Bridgestone Potenza RE050 Tire Review & Rating

The Potenza RE050 from Bridgestone is designed with race-proven technology that is built to deliver ultra-high performance for drivers of all types of sports cars, coupes and sedans. You’ll also find this tire as original equipment on vehicles like the supercharged Mercedes-Benz S55 AMG.

A unique high grip tread compound, featuring L.L.Carbon black for added wet surface performance and extended tire wear, is matched with a directional tread pattern for increased acceleration and cornering performance. The tire’s continuous center rib and larger tread blocks enhance steering response and tire stability throughout the speed range.

Added circumferential grooves, along with lateral grooves, channel away water from under the tread for increased wet traction. It also promotes greater resistance to hydroplaning and increases driving confidence. Bridgestone’s innovative roundness technology provides a rounder tire shape which adds more balance to the tire, as well as reducing outside road noise.

Inside the tire you will find two steel belts that is reinforced with spirally wrapped nylon for added strength and durability at higher speeds. The fabric cord body ply further increases ride comfort, while the hard rubber filler in the sidewalls enhance handling and cornering grip.

There’s also a built-in rim guard to help protect your wheels from accidental curb damage. Sizes ranging from 17-19 inches are available, and speed ratings of W and Y.

Pros

• Excellent dry traction and cornering grip
• Above average wet handling
• Steering is responsive and provides good feel
• Braking and acceleration is among better tires in this class

Cons

• Tires may get noisier as they wear
• Tread life could be better

Overall Thoughts

The RE050 is yet another member of Bridgestone’s high performance Potenza lineup that is designed to provide a high level of performance. That said, this model is not one of their best performers. Yes, it does deliver outstanding dry traction, and cornering grip is very good. The steering is responsive, and braking and acceleration are both excellent.

The bigger issues with this tire is the tread noise that gets more noticeable as the tire wears. We’ve heard numerous driver reviews saying the same things. The other area of concern is the shorter than expected tread life that drivers have complained about. Although a 140 UTQG rating says a lot about life expectancy, as well as driving habits playing a role, this tire seems to wear much quicker than normal.

Overall, this tire performs quite well for more spirited drivers, but if a longer lasting tread life and added quietness is high on your list of expectations, you might want to look at some other tires in this class.

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What Vehicles Will The RE050 Fit?

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

• BMW 330i, 530i, Z4  
• Chrysler Crossfire  
• Honda S2000, Civic  
• Infiniti G35, M45, G37  
• Lexus IS350, IS250  
• Lincoln LS  
• Mazda 3, MX-5 Miata, 6  
• Mercedes-Benz CL55, S430  
• Mitsubishi Eclipse GT  
• Nissan 370Z  
• Pontiac Grand Prix  
• Porsche Boxster, 928, 911  
• Subaru Legacy  
• Suzuki SX4  
• Toyota Camry, Tacoma, Matrix  
• Volkswagen Jetta, GTi  

Tire Sizes

17″

215/45R17 87W BLK
225/45R17 91W BLK
225/45R17 90W BLK
245/40R17 91W BLK
245/45R17 95W BLK
245/45R17 95W BLK

18″

225/40R18 88Y BLK
245/45R18 96Y BLK
245/45R18 XL 100Y BLK
255/40R18 95Y BLK
255/45R18 99Y BLK
255/45R18 99Y BLK
265/40R18 XL 101Y BLK
265/40R18 97Y BLK

19″

255/40R19 XL 100Y BLK
255/40ZR19 XL BLK
275/40R19 101Y BLK
275/40ZR19 XL BLK

Price Range

Bridgestone Potenza RE050 prices range from approximately $175 and up. You may also find occasional rebates, discount prices, coupons and special offers on this tire.

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Warranty

Bridgestone provides a limited tread warranty on the RE050. Tire uniformity is guaranteed for the first 1/32 inch of wear. Materials and workmanship are warranted for 5-years and include free replacement during the first 3-years. A prorated amount is given for the remaining time period or down to the final 2/32 inch of tread depth.

There is also a 30-day buy and try guarantee that allows you to refund or exchange the tires in the event you are not completely satisfied.