- Michelin threw a cool Pattaya event to show off their Primacy 5 tires.
- They put the tires through some wild tests (wet roads, crazy turns, etc.) and Primacy 5 totally crushed the competition.
- Basically, Primacy 5 = comfy, safe AF, and great for EVs.
Michelin showcased the exceptional comfort, safety, and longevity of their Primacy 5 tires through thrilling driving experiences in Pattaya, from challenging road courses to wet track simulations. The immersive event, complete with luxurious dining and a unique sea creature release, was definitely one for the books.
DAY 1: BKK AIRPORT TO PATTAYA
We unofficially kicked off the experience by hopping on a van arranged by the Michelin team, from there it was about an hour and a half from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the calm and serene Pattaya, a coastal city on the eastern part of the country.
We were welcomed at the Renaissance Resort & Spa, one of the best hotels in Pattaya. The Michelin team greeted us with a beautiful suite and a care package laid out for us to take back home.
DAY 2: MICHELIN DRIVING AND BRAND EXPERIENCE AT THE LEGEND SIAM PATTAYA
Attendees were formally introduced to the MICHELIN PRIMACY 5 in a studio setting, complete with a photobooth (which we obviously took advantage of) for keepsakes.
The program kicked off with a short presentation, which detailed the tire’s story, advantages and edge of Michelin’s new line-up compared to other brands.
THE ROLLING RESISTANCE DEMO
Talk is cheap, so of course they had us test the PRIMACY5 through a rolling resistance demo. The demo had four courses; outside driving, wet roads testing, comfortability and longevity testing.
OUTSIDE DRIVING was basically a 40-minute drive along the wide highways of Pattaya, mountain roads, semi zigzag roads, and gravel roads to experience PRIMACY5’s adaptability first hand.
The car line-up consisted of two (2) Honda Accord RS Hybrids, a Toyota Camry Hybrid, a BYD, a Tesla Model 3, a Honda HRV and finally, a Toyota Alphard. Vehicles were randomly assigned, but we were given the chance to switch mid-way based on a lottery system
WET ROADS would have to be my favorite. We tested 3 different premium tires, including the PRIMACY5, through real-life simulations which demanded precise handling. These involved accelerating up to 60kph, then navigating sudden road hazards and sharp turns without braking– all on very wet road conditions.
I did not expect the huge gap in performance. While the other tires struggled with all the screeching, sliding and occasional slipping off course, the PRIMACY5 maintained exceptional control throughout. The PRIMACY5 offered a smooth, quiet ride even with the g-force in the cabin throwing us left to right.
COMFORTABILITY had us cruising at a steady 35kph, cruise control locked, feet off the pedal except for one little u-turn. The track had some tight corners to check for tire noise, which was virtually non-existent with the PRIMACY5– the other tires? You could hear the screech from blocks away.
In an attempt to throw us off, the next course included the same tight turns, but with a section that had iron bars embedded on the road. Over the iron bars, you could hear the slightest tire noise on the PRIMACY5, but that was pretty much it– no echo, no humming. Again, the competitor tires were practically fighting for their lives, so the slightest noise on the PRIMACY5 is nothing.
TIRE LONGEVITY was my second favorite course. The course had two identical Honda Accord RS Hybrids but each had different premium tires, one of them being the PRIMACY5, of course. Here’s the kicker: both premium tire brands were shaved to a mere 2.5mm to simulate worn out tires.
They then threw us into a timed race, which we didn’t know during. If I had known, I would have gone full Super Saiyan. This course was INSANE—starts off with a shallow water run, sharp turns, wet road u-turns, a big sweeping apex bend, and a cone-dodging finish. It was practically an obstacle course. The longevity test emphasized the PRIMACY5’s reliability and excellent handling, even with little to no tread left.
Ultimately, it was an absolute blast, a day filled with adrenaline and smiles for all attendees. The Michelin team pampered us until the very end by having golf carts whisk us away (I should mention by now that the whole course ran around 2 or more hectares) to the bougiest mobile restroom I have ever seen. I honestly thought I was back at the 5-star hotel.
To sum up the demo, I could definitely attest to the following factors that made the PRIMACY5 stand out:
- COMFORT: The PRIMACY5 definitely gives you a premium ride regardless of road conditions
- SAFETY MADE TO LAST: excellent longevity, as the tires can last 25% longer than competitors, and definitely safe on wet roads
- SUITABLE FOR EVs: combining the longevity and comfort makes this a very suitable tire for electric vehicles.
To cap off the day, in true Michelin fashion, we were taken to an actual castle for dinner. Castello de Bellagio was on point with its huge corridors, wine cellars and the luxurious setup. We were treated to a 5-course meal, starting with parma ham and melon, gambas al ajillo and a ravioli mushroom soup. For the main course, a sumptuous Australian Wagyu Steak which I will be thinking of for weeks. To finish, we had creme brulee paired with red wine.
a drink to cap off an eventful day (bottom)
DAY 3: PATTAYA EXPERIENCE, LAST DAY
The day started with a taste of local paradise, welcomed by fresh coconut juice and local pastries. The highlight was a sea release, sending sharks, crabs and fish back to their natural habitat.
After a delicious lunch at the Nitan Pattaya, we boarded a large yacht and sailed for about an hour then paused for an afternoon of water activities. We were given the chance to swim, water slide and of course, eat loads of food.
I’d say the entire experience was a huge success, all props to the Michelin team who took care of the most minute detail. We were, and still are honored to be the only Filipino media team invited to the event, surrounded by like-minded individuals all over the globe.
Thanks to the Michelin team, and our newfound friends for the experience. We’re already looking forward to the next one!
Watch the full experience on here: 4 Test Courses, 1 Verdict: Michelin Primacy 5 Tire Review in Thailand