frhill

My 2014 GS with Luxury Package turned 60K recently and I decided it was time to replace the original Dunlops. My only complaint about the Dunlops was the noise and the price -- I had to replace one because a nail embedded itself near the sidewall.

My thoughts on the new Michelins after an afternoon of mixed driving is that they really changed the driving characteristics. Although the Dunlops had become quieter over time, these new Michelins are extremely quiet. Turn-in feels responsive although the Dunlops felt more direct to steering inputs. The Michelins are definitely more compliant over pavement irregularities. I felt like the Dunlops crashed over these irregularities where the Michelin absorbs them but still giving me a sense of a taut ride. I'm ready for another 60K of driving pleasure.

It's ashamed that this vehicle (3.5 liter) will be discontinued after this model year, this car has one of the best platforms I've ever driven (next to 1st gen Lincoln LS Sport). It's really hard to believe (at least for me), that Lexus believes it will satisfy the midsize luxury sport sedan market with the ES with its nose heavy bias platform. I'll be doing my best to preserve my GS until something better comes along.

bclexus

I thought Michelin replaced the Primacy tire line with the Premier line of tires. Anyway, I have had both the Michelin Primacy and Premier tires. I was pleased with the tires except for one major concern - the premature tread wear.

I pulled the Michelin Premier tires off after only 12k miles due to extreme premature [even] tire wear. I was happy with the Michelin tires except for the premature wear - I was only going to get about 20k miles from tires that are warranted for 60k miles! I installed Pirelli Cinturato P7 A/S Plus tires and have been extremely happy with the Pirelli tires...

JDR76

My GS came with these Primacy MXM4s and overall I've been pleased with them. I would probably just replace them with the same if they needed replacement.

frhill

Thanks bclexus, Good to know. I was divided between the Michelin's and Pirelli Cinturato's. We do not drive our vehicle very aggressively; however, I'll definitely replace the Michelins with Pirelli's if I only get 20K out of them.

Here's a link to the Michelins I purchased

https://www.lexustirecenter.com/app/...localBest=true

bclexus

I see in the link you provided that one person commented about the Primacy MXM4 tires: "Only have 28,000 miles on these tires and almost worn down to the wear bar. Handling is average at best." That's what I experienced, but only worse.

JDR76

For reference, I have 21k on mine and have more than half of my tread life left.

charley95

I've always been a diehard Michelin fan. Replaced the Dunlops with Michelins on my 14 RX and couldn't be happier vs. Dunlops from new. Of course I've only had them a short amount of time so time will tell. I'm definitely not a fan of the Dunlops on my 18 GS and look forward to changing brands when the time comes. Off topic here but, are you nearing end of lease on your GS? You had mentioned that you had not decided to keep it or move onto something different. Your 15 is a really nice looking car!

JDR76

Yeah, my lease is up in a few months, and thanks for the compliment.

I have a thread in car chat here about my replacement search. I'll make a thread in the GS forum when it gets a little closer and as I near a decision.

drgrant

I actually liked the stock mxm4s I had, they were quieter than the pirellis I have now. Treadlife on mxm4s on a GS is going to be like 40kish tops, though... but those tires can often be had for 800 a set or less..

charley95

Holy cow, that's a long thread you got going there. Didn't read all of it but can understand a possible change. I'd assume maybe the Stinger has more back legroom?! From the ones I've seen around they look like they have a crazy long wheelbase. Keep us posted when ya decide.Just curious have ya talked to any Kia technicians about them? Won't highjack this thread anymore, now back to tires.

JDR76

I'll PM you.

mdr2001

I have a 2013 luxury version. I replaced my original tires with Pirelli Cinturato P7 A/S Plus tires @39K miles. i was very pleased with every aspect of the tires performance, but have gotten down to 4/32nds in 24K miles. I do a daily commute of 50 miles total (mostly highway), and rotate my tires every 6000 miles. I was shocked the tires wore so quickly as I expected at least 50K out of a 70K tire. The adjustment offered by the vendor was great and I considered going with another set of the Pirelli'sbut opted for the Continental Extreme Contact DWS 06. I hope this 50K tire will get me 40K as swapping tires every 18-20 months is a bit too often for me.

I also had even wear and maintain my inflation at 33psi cold. If the Continental wear early - I will either conclude its my driving or the Houston road surfaces.

bclexus

Good to know that your tire dealer is taking care of you with the adjustment. I buy all my tires from Discount Tire and they always take good care of me with any deserved adjustments plus they offset for balancing, road hazard, etc.

mdr2001

BCLexus,

I also use Discount tire and they were more than fair in my opinion - they have been outstanding here in the Houston area.

e60bmw

iTrader: (1)

I recently replaced the old Primacys that came on my LS430 with some P7's. After putting them on it felt like a different card in a bad way with not being as smooth anymore and feeling every bump. I kept thinking it would get better but it never did. I called Discount about 3 weeks later and asked if I could swap, ended up getting the new MXM4s, and wow what a difference in ride quality. Everything felt quiet again and the ride quality improved dramatically. The p7's are probably good for a performance oriented car, but for more luxury the MXM4s are great.