Bridgestone Potenza Sport Tire Review and Ratings
Dry Conditions – 90%
Wet Conditions – 75%
Snow – 65%
Comfort – 70%
Noise Reduction – 70%
Durability – 70%
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Despite being on the market for only a few years, the Bridgestone Potenza Sport tire has picked up numerous accolades. Most notable among which is a first-place finish in tests conducted by Germany’s leading automobile magazine [Auto Bild] in 2022.
This tire also grabbed a top-three finish in the summer and ultra-high performance tire test conducted by SPORT AUTO, another famous automobile magazine. More recently, it recorded the shortest dry braking distances among peers when fitted to an Audi S4.
Automobile manufacturers have started taking notice. The Potenza Sport is the OE (original equipment) tire for the Maserati MC20 and Lamborghini Huracan STO sports cars. The BMW 8 Series also wears bespoke versions of this tire from the factory floor.
There’s another thing you must know about this tire – it isn’t just for sports cars. True, it covers the key 18-20 inch range of sizes found on most modern muscle cars. But the Potenza Sport can also be fitted on a wide range of passenger cars and on-road SUVs.
Read on our Bridgestone Potenza Sport review for more.
Pros
- Delivers exceptional dry grip and traction
- Boasts superior handling characteristics
- Impeccable high-speed stability
- 90-day buy-and-try warranty
Cons
- Average wet braking distances
- Not a reliable option for snow driving
The Features of the Bridgestone Potenza Sport
Multiple features have helped establish the Potenza Sport as a strong option in the premium tire segment.
The first of which is an innovative rubber compound that helps this tire stay useful in dry and wet road conditions. However, the rubber alone isn’t to credit for this model’s excellent wet performance, as its asymmetrical tread pattern also deserves praise.
Next comes the cutting-edge 3D sipes in the design of the treads. These biting edges help increase this model’s sheer stiffness, which boosts its braking power on dry roads. Additionally, the sipes create more contact points with the road, helping reduce abrasion.
To make its ride sportier, the carcass has been tweaked to give higher steering feedback – making the wheel more responsive to your inputs. This means that the driver can better perceive road imperfections and adjust the driving style in real time.
Finally, aware of the fact that water clearance is crucial for safe driving in wet conditions, Bridgestone has equipped this model with strategically placed grooves. Known as water channels, these grooves aid in water evacuation, helping improve the tire’s wet traction.
Bridgestone Potenza Sport in Dry Conditions
On dry roads, the Potenza Sport lives up to its billing.
One of its standout features is excellent traction and grip on dry surfaces. The contact patch has been designed to maximize interaction with the road. As a result, whether you’re driving well below or above the speed limit, you’d have optimal control and stability.
Equally impressive is handling, which some drivers describe as being ‘razor-sharp’. Sure, that phrase may have become cliché due to its overuse by tire manufacturers. But having driven the Potenza Sport myself, I can say that it’s one that this tire’s handling deserves.
The Potenza Sport’s steering response is equally impressive, allowing you to execute quick lane changes even on a highway chock full of traffic. The rear-end grip is superb, too, meaning you won’t have to worry about sudden acceleration hurting its road grip.
Lastly, thanks to innovative 3D sipes (the grooves in its tread) and a mixture of nylon and aramid fibers in its construction, it offers superb stability at speed. As a result, the risk of high-speed driving hurting this tire’s composure is pretty much negligible.
Bridgestone Potenza Sport on Wet or Slippery Roads
There are various ways to measure a tire’s wet performance. The ones that I deem the most important are:
- Wet braking distances: In tests conducted by the German publication Auto Bild, the Potenza Sport finished 7th in wet braking. This shows that it is a slightly below-average performer in the category.
- Hydroplaning resistance: The Potenza Sport earned a 5th place finish in straight and 6th place in lateral hydroplaning tests. This indicates that you might want to reduce speed to a safe and manageable level on wet roads.
- Wet handling. Surprisingly, the Potenza Sport fared much better in the wet handling test (4th place finish) than it did in either of the above two. This means you can expect it to maintain good traction and control on wet roads.
If there is one conclusion you can draw from the above results, it’s that the Potenza Sport is a fairly average performer on wet roads. While its wet performance is by no means poor, there are other high-performance tires that offer a more sure-footed driving experience in the rain.
Bridgestone Potenza Sport in Snow
In the press release announcing this tire’s arrival, Bridgestone didn’t say anything about this tire’s snow performance.
Which was expected. After all, an overwhelming majority of ultra-high-performance summer tires gasp for traction and grip when temperatures drop. Neither their tread pattern nor their rubber compound can handle cold weather.
Unsurprisingly, the Potenza Sport is no exception. As a result, if your driving route sees more than its fair share of snow, all-season tires designed for snow driving or dedicated winter tires will be a much better investment in your vehicle’s stability and your personal safety.
Bridgestone Potenza Sport for Off-Roading
Nothing in this tire’s design inspires confidence about its off-roading capabilities.
Unlike tires designed to tackle harsh terrains, the Potenza Sport lacks a reinforced sidewall. Stones, rocks, and other off-road debris would thus have a field day against this tire.
Also, while all-terrain and mud-terrain tires have aggressive tread blocks, helping them grip loose surfaces. This tire features small grooves in its tread blocks. This improves their dry and wet grip, albeit at the cost of traction and grip on loose terrains.
Therefore, the Potenza Sport isn’t the tire for off-road exploits.
Bridgestone Potenza Sport for Sporty Driving
Similar to its predecessor, the Potenza Sport performs reliably when pushed to the limits.
Not only is this tire quick to respond to steering inputs, thereby letting you attempt and complete lightning-fast lane changes while retaining full control over your vehicle. But it also has a stiff sidewall to reduce flex, allowing for more precise control.
To further sweeten the deal, Bridgestone has equipped it with a specialized tread compound. One that has been improved to deliver added grip in hot weather conditions.
Additionally, the tread design, via its innovative design and high-end technologies, evenly distributes the pressure forces your vehicle subjects it to. The result? Improved grip and traction during braking and cornering, so you can attack bends at full speed.
All in all, the Potenza Sport has everything needed for sporty driving.
Does the Bridgestone Potenza Sport Ride Comfortably?
Given the fact that it’s a high-performance tire, it shouldn’t be surprising to note that the Potenza Sport hasn’t won awards for ride comfort.
A stiff sidewall may have improved its road handling and grip, letting you push your vehicle to its limits without worrying about things going sideways. However, it has also made its ride more jarring over road imperfections, especially if you’re driving at speed.
The same story repeats itself as far as noise levels are concerned. According to independent tests, this tire’s noise levels are around 72 decibels, which is on par with rival tires. So, its road noise, while not whisper-quiet, will be bearable when paired with a capable suspension.
Bridgestone Potenza Sport Warranty
Bridgestone backs the Potenza Sport with a 90-day buy-and-try warranty.
The warranty only applies to full sets of tires (4 or more tires purchased together). It can only be availed if the tires being returned are in good condition, i.e., with at least 3/32” of tread depth remaining. Also, you’re required to provide proof of purchase.
Bridgestone Potenza Sport Pricing: Is It Worth the Price?
At the time of writing, this tire’s price starts from $217.99.
That is a lot of money to pay for one tire, even if it contains as many technologies and delivers as excellent performance on dry roads as the Potenza Sport.
Yet that is what the market of tires requires you to pay for an ultra, ultra-high-performance summer tire. Need proof? Compare this model’s asking price with any of its direct rivals. You’d then realize that the above price, although eye-watering, is average for similar tires these days.
Should I Buy the Bridgestone Potenza Sport?
The Bridgestone Potenza Sport isn’t a perfect tire.
While it ranks near among its peers in terms of dry grip and braking distances, this tire’s wet braking distances and handling are average vis-à-vis peers. Similarly, its ride comfort and noise levels aren’t so high that they could put its competitors to shame.
Thus, only buy this tire if you’re after excellent performance in summer conditions on paved roads. For every other weather condition (as well as for bumpy roads), better options are available.
What Vehicles Will the Bridgestone Potenza Sport Fit?
Here’s a list of vehicles that the Bridgestone Potenza Sport will fit:
- Audi S4, S5, A4, A5
- BMW 3 Series, 4 Series, 8 Series
- Mercedes Benz C Class, E Class, C63 AMG
- Volkswagen Golf GTI, Golf R
- Lexus ES, GS, IS, RC
- Cadillac ATS, CTS, CTS-V
Not sure whether the Firestone Destination MT2 will fit your vehicle? Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or get in touch with a tire dealer.
Tire Sizes of the Bridgestone Potenza Sport
17”
- 205/45R17
- 215/45R17
- 225/45R17
- 225/50R17
- 245/40R17
18”
- 215/45R18
- 225/40R18
- 225/45R18
- 225/50R18
- 235/40R18
- 235/45R18
- 235/50R18
- 245/35R18
- 245/40R18
- 245/45R18
- 245/50R18
- 255/35R18
- 255/40R18
- 255/45R18
- 265/35R18
- 265/40R18
- 265/45R18
- 275/35R18
- 275/40R18
- 275/45R18
- 285/35R18
19”
- 225/35R19
- 225/40R19
- 225/45R19
- 235/35R19
- 235/40R19
- 245/35R19
- 245/40R19
- 245/45R19
- 255/30R19
- 255/35R19
- 255/40R19
- 255/45R19
- 265/30R19
- 265/35R19
- 265/40R19
- 275/35R19
- 275/40R19
- 285/30R19
- 285/35R19
- 285/40R19
- 295/30R19
- 305/30R19
20”
- 235/35R20
- 245/30ZR20
- 245/35R20
- 245/35ZR20
- 245/40R20
- 245/45R20
- 255/35R20
- 255/40R20
- 255/45R20
- 255/45R20
- 265/30R20
- 265/35R20
- 265/40R20
- 275/30R20
- 275/35R20
- 275/40R20
- 275/45R20
- 285/30R20
- 285/35R20
- 295/30R20
- 295/40R20
- 305/30R20
- 305/35ZR20
- 315/35R20
21”
- 245/35R21
- 255/40R21
- 265/40R21
- 295/35R21
22”
- 265/40R22