Hi all:

I've been thinking about replacing the tires on my wife's 98 E320. We live in southern cal so not much chance of rain or snow. Although occasionally we do go skiing and it does sprinkle a bit here during spring, so all season performance is a plus.

My main concern is the noise level on this tire, and its wet/ snow performance. I know Michelins are known for their rock hard compounds and durability, but i want a cushy ride without sacrificing performance.

I was gonna get the regular Michelin pilot MXV4+, but the tread pattern looks so outdated. I like the aggressive looks on this new Exalto model, including the tread pattern and the tire wall designs.

Any information on this Exalto is much appreciated!

Mars

I've put about 7,000 miles on a set of Exaltos on my '93 300E and have been very happy. It seems they have a really nice compromise of quietness and performance, and they're supposed to last well too. I highly recommend them.

Thanks for the info!!

I looked at those too. Consumer reports just did a performance tire rating. The H-rated exalto got excellent in wet and dry braking and hydroplaning. Noise was rated very good. I know many don't put too much value in CR ratings but the reviews at tirerack seem to agree with them. With that said, I went with the mxv4 because of the great treadlife I've had in the past with them and I drive like an old man!

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Do not be fooled by the grandma pattern on the mxv4's. That tire actually hooks up pretty well. I put about 14k on a set and absolutely loved them. They are whisper quite and work well all the while in the dry and wet. I just bought a new 07 passat wagon with the 17" pilot mxm4's. Now that tire is junk. It is rated junk and it drives like junk. Soooo, I went down to the dealer and bought a set of the Pilot exalto a/s's. Took the mxm4's off. The exalto is a little different. It is much quiter than the mxm4, but not as quite as the mxv4's. Very, very comfy ride without sacraficing stability. The tire hooks up better than the mxv4 though. Michelin uses a funny compound on the exalto. I LOVE the tire in the rain. I have had zero experience with it in the snow as of yet. I did not like the mxv4 in the snow and I have a whole east coast season to compare it with. If I were you I would buy the exaltos. They are all they are hyped up to be and more. They also come with a mileage warranty which some of the other tires mentioned do not. They almost feel like a tire that would not last long due to a very comforting adhesion. Hope this helps.

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