Pirelli P Zero

Test reports — summarized by us for you

• Auto Zeitungexemplary (1,1)

  Conclusion: Outstanding in the wet and great in the dry, the sport P Zero convinces and deserves to win the test. | Note: Ranked 1st out of 14

  2011 Auto Zeitung Max Performance tyre test · 225/45 R17
• Tyre Reviewsexemplary (1,1)

  Conclusion: Overall the P Zero demonstrated a consistently strong showing in all the tests, other than rolling resistance where it finished last. | Note: Ranked 1st out of 10

  2012 EVO Summer tyre test · 225/45 R17
• exemplary (1,1)

  Conclusion: Sensitive steering, but also very agile and very neutral on the limit - this is the Pirelli P Zero on both wet and dry surfaces. Couple that with extremely strong braking, the P Zero wins the test. | Note: Ranked 1st out of 9

  2012 Sport Auto Summer tyre test · 235/35 R19
• exemplary (1,1)

  Conclusion: Testing highlighted very high grip and shot braking distances on wet roads, good handling in all conditions, good comfort, and low rolling resistance. Drawbacks included relatively low resistance to aquaplaning. | Note: Ranked 1st out of 7

  2015 Sport Auto 235 35 R19 UHP tyre test · 235/35 R19
• exemplary (1,1)

  Conclusion: The Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 provided a very positive road ride experience, absorbing most impacts, smoothing over bumps, and keeping the cabin exceptionally quiet with no strong tread noise. The steering was natural and responsive—quick but not over-eager. This intuitive nature carried over to the wet track, where the steering was effortlessly natural to use, even at the limit, and was well-matched to the tire's grip level. The tire felt balanced, with the front and rear axles working in union, making it the most pleasant to drive in the wet. On the dry track, these traits remained, and it added top objective lap times to its accomplishments. In winter conditions, the P Zero AS Plus 3 was not quite as confidence-inspiring. While the steering remained responsive, the tire felt like it wanted to be driven with the rear axle, and its ceiling for functional traction was lower than other tires in the test. | Note: Ranked 1st out of 9

  2024 Tire Rack UHP All Season Tyre Test · 225/45 R18
• AutoViewexemplary (1,1)

  Conclusion: The Pirelli P Zero AS Plus 3 took the overall win on consistent top-three finishes across every category. It tied for the lowest measured noise, posted the top subjective noise score, recorded the longest coasting distance, and tied for the fastest lane-change speed. Drawbacks included the Pirelli did not lead any single test outright — each individual category was won by another tire. Weight is mid-pack. | Note: Ranked 1st out of 5

  2025 AutoView Ultra High Performance All-Season Tyre Test · 245/40R19
• Tyre Reviewsexemplary (1,1)

  Conclusion: The Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 excelled in snow performance, winning all snow tests and offering excellent wet and dry handling. Drawbacks included it had a slightly higher rolling resistance compared to the Michelin, finishing behind by 1.8%, which is a minor drawback. | Note: Ranked 1st out of 6

  Best Performance Winter Tyres 2025 · 235/35 R19 91V
• exemplary (1,3)

  Conclusion: Placed 3rd in Auto Bild's 2023 summer tyre market overview. | Note: Ranked 3rd out of 48

  2023 Summer Tyre Market Overview · 225/45 R18
• Tyre Reviewsexemplary (1,4)

  Conclusion: Testing highlighted very short stopping distances, excellent handling and predictable behavior at the limit of grip on wet surfaces, and good handling and safe execution of the emergency maneuver in the dry. | Note: Ranked 2nd out of 14

  2015 AZ 225 40 R18 Summer tyre test · 225/40 R18
• exemplary (1,4)

  Conclusion: Placed 4th in Auto Bild's 2019 summer 53 tyre braking shootout. | Note: Ranked 4th out of 45

  2019 Summer 53 Tyre Braking Shootout · 225/45 R17
• exemplary (1,5)

  Conclusion: Top tires balanced sports handling qualities. Good steering response with good feedback and dynamic driving performance on dry roads. Shortest stopping distances on wet and dry roads. Drawbacks included average reserves to aquaplaning. | Note: Ranked 2nd out of 10

  2011 Autobild Max Performance Summer tyre test · 225/40 R18
• Tyre Reviewsexemplary (1,5)

  Conclusion: Whilst being a relatively old pattern, the updated P Zero put in a very strong performance in the key wet and dry handling tests. Often the only tire to get close to the Continental in outright grip. | Note: Ranked 2nd out of 10

  2014 EVO Max Performance Summer tyre test · 225/45 R17
• Auto Reviewgood (1,6)

  Conclusion: Testing highlighted great grip and handling in wet and dry conditions. Drawbacks included low resistance to curved aquaplaning. | Note: Ranked 2nd out of 9

  2011 Autoreview Max Performance Summer tyre test · 235/35 R19
• Auto Reviewgood (1,6)

  Conclusion: Testing highlighted dry handling, strong sidewalls, and wet grip. Drawbacks included poor comfort and low resistance to aquaplaning. | Note: Ranked 2nd out of 9

  2015 Auto Review Summer tyre test · 225/45 R17
• good (1,6)

  Conclusion: Testing highlighted very balanced tire and good in wet and dry conditions. | Note: Ranked 3rd out of 16

  2016 ADAC tyre test 225 45 R17 · 225/45 R17
• Auto Expressgood (1,6)

  Conclusion: Placed 2nd in Auto Express's 2016 auto express summer tyre test. | Note: Ranked 2nd out of 9

  2016 Auto Express Summer tyre test · 225/40 R18
• good (1,8)

  Conclusion: The Pirelli P Zero is an excellent all round tire with very balanced scoring and handling. | Note: Ranked 2nd out of 7

  2011 Sport Auto Max Performance Summer tyre test · 245/40 R18
• Tyre Reviewsgood (1,8)

  Conclusion: Excellent dry handling, good braking, and good comfort. Strong performance in both wet and dry conditions. Drawbacks included price per mile is higher than some competitors. | Note: Ranked 2nd out of 7

  2023 tyre Reviews UHP All Season tyre test · 275/40 R20 106Y
• Tyre Reviewsgood (1,9)

  Conclusion: Placed 3rd in Tyre Reviews's 2014 ace summer tyre test. | Note: Ranked 3rd out of 11

  2014 ACE Summer tyre test · 225/45 R17
• Auto Expressgood (2,0)

  Conclusion: The Pirelli P Zero just missed out on the top spot due to a high rolling resistance and average dry lap pace - however the P Zero was the clear winner in the wet tests, half a second quicker than the next closest tire and stopping a meter shorter than any other tire in the wet braking. A strong construction made the tire dynamically stable and a joy to drive on. | Note: Ranked 3rd out of 10

  2011 Auto Express Ultra High Performance tyre test · 225/45 R17
• Tyre Reviewsgood (2,0)

  Conclusion: The P Zero managed to combine best in test wet braking, with the third fastest dry times, earning it third place overall. | Note: Ranked 3rd out of 10

  2015 EVO Magazine Performance tyre test · 225/40 R18
• Tyre Reviewsgood (2,0)

  Conclusion: Highly Recommended | Note: Ranked 4th out of 14

  2016 GTU Performance Summer tyre test · 225/45 R17
• Auto Zeitunggood (2,0)

  Conclusion: Once again the Pirelli P Zero, this time in the PZ4 S.C. version, can establish itself at the forefront with its dynamic talents and its meticulously balanced steering characteristics. Level on points with Goodyear. | Note: Ranked 3rd out of 10

  2023 AZ UHP Summer Tyre Test · 235/35 R19 91Y
• Tyre Reviewsgood (2,1)

  Conclusion: Shadowing the 2nd place Goodyear in most of the test, the Pirelli has excellent handling in both the dry and wet and gives a surprisingly quiet and comfortable ride. Drawbacks included poor result in the aquaplaning test. | Note: Ranked 3rd out of 9

  2010 EVO FWD tyre test · 235/35 R19
• good (2,5)

  Conclusion: Testing highlighted excellent wet and dry handling, precise steering with good feedback, and short stopping distances in the wet and dry. Drawbacks included average mileage and high fuel use. | Note: Ranked 8th out of 20

  2019 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test · 225/45 R17 94Y
• satisfactory (2,6)

  Conclusion: Placed 20th in Auto Bild's 2025 summer tyre test shootout. | Note: Ranked 20th out of 52

  2025 Summer Tyre Test Shootout · 225/40 R18
• Auto Expresssatisfactory (2,7)

  Conclusion: The Pirelli P Zero won the test back in 2008, which makes it the oldest pattern on test. Naturally there have been updates to the tire during its life, and they show. In the top 3 for all the handling, cornering and braking tests, the P Zero shows its sports car pedigree. The tire also managed to be the second quietest. Only let down by a poor rolling resistance and finishing last in the curved aquaplaning test, the P Zero is still a strong tire, all these years on. | Note: Ranked 5th out of 11

  2015 Auto Express tyre test · 225/45 R17
• Tyre Reviewssatisfactory (2,7)

  Conclusion: Testing highlighted (Original P Zero) short stopping distances and good handling on wet surfaces. Drawbacks included (Original P Zero) Poor resistance to aquaplaning and high noise level. | Note: Ranked 6th out of 13

  2016 test World Performance tyre test · 225/40 R18
• Tyre Reviewssatisfactory (2,8)

  Conclusion: Slightly ahead of the Bridgestone, the Pirelli P Zero offered a good all round performance - not the best in any test but usually in the top half in every test. | Note: Ranked 5th out of 10

  2012 EVO Max Performance tyre test · 235/40 R18
• satisfactory (2,8)

  Conclusion: Testing highlighted balanced safe handling on wet and dry roads and quick steering response with good accuracy. Drawbacks included relatively weak aquaplaning resistance, high rolling resistance, and high level of noise. | Note: Ranked 4th out of 8

  2016 Sport Auto UHP Summer tyre test · 235/40 R18
• Auto Expresssatisfactory (2,8)

  Conclusion: The strongest tires in dry and wet braking, excellent in wet handling. Sporty steering feel and handling. Drawbacks included poor aquaplaning tests and highest rolling resistance. | Note: Ranked 5th out of 10

  2018 Auto Express Summer tyre test · 225/45 R17
• Auto Expresssatisfactory (3,1)

  Conclusion: Placed 6th in Auto Express's 2010 auto express ultra high performance tyre test. | Note: Ranked 6th out of 11

  2010 Auto Express Ultra High Performance tyre test · 225/45 r18
• satisfactory (3,1)

  Conclusion: Placed 25th in Auto Bild's 2020 tyre market overview braking test. | Note: Ranked 25th out of 49

  2020 Tyre Market Overview Braking Test · 245/45 R18
• Tyre Reviewssatisfactory (3,4)

  Conclusion: Placed 7th in Tyre Reviews's 2018 ace 235 45 r18 summer tyre test. | Note: Ranked 7th out of 11

  2018 Ace 235 45 R18 Summer tyre test · 235/45 R18
• adequate (3,7)

  Conclusion: While the P Zero pattern is starting to show its age, it's still an excellent wet weather tire. Quick steering with lots of feedback in the dry leaves the Mercedes a little twitchy at the limit. Average aquaplaning result. | Note: Ranked 7th out of 10

  2013 Sport Auto Max Performance Summer tyre test · 225/40 R18
• Tyre Reviewsadequate (3,8)

  Conclusion: No comments | Note: Ranked 8th out of 11

  2011 AMS Ultra High Performance tyre test · 225/45 R17
• adequate (3,8)

  Conclusion: The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 AO (Audi OE version which means it shouldn't have really been in this test) offered good driving dynamics with short stopping distances and secure handling on dry surfaces, showing its sporty heritage. However, it disappointed somewhat in wet conditions with less grip and weaker aquaplaning performance than expected from a premium tire, especially considering its high price of €448. Its significantly restricted mileage of just 28,120 kilometers and high purchase price resulted in the poorest cost performance in the test at €15.93 per 1000 kilometers. Despite these limitations, its dry performance and brand reputation earned it a "satisfactory" rating. | Note: Ranked 14th out of 20

  2025 Auto Bild Summer Performance Tyre Test · 225/40 R18 92Y
• Tyre Reviewsadequate (4,0)

  Conclusion: The previous generation Pirelli P Zero performed excellently in the wet lap time, but struggled in the dry both objectively and subjectively with the tire dropping off be nearly one second between the first and second lap. | Note: Ranked 7th out of 9

  2016 EVO Summer Performance tyre test · 235/35 R19
• Auto Expresspoor (4,6)

  Conclusion: Ninth place for the P Zero, test winner in 2008, shows how quickly the premium tires develop. The P Zero still felt planted in the wet with no rear movement, and scored well in wet braking and cornering, but finished extremely poorly in the aquaplaning tests, placing ninth and last in curved and straight aquaplaning respectively. In the dry the car felt stable and well balanced, but it was only sixth fastest and finished ninth in dry braking. Noisy and high rolling resistance meant Pirelli could only manage ninth, behind much cheaper rivals. | Note: Ranked 9th out of 10

  2013 Auto Express Summer tyre test · 225/45 R17
• poor (5,0)

  Conclusion: Testing highlighted composed road manners and handling. Drawbacks included we'd reduce the tread noise somewhat. | Note: Ranked 4th out of 4

  2011 Tirerack Max Performance Summer tyre test · 225/45 R17
• Tyre Reviewspoor (5,0)

  Conclusion: Testing highlighted quick steering and confident dry handling. Drawbacks included longer dry and wet braking distances, limited snow traction, and lower levels of comfort. | Note: Ranked 4th out of 4

  2022 UHP All Season tyre test · 245/40 R18 97Y