement in Formula 1 goes beyond mere tire manufacturing. They actively collaborate with teams and drivers to understand their requirements and tailor their tire designs accordingly.
After the race has finished, Pirelli also take back and analyse all the tires used during race. This collaborative approach allows Pirelli to continually refine their tires, ensuring they provide the desired performance characteristics sought by the teams and drivers.
In Formula 1, tire strategy plays a crucial role in race outcomes. Teams rely on Pirelli’s ability to provide a variety of tires with different compounds and levels of grip. This shows Pirelli have been able to hone their tires to provide maximum performance for all conditions.
Pirelli’s involvement in Formula 1 has not only enhanced their reputation as a leading tire manufacturer but has also fueled their relentless pursuit of tire technology advancements. The extreme conditions of Formula 1 racing provide a testing ground for Pirelli to push the boundaries of tire performance and develop innovations that eventually trickle down to their consumer tires.
Pirelli’s association with Formula 1 has helped to enhance brand visibility and awareness on a global scale. The high-profile nature of the sport, extensive media coverage and global fan base, allows Pirelli to showcase their tires to millions of viewers worldwide. This reinforces Pirelli’s reputation as a premium tire brand synonymous with high performance and reliability.
Pirelli’s partnership with Formula 1 no doubt demonstrates their tire mastery and commitment to delivering exceptional performance under extreme racing conditions. Pirelli’s involvement not only drives tire technology advancements but also enhances brand visibility on a global scale.
With their ongoing dedication to the sport, Pirelli continues to push the limits of tire performance and solidify their position as a leader in the automotive industry.
Pirelli Tires Performance
Dry Performance
Pirelli Tires have proven time and again to excel in dry conditions, providing optimal grip and responsiveness on the road. Their advanced tread compounds and innovative design allow for precise handling and improved traction, resulting in an exhilarating driving experience that instills confidence at every turn.
Wet Performance
When it comes to wet performance, Pirelli Tires showcase their commitment to safety. Incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as wide circumferential grooves and intricate tread patterns, these tires effectively disperse water, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
The result is enhanced stability and control on wet surfaces, enabling drivers to navigate through challenging conditions with ease. Standing water has more than once been shown as a weak point for Pirelli tires as their no compromise high performance tires trade off wet performance for ultra high dry performance.
Snow Performance
While Pirelli Tires primarily specialize in high-performance tires for sport and luxury vehicles, their winter tire lineup ensures excellent performance in snow and icy conditions. These tires boast advanced siping and biting edges, providing superior traction and grip on slippery surfaces.
With Pirelli winter tires, drivers can confidently conquer winter roads without compromising safety or performance.
Longevity
Durability is a crucial factor for any tire, and Pirelli deliver on this front as well. Engineered with robust materials and reinforced construction, Pirelli tires exhibit impressive longevity, allowing them to withstand the demands of daily driving without premature wear.
Pirelli’s commitment to quality ensures that their tires retain their performance characteristics over an extended period, providing exceptional value for money.
Noise and Comfort
Pirelli Tires take pride in their dedication to providing a comfortable and quiet ride. Advanced noise-cancellation technologies and precisely engineered tread patterns help minimize road noise, resulting in a refined driving experience.
Additionally, Pirelli’s attention to detail extends to the tire’s construction, promoting smoothness and absorbing road imperfections, enhancing ride comfort.
Fuel Economy
In the pursuit of eco-friendliness and efficiency, Pirelli Tires have integrated fuel-saving technologies into their tire designs. By reducing rolling resistance, these tires optimize fuel economy, enabling drivers to go the extra mile while minimizing their carbon footprint.
Pirelli’s commitment to sustainable practices aligns with the growing need for environmentally conscious driving.
Price
While Pirelli Tires represent the pinnacle of tire technology, it’s essential to consider the price point. As a premium brand, Pirelli’s tires generally command a higher price than their competitors.
However, their exceptional performance, durability, and safety features make them a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize quality and high-performance driving.
Top 3 Pirelli Tires to Buy
Pirelli P Zero
- Designed for sports cars, luxury vehicles, and high-powered sedans
- Exceptional dry performance with excellent grip and precise handling
- Excellent braking performance on both dry and wet surfaces
- Reinforced sidewalls contribute to improved steering response and overall stability
- OEM on Aston Martin, Ferrari and Lamborghini
Pirelli P Zero is a high-performance tire designed for sports cars, luxury vehicles, and high-powered sedans. This flagship tire embodies Pirelli’s racing heritage, delivering outstanding dry performance while maintaining exceptional grip and responsiveness.
We have fitted these to our Jaguar and found that the tire’s advanced tread compound and innovative tread pattern provide very reassuring traction and braking performance on dry surfaces. This gives you the confidence and ability to drive faster and take corners more aggressively.
Pirelli P Zero is known for its precise and responsive steering feel, and it allows drivers to feel a direct connection with the road. The tire’s reinforced sidewalls contributed to an improvement in steering response over our previous tires as well as overall stability, enhancing the driving experience.
We were dissapointed to find that the tire does suffer with unpredictable performance when pushed harder in wet conditions. Flooring it in wet conditions left our car struggling for grip and spinning its rear wheels.
This means that we would avoid putting this on our car if we were planning on drive long distances through wet or cold conditions. It is best suited as a dry summer tire.
However it remains a popular choice among car enthusiasts and performance-oriented drivers who seek uncompromising performance and handling capabilities, especially on high performance supercars and hypercars.
While Pirelli P Zero is a premium tire with a higher price point, its exceptional performance and reputation make it a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize high-performance driving experiences.
- Exceptional dry performance on tarmac and asphalt
- Strong braking performance
- Widely available in a range of sizes
- Reinforced sidewall gives responsive and precise steering
- The performance remains throughout the life of the tire
- Tire noise increases as the tire wears
- Unpredictable when driven hard in wet conditions
- Average hydroplaning resistance
- High Price point
Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II
- Exceptional performance at all speeds
- Unbeatable performance in wet conditions
- Very comfortable and quiet ride
- Advanced rolling resistance technology
- Asymmetric tread pattern allows it to handle all conditions
The Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II is an all-season tire that excels in delivering exceptional performance and comfort across a range of weather conditions.
The Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II provides reliable traction on various road surfaces. Whether driving on dry roads or wet surfaces, the tire offers excellent grip and stability, allowing for confident handling and precise steering response. This ensures a safe and enjoyable driving experience in different weather conditions.
In terms of comfort, the Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II stands out with its exceptional ride quality. Pirelli has incorporated advanced technologies to reduce road noise and vibrations, resulting in a smooth and quiet driving experience. This makes it ideal for both long highway journeys and everyday city driving, enhancing overall driver and passenger comfort.
The tire has been designed to be averse to hydroplaning, keeping water away from the contact patch and improving wet traction. This helps to contribute towards the tire’s responsive handling and shorter braking distances.
As the tire is designed for all season and all weather conditions, we have discovered the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II to be one of the most durable tires in the Pirelli range. This durability translates into value for the investment made in these tires.
Overall, the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II offers a balanced combination of performance, comfort, safety, durability, and environmental responsibility. Its all-season capabilities, reliable traction, and quiet ride make it a popular choice for drivers seeking a versatile tire that can excel in different weather conditions while providing a comfortable and safe driving experience.
- Exceptional performance at all speeds
- Very comfortable and quiet ride
- Unrivaled performance in wet conditions
- Advanced rolling resistance technology
- Asymmetric tread pattern allows it to handle all conditions
- The performance remains throughout the life of the tire
- Designed to be used all year round
- Soft compound makes it less durable
- Average hydroplaning resistance
- Average dry braking performance on test
Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus
- Low rolling resistance
- Good aquaplaning resistance
- Strong off-road and snow performance in particular
- Aggressive shoulder design
The Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus is a rugged and versatile tire designed for off-road enthusiasts and truck/SUV owners who are looking for excellent off-road performance combined with on-road comfort.
The Scorpion All Terrain Plus delivers outstanding off-road capabilities, allowing you to tackle challenging terrains with confidence. Its aggressive tread pattern, with large, sturdy blocks and deep grooves, provides excellent traction on mud, gravel, and uneven surfaces.
Whether we were navigating through rocky trails or traversing muddy paths, this tire offered impressive grip and stability, enhancing your off-road adventures.
Despite its off-road prowess, the Scorpion All Terrain Plus doesn’t compromise on-road comfort. Pirelli has engineered this tire to deliver a smooth and comfortable ride, both on highways and city streets. It effectively absorbs bumps and road irregularities, minimizing vibrations and providing a pleasant driving experience.
The Scorpion All Terrain Plus offers good wet traction, thanks to its optimized tread design and advanced rubber compound. It effectively channels water away from the tire’s contact patch, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and maintaining grip in wet conditions. This enhances your safety and confidence, even when facing rainy or slippery road surfaces.
Durability is a strong suit of the Scorpion All Terrain Plus. It is built to withstand the rigors of off-road driving, with reinforced sidewalls and a robust construction that resists cuts and punctures. The tire’s long-lasting tread compound ensures that it can handle miles of off-road adventures without compromising performance or lifespan.
Pirelli has also taken environmental responsibility into consideration with the Scorpion All Terrain Plus. The tire incorporates eco-friendly materials and technologies that reduce rolling resistance, leading to improved fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions. This makes it a greener choice for those who prioritize sustainability.
Overall, the Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus is a reliable and capable tire that delivers excellent off-road performance while maintaining on-road comfort. Its aggressive tread design, durability, and wet traction capabilities make it a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts who seek a versatile tire that can handle diverse terrains.
- Highly capable on or off-road
- Comfortable and smooth on highways and road
- Robust and durable and able to withstand off-road driving
- Resistant to cuts and punctures
- Suitable for trucks and SUV's
- Eco-friendly materials and technologies reduce rolling resistance
- Limited Winter Performance
- Higher levels of road noise due to chunkier tread design
- Shorter Tread life when driven off road
- Pirelli brand commands higher Price point
Pirelli Customer Reviews
Very happy and will buy again!
Matty C. gave 87% while driving a Porsche 911 3.0 (265/30 R20) on mostly motorways for 6000 spirited miles
“The longevity factor is the only downside to these tires. 23K is about it before your at the bars. That is with only sporadic high performance driving. Fantastic grip wet or dry. Little noisy but I can live with that as these tires perform when asked to do so. Pricey but not as bad as Michelins with almost identical feel and stability. Putting a fresh set on this afternoon on a 911 4S. Excited to feel that confidence again when hitting the apex out of a tight corner.”
Verified buyer June 21st, 2021
Very good in the dry, but noisy
Jake A. gave 73% while driving a Mercedes Benz CLC200 (245/35 R18) on mostly motorways for 2500 average miles
“The older they get the noisier they become. Lasted for 40.000km in 3 years. Very good dry grip, but they could have better wet grip. These tires will be my second choice.”
Verified buyer March 22nd, 2018
Sporty and direct. Poor in the wet
Phillip A. gave 77% while driving a Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7 (225/35 R18) on a combination of roads for 1,000 average miles
“I recently bought a 2016 Golf GTI which came with these fitted and they are not far off new. In the dry and warm the grip is excellent, you can really lean on them and feedback is good. They are also acceptably quiet and comfortable. However they are lacking in the wet. Damp cold conditions reveals particularly poor traction and grip. They are ok in warmer wet conditions but don’t cope particularly well with standing water. Overall a good tire if you live in a warmer climate but it hasn’t got a balanced range of abilities like a newer Michelin or Goodyear equivalent.“
Verified buyer January 17th, 2017
FAQ
Are Pirelli Tire the best tires?
This is a subjective and depends on where you plan on driving. Pirelli is a renowned tire manufacturer known for its commitment to performance and quality.
They have a strong reputation in the industry and are a popular choice among drivers who prioritize high-performance and sport-oriented driving experiences.
For supercar owners who keep their cars stored away during the cold and wetter winter months and only use their cars in the summer, Pirelli P Zero tires are amongst the best you can buy.
What is the best tire brand?
The best tire brand or model will depend on a combination of factors, including performance requirements, budget, and specific driving preferences best suited to your needs.
We recommended researching and compare different tire options, read reviews, and check out our other articles to determine the most suitable choice for your specific needs.
Who is Pirelli in competition with?
Pirelli faces competition from several well-established tire manufacturers in the industry. One of its main competitors is Michelin, a global leader known for innovative technology and exceptional performance.
Bridgestone, another major player, offers a comprehensive lineup of high-quality tires for various applications.
Continental focuses on delivering performance, safety, and sustainability, while Goodyear is renowned for its reliable and high-performance tire options. Yokohama emphasizes performance, durability, and innovation in its tire offerings.
Other Pirelli Tire Reviews
Conclusion Pirelli Tire Review
Conclusion: Pirelli Tires has solidified its position as a leader in the tire industry by consistently delivering high-performance products that exceed expectations. With a rich history rooted in innovation and a commitment to quality, Pirelli has earned the trust and loyalty of drivers worldwide.
Across different performance metrics, Pirelli Tires showcase their excellence. Whether it’s the impressive dry performance, the unwavering grip in wet conditions, the reliability in snow, or the longevity and comfort they offer, Pirelli consistently stands out from the competition. Furthermore, their dedication to environmental sustainability and fuel efficiency demonstrates their forward-thinking approach.
While Pirelli Tires may come with a higher price tag, their exceptional performance, durability, and safety features make them an investment worth considering for those who value uncompromising quality on the road.
So, whether you seek the exhilaration of the P Zero, the luxurious comfort of the Cinturato P7, or the eco-conscious performance of the Scorpion All Terrain Plus, Pirelli Tires has a range of options to cater to your driving needs.