Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Tire Review & Rating

Designed to deliver maximum summer performance, the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A is one of the more popular tires in the company’s lineup. Built for drivers of all makes and models of sports cars, coupes and sedans, the RE050A has also been used as original equipment on vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG, while the run flat version has been found on BMW Z4 and 5-Series vehicles.

A high-performance tread compound that features L.L.Carbon for increased tire wear and improved wet handling capabilities, combines with an asymmetric tread pattern and larger tread blocks for increased dry traction and cornering grip, which is a strong point for this tire. Steering response is enhanced through the tire’s continuous center rib and hard reinforced sidewall supports.

Wider circumferential and numerous lateral grooves around the tread provide increased traction and handling on wet pavement. The grooves channel away water from under the tire and reduce the risk of hydroplaning. Bridgestone has also added a unique inner shoulder circumferential rib that works to cut down on road noise, while giving the tire better wear characteristics.

Inside the tire you will find two steel belts that are nylon wrapped for added strength and stability throughout the speed range. A fabric cord body increases ride quality, and Bridgestone has included a rim protector that helps prevent damage to your expensive wheels. Sizes are available from 17-22 inches and speed ratings up to a Y.

Pros

• Exceptional dry traction and cornering performance   
• Steering response   
• Ride comfort   

Cons

• Treadlife   
• Tires can get noisy as they wear   
• Wet traction could be better   

Overall Thoughts

The RE050A gives you a kind of love/hate feeling. When you drive on dry pavement you fall in love with the traction and cornering grip this tire provides. It’s exceptional and a lot of fun to be sure. The steering is crisp and responsive, while ride comfort is not that bad either.

The negatives though are the reduced traction on wet road surfaces. Though not all that bad by any means, you have to be mindful when driving on wet roads and slow down a bit more than normal. In addition, these tires tend to be a little more noisy than others in this class, but that may not be a big issue for you. Tread life is another area we would like to see improved. We’ve heard other drivers say some of the same things about this model.

Overall, we rank this tire around the upper middle of the pack for high performance summer tires. While not a bad choice, tires like the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S or Continental ExtremeContact Sport are better options in our opinion.

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What Vehicles Will The Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Fit?

(This is not a complete list of ALL vehicles this tire will fit)

• Acura RSX, NSX   
• Audi A4, TT, S6   
• BMW 650i, 335i, M3   
• Cadillac CTS   
• Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro   
• Chrysler Crossfire   
• Ferrari F430, 456M GT   
• Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, Focus ZX3   
• Hyundai Genesis   
• Infiniti G35, M37, G37, M45   
• Jaguar XK8   
• Lexus GS300, IS350   
• Mazda MX-5 Miata, MazdaSpeed3, RX-8, MazdaSpeed6   
• Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG, E430   
• Nissan 350Z, 370Z, Altima, Maxima GLE   
• Pontiac G8, Grand Prix GXP, GTO   
• Porsche Cayman, 911, Boxster   
• Subaru Legacy, Impreza WRX Sedan   

Tire Sizes

17″

205/45R17 84V BLK
205/45R17 84W BLK
225/50R17 94W BLK

18″

215/45R18 93Y BLK
215/45R18 89Y BLK
225/40R18 92Y BLK
225/40R18 92Y BLK
225/45R18 91W BLK
225/45ZR18 91W BLK
225/45ZR18 91W BLK
225/45ZR18 91W BLK
P225/50R18 94W BLK
225/50R18 95W BLK
225/50R18 95W BLK
235/40R18 91Y BLK
235/40ZR18 91Y BLK
235/45R18 94Y BLK
245/40R18 93W BLK
245/40R18 93Y BLK
245/40R18 93Y BLK
245/40R18 93Y BLK
245/45R18 96W BLK
245/45R18 96W BLK
245/45R18 96V BLK
245/45R18 96W BLK
255/40ZR18 95W BLK
255/40R18 95Y BLK
255/40R18 99Y BLK
P255/45R18 99V BLK
255/45R18 99Y BLK
265/40R18 101Y BLK
265/40ZR18 101Y BLK
275/40R18 99Y BLK
285/35ZR18 97W BLK
295/35R18 99Y BLK
295/35R18 99Y BLK
295/35ZR18 99Y BLK
295/35R18 99Y BLK

19″

225/35R19 84Y BLK
225/40R19 89Y BLK
225/40R19 89Y BLK
225/40ZR19 89W BLK
225/40R19 93Y BLK
225/45R19 96W BLK
225/45R19 92W BLK
235/35R19 87Y BLK
235/35ZR19 87Y BLK
235/40R19 92Y BLK
235/40R19 96Y BLK
245/40R19 94Y BLK
245/40R19 94Y BLK
245/40R19 98W BLK
245/40ZR19 94W BLK
245/40R19 94W BLK
245/40R19 94W BLK
245/40R19 94W BLK
245/40ZR19 94Y BLK
245/40ZR19 94Y BLK
245/40R19 94Y BLK
255/35R19 92Y BLK
255/35R19 92Y BLK
255/35R19 96Y BLK
255/35R19 96Y BLK
255/35R19 96Y BLK
265/35R19 94Y BLK
265/35R19 94W BLK
265/35R19 94Y BLK
265/35R19 94Y BLK
275/35ZR19 96W BLK
275/35R19 96Y BLK
285/30R19 98Y BLK
285/35R19 99Y BLK
285/35ZR19 99Y BLK
285/40ZR19 103Y BLK
285/40R19 103Y BLK
295/30R19 100Y BLK
295/30ZR19 100Y BLK
305/30R19 98Y BLK
305/30R19 102Y BLK
305/30ZR19 102Y BLK

20″

245/35R20 91Y BLK
245/40R20 95W BLK
265/35R20 99Y BLK
285/35R20 100Y BLK

21″

245/35R21 96W BLK
255/30R21 93W BLK
285/30R21 100W BLK
295/25R21 96W BLK

22″

255/30R22 95W BLK
265/30R22 97W BLK
295/25R22 97W BLK

Price Range

Bridgestone Potenza RE050A prices range from approximately $177 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discount prices, coupons and special offers on this tire.

Click Here To Find Lowest Prices On All Bridgestone Potenza RE050A Sizes

Warranty

Bridgestone provides a limited tread warranty on the RE050A. Tire uniformity is guaranteed for the first 1/32 inch of wear. Materials and workmanship are backed for 5-years and include free replacement during the first 3 years. A prorated amount is given for the remaining time period or until the final 2/32 inch of tread depth. Bridgestone also provides a 30-day buy and try guarantee where you can refund or exchange the tires if you are not satisfied.