Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ Tire Review & Rating
As the latest addition to their high performance all-season lineup, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+ is arguably their best yet. Released in March 2016, this new UHP all-season tire is built for drivers of sports cars, coupes and sedans who are looking to get more dry and wet traction, cornering grip and performance from their tires.
Michelin uses a Helio+ compound that is also infused with higher amounts of silica, which is matched up to an aggressive asymmetric tread pattern, which was inspired by the best-selling Pilot Super Sport summer tire, for enhanced year-round dry and wet traction and handling. Michelin’s Variable Contact Patch 3.0 technology reduces heat distortion and combines with the tread design for increased cornering grip and responsiveness throughout the speed range. This is a major strength for the AS 3 Plus. If you’re a spirited driver, you will enjoy the handling and grip this tire provides.
Michelin uses extreme amounts of silica in the tread compound that are matched up to larger circumferential grooves and variable thickness sipes, which result in outstanding wet traction, braking and acceleration.
In fact, Michelin claims in their testing that this model has proven to stop shorter on dry or wet road surfaces than other leading tires such as the Continental DWS06, Bridgestone RE970AS Pole Position, Goodyear F1 Asymmetric All-Season and several other leading tires. That says a lot right there about the kind of traction you can expect to find.
The Helio+ Compound that is used and the unique biting edges in the tread grooves aid in delivering 28% better snow traction than the older Pilot Sport A/S3. This is a noticeable improvement that gives this tire similar winter performance as you find on the Continental DWS06.
Michelin offers a wide range of 16-20 inch sizes in the Pilot Sport A/S3 Plus, and all models feature either a W or Y-speed rating. A 45K mile tread warranty is also included on this model.
Pros
Outstanding dry and wet traction
Steering response
Cornering grip and stability
Ride comfort
Treadlife
Cons
Bump up the ride comfort slightly
Overall Thoughts
While the older Pilot Sport A/S3 was a solid upper half of the class performing tire, this new A/S3 Plus is now arguably among the best in the ultra-high performance all-season category. It simply checks all the right boxes in what you want from this type of tire, and it excels at each one of them. There’s really not a lot more that we can add without sounding like we work for Michelin.
We like how Michelin paid attention to one of the most frequent complaints regarding the older A/S3… poor winter performance. This new model delivers much better traction, braking and acceleration on snow and ice. It’s obvious the company engineers spent a good deal of time in this area and the results are noticeable.
Ride comfort is good but not great. This is clearly a tire that is geared more towards the traction/cornering/response end of the scale than the comfort end. That said, it works very well in this case and we’ve not heard any real complaints from others up to this point as well.
Overall, if you’re looking to increase the performance of your sport coupe or luxury sedan, this is one of the better available today. It delivers as advertised and is highly recommended.
What Vehicles Will The Michelin A/S 3 Plus Fit?
(This is not a complete list of ALL vehicles this tire will fit)
- Acura TL, RL, RSX
- Audi A6, A4, A8L, TT
- BMW 135i, 545i, 550i, 750Li, M5, M3, 330i
- Buick Regal, Lucerne
- Chevrolet Corvette, Impala, Monte Carlo SS, Camaro, Cobalt, Cruze, Malibu
- Chrysler 200
- Dodge Charger, Avenger, Challenger
- Ford Mustang GT, Fusion, Focus, Explorer, Contour
- Honda Civic, CRZ
- Hyundai Sonata, Veloster
- Jaguar XKR, XK8
- Lexus GS350, GS430, IS300, LS460L
- Lincoln LS
- Mazda3, RX-8, Miata
- Mercedes-Benz E550, SL55, SL500, SLK320, CLK430
- Mercury Milan
- Nissan 370Z, Maxima
- Pontiac GTO, G8, G6, Grand Prix, Trans Am
- Scion tC
- Subaru Legacy, Outback, Impreza, BRZ
- Volkswagen Jetta, CC Sport, Passat, GTi
Tire Sizes
16″
225/50ZR16 92Y BSW
205/55ZR16 91Y BSW
17″
245/40ZR17 91Y BSW
255/40ZR17 94Y BSW
205/45ZR17 84W BSW
215/45ZR17/XL 91W BSW
225/45ZR17/XL 94Y BSW
235/45ZR17/XL 97Y BSW
245/45ZR17/XL 99Y BSW
205/50ZR17/XL 93Y BSW
215/50ZR17/XL 95W BSW
225/50ZR17 94W BSW
235/50ZR17 96Y BSW
235/55ZR17 99W BSW
18″
245/35ZR18/XL 92Y BSW
255/35ZR18/XL 94Y BSW
265/35ZR18/XL 97Y BSW
275/35ZR18 95Y BSW
285/35ZR18 97Y BSW
205/40ZR18/XL 86W BSW
215/40ZR18 85Y BSW
225/40ZR18/XL 92Y BSW
235/40ZR18/XL 95Y BSW
245/40ZR18/XL 97Y BSW
255/40ZR18 95Y BSW
275/40ZR18 99Y BSW
285/40ZR18 101Y BSW
215/45ZR18/XL 93Y BSW
225/45ZR18/XL 95Y BSW
245/45ZR18/XL 100Y BSW
255/45ZR18 99Y BSW
225/50ZR18 95W BSW
235/50ZR18 97Y BSW
19″
275/30ZR19/XL 96Y BSW
285/30ZR19/XL 98Y BSW
225/35ZR19/XL 88Y BSW
245/35ZR19/XL 93Y BSW
255/35ZR19/XL 96Y BSW
265/35ZR19/XL 98Y BSW
275/35ZR19 96Y BSW
285/35ZR19/XL 103Y BSW
225/40ZR19/XL 93Y BSW
245/40ZR19/XL 98Y BSW
255/40ZR19/XL 100Y BSW
265/40ZR19 98W BSW
275/40ZR19 101Y BSW
285/40ZR19 103Y BSW
225/45ZR19/XL 96Y BSW
245/45ZR19 98Y BSW
255/45ZR19 100Y BSW
245/50ZR19/XL 105W BSW
20″
285/30ZR20/XL 99Y BSW
255/35ZR20/XL 97Y BSW
275/35ZR20/XL 102Y BSW
285/35ZR20 100W BSW
245/45ZR20/XL 103Y BSW
255/45ZR20 101Y BSW
Price Range
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus prices range from approximately $165 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discount prices, coupons and special offers on this tire.
Warranty
Michelin provides a 6-year or 45,000 mile tread warranty on the A/S 3+. Mileage is reduced by half if different sizes are used on front than on rear. Tire uniformity is guaranteed for the first year or first 2/32 inch of wear.
Materials and workmanship are warranted for 6-years and include free replacement during the first year or first 2/32 inch of wear. A prorated amount is given for the remaining time period or down to the final 2/32 inch of tread depth.
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An update now at 27,524 miles on the 245/40/18 Michelin A/S3+, with 19,817 miles consisting of fast country backroads runs during weekdays only, 10am-2pm weather permitting. The A/S3+ have performed very well, as compared to other tires we have been running on fast back roads the past 38 years. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S All Weather 245/40/18 have been purchased (the A/S3+ is no longer available, discontinued by Michelin) and placed on a new set of Neuspeed RSe10 18×8.5 wheels, identical to the current wheels fitted with the A/S3+ tires. I’ll report on the Pilot Sport 4S tires performance after we’ve spent some time running them.
AN UPDATE
Now at 20,516 miles of which 14,774 miles are fast country back road runs, with the Michelin A/S3+ 245/40/18 tires which have performed very well, but will be replaced shortly with new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 245/40/18 tires on new 18×8.5 inch Neuspeed RSe10 wheels, allowing the current Neuspeed wheels to be fitted with tires replacing the A/S3+ tires.
The RS 3 continues to amaze us as we continue to learn and understand its capabilities, makinrg our weekly country back road runs. Enjoying the country and the Audi RS 3!
I own a 2015 Corvette Z-51 with 16,000 miles on it . We do 100 % touring driving. Does Michelin tries have a quiet touring tire for me to buy?? Thanks much.
I have the R20s on my Volvo S90 and absolutely hate them. Road noise has been loud from the beginning and after 35,000 miles they are needing replacement. I’m going back to Continental.
Is anyone else curious that they’re not directional but are labeled “outside”. Tread pattern would be reversed side to side and water pumping would probably be different also
I’m on my second set of Pilot Sport AS3+ On my G35 Sport Sedan, and yes they are a bit noisy at specific speed/road conditions but the traction on wet and dry and how the car handles the pavements it’s phenomenal,I will buy them again and again.
Now at 27,270 miles on these tires, of which 19,634 miles have been fast country back roads runs during week days only, their performance has been highly satisfactory indeed. Another set of 245/40/18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S also on Neuspeed RSe10 18×8.5 wheels are awaiting installation on our Audi soon, as the A/S3+ are very near the end of their service life.
Put A/S3+ 245/40/18 on our 2019 Audi RS 3, sold to us with ‘Summer Only’ tires in Jan. 2019 a take it or leave it Audo position! We took it, putting Continental 19″ DWS 06’s on it until we had a chance to investigate excellent all weather 18″ tires/wheels. Bought 18″ Neuspeed RSE10 wheels fitted with Michelin AS3+ and they are simply great, running our W VA backroads thgat we’ve been running for the past 35 years! A great wheel/tire combination that should have come on the Audi RS 3 as the factory configuration, truly allowing the Audi to deliver on on all of its capabilities!
Hey Alex and others,
I have a 2015 Genesis 3.8 liter V6 with Michelin Primacy MXM4. I have 18, 092 original miles on them and they are down to the wear bars. 2/32 in the front and 3/32 in the rear. I had the same ones on my Lexus. I have had Continentals, Pirellis, Yokohama’s and None of the tires ever make it to the warranty mark. Michelin’s are the very WORST offender of this fact, but they make a great tire. I can always tell the difference between any other tire brand and Michelin’s. It’s kind of a love/hate relationship with the tires. You pick one that will give you a great ride and handle corners on rails and it always comes down to Michelin’s. Can anyone recommend a tire for my Geni to replace these with? I’m looking for any tire that will give me a great ride and handle the summer heat! I live in Palm Desert, California and the summers get to 118 and above some weeks. Anyone tried the Conti extreme contact sports and have good things to say? I’m all ears? I’m leaning to the Conti’s over Michelin’s this time!
Interesting that some say these tire are noisy. I find them very quiet. I had A/S 3+ on Infinity Q50 RS with staggered setup. After 29K miles replaced them with Bridgestone Potenza S-04. The noise from Bridgestone tires is horrendous. I decided to return Bridgestone and get another set of A/S 3+. I guess the noise is very subjective and depend what you are comparing to. For my wheel size and staggered setup the choice is limited to performance tires. I cannot get touring tires, which presumably should be less noisy.
As far as wear is concerned, I have a heavy foot and my car is quite powerful. As I mentioned in drove 29K on A/S 3+, which is very good considering that staggered tires cannot be rotated.
I just had Lexus install Pilot Sport a/s 3+ on my 2014 IS350 AWD. They are very noisy and while they drive very well and handling is excellent, I would never buy them again. The noise starts at 40 kph and varies and worsens as speed increases. It is barely tolerable. Sad to say.
Another data point on tire wear for folks. I have 235/45-17 on all corners. I have 7/32 remaining after 16k miles.
If my wear rate holds up, I’ll be at 2/32 at 42.7k miles, a little before the 45k warranty expectation.
Vehicle: 2007 Lexus IS 250 RWD. Tire: Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 Plus, 255/40R18 95Y SL BSW (Rear, Staggered Fitment). Start Mileage: 68,632. Mileage today: 72,388. These tires ride very well but their wear rate is just horrible. I have never had tires that wear this fast. The thread depth when new was 10 32nds. Today, after just 3,756 miles the TD is down to 8 32nds on both sides. So this means that the wear rate is 1,878 miles per 1 32nd, which in turn means that the tires will reach 3 32nds after just 13,146 miles. This is 31,854 miles short of the expected 45,000 mile warranty. Because I have a staggered setup, Michelin will only honor half the warranty. Size: 255/40R18 95Y SL BSW. I have purchased Michelin for many years, but my loyalty is starting to fade. Our driving style is not aggressive at all. For some several years I continue to read reviews where people complain about Michelin tires wear rate being excessive.
I am certainly not seeing such a rapid rate of wear with our 245/40/18 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 now at 28,745 miles with 20,696 being fast country back roads use, typically 3 days a week weather permitting, in our 2019 Audi RS 3 running Neuspeed 18×8.5 allow wheels. Your Michelin tire wear rate is certainly not typical of what we’ve experienced, or others we know that have also experienced A/S3 wear during extensive country back road use.