It is early fall and needed to changed out of my summer performance tires into something more compatible with the cooler autumn temps. The Michelin Pilot Sport AS3 promised great handling and ride quality with all-season capability. Driving a sports car on summer performance tires can really spoil you when it comes to handling expectations and I can happily report that these tires do live up to the hype. The turn in and responsiveness is incredible considering that it's an all season tire. The wet traction is remarkable. They were very well composed with zero hydroplaning issues at highway speeds in a couple of very hard rain storms. I did drive them on a very icy morning and while, not nearly as capable as a winter tire, I found them to be very stable and predictable when dealing with the slippery over passes. Treadwear is still an unknown but, so far I am impressed. Well done Michelin, you have a winner with the new Pilot Sport AS3 and I would highly recommend them. I can't wait to see how they do in the snow. #PSAS3

Now these are all-season tires and I have no misconceptions about these PSAS3's vs. a true winter tires but, I am going to give these a run in the first couple of snows unless they are predicting several inches of the fluffy stuff or more. I already have a set of winter tires on another set of wheels in my garage ready to go.

 

After several weeks and miles on these PSAS3's I now have a better feel for them especially considering a couple of recent snow events we have had in our area. In the dry these tires continue to impress me with their almost, performance tire, feel and grip even in cooler temps. The wet grip is equally impressive with very little hydroplaning or loss of traction. The steering response and communicative nature really allow you to push them a little harder than any other all-season tires I have driven as witnessed by a fine gentleman with flashing lights on top of his car. We discussed their grip and ability at length on the side of the road. Thankfully, I did not leave that meeting with any papers explaining what he thought about my exploring their ability and limits.

The snow and ice traction is pretty much what I thought it would be. While, they were able to plod through the snow, the level of snow and ice grip was only, what I would consider, somewhat acceptable. I was able to get moving as their forward bite was adequate but, I found myself sliding sideways and counter steering at anything close to moderate throttle applications. Braking in the snow was better than I expected as was lateral grip.

I really enjoy driving these Pilot Sport AS3's in most conditions but, if you live in an area that sees real winter conditions with moderate to significant snowfall and icy conditions you can get through with these but, they will not deliver true confidence inspiring winter traction and performance. I would say that they are, all in all, a very good all-season tire and the less winter weather you see the better you will like them.

Simply put, in the snow and ice they are acceptable, not exceptional but, the dry and wet performance delivered is pretty impressive #PSAS3

 

I just purchased the Michelin Sport A/S3 tires for my 2010 E550 replacing the Pirelli P-Zero Nero A/S tires that were original equipment on my car. We have had 3inches of snow overnight twice this week with temps ranging from zero to 25 degrees. The Michelin's handled the wet slushy conditions much better than the Pirelli tires did when new. Traction with the Michelin's was good and breaking exceptional, but I had to be careful when starting out or I would spin the rear tires. I have rear drive drive and the torque of the 550 engine needs to be restrained in the snow. As mentioned by Luke of Tire Rack, these are not snow tires and should not be relied on in heavy snow. That said, these are the best A/S tires I have owned to date and I am very pleased with their performance in light snow.

 

ok on snow,but how about ride comfort & noise?

 

So i just installed my set on my e55. I must say huge difference in ride comfort and noise from my last set Hankook V12s. Car rides great real smooth. And definitely a lot quieter.

They grip very well that was the one thing i was worried about. Great Tire.

 

Thx for the input. Am ordering mine today.

 

Luke, I have a 2011 s550 4matic and wondering about how harsh the ride is on the As3? currently have the continental ProContact. also, how many miles do you have on yours now and have they gotten loud? Not sure what to buy. thanks.

 

I just replaced the same Continental with the Michelin A/S 3+ on a S550, which is the new version that just came out under a year ago of this tire. I even went up from a 19" to a 20" and it rides great and super smooth. Luke, what do you think of the new + version??

 

Well I replaced my Yokahoma summer tires with Michellin all seasons could not be happier. The ride quality that was great with the summer tires is at another level going with the all seasons. Also is it normal for my mileage to increase after the tire change? Summer tire never displayed over 277 miles and after around 300 miles on the all season my max mileage now shows 291 not much but I am happy for the little bump.