Pirelli tires
Italian performance tires, from Formula 1 to your driveway. Typically $110–$350 per tire.
Pirelli was founded in Milan in 1872 by Giovanni Battista Pirelli and remains the tire brand most associated with high-performance European cars. It is the sole tire supplier to Formula 1 and is original equipment on a long list of Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini models. Since 2015 its largest shareholder has been China's Sinochem, though the company is still run from Milan. In the US, Pirelli operates a plant in Rome, Georgia and imports from Mexico, Brazil and Europe.
The core of the US lineup is the P Zero summer tire, the Cinturato P7 All Season Plus 3 touring tire, and the Scorpion family for crossovers and SUVs. Pirelli also sells a wide range of OE-marked tires (look for codes like MO, N0 or star on the sidewall) that match a specific car's factory specification, which matters for owners who want to replace like with like.
Prices are at Michelin level for performance tires and a bit lower for the touring lines. Warranties are decent but not class-leading: the Cinturato P7 All Season Plus 3 and Scorpion AS Plus 3 carry 70,000-mile coverage, while P Zero summer tires have none. Pirelli's honest weakness is tread life on its performance tires and a smaller dealer network than the American brands.
$100 Visa Prepaid Card on 4 Scorpion AS 4 / Scorpion XTM (ends 9/30)
$100 Pirelli Visa Prepaid Card (physical or digital) on a set of four Scorpion AS 4 or Scorpion XTM bought 9/1-9/30/2026; submit online or postmark by 10/30/2026. Not valid on Sam's Club purchases. Pirelli usually follows with a new $70-$100 promotion in October; SimpleTire is also giving up to $100 instant on select Pirelli through 9/30. Ends Sep 30, 2026.
Pirelli models worth buying
| Model | Type | Mileage warranty | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P Zero | Summer Tires | None | $220 | Sports cars and luxury sedans that came with P Zeros and want the same sharp handling. |
| Cinturato P7 All Season Plus 3 | All-Season Tires | 70,000 mi | $160 | Owners of European sedans who want a quiet, long-lasting all-season with a European feel. |
| Scorpion AS Plus 3 | Highway Truck & SUV Tires | 70,000 mi | $190 | Premium crossovers and SUVs like the Q5, X3 and GLC used mostly on pavement. |
| Scorpion All Terrain Plus | All-Terrain Tires | 50,000 mi | $200 | Jeep and Range Rover owners who want an all-terrain look without a rough ride. |
| Winter Sottozero 3 | Winter Tires | None | $180 | Performance sedans and sports cars that need a winter tire with high speed ratings. |
| P Zero Run Flat | Run-Flat Tires | None | $250 | BMW M and Mercedes AMG models that came with run-flat P Zeros from the factory. |
Strengths
- Outstanding dry handling and steering feel on performance tires
- Largest range of OE-specific tires for European luxury cars
- Scorpion line is a strong choice for premium SUVs
Weaknesses
- Performance tires wear quickly
- Fewer dealers and rebates than Goodyear or Michelin
Pirelli tires: common questions
Where are Pirelli tires made?
Pirelli has a US plant in Rome, Georgia that builds premium sizes, and it imports tires from Mexico, Brazil, Italy, Romania and other European plants. The country of origin is molded on the sidewall. Quality is consistent across plants because Pirelli uses the same specifications worldwide.
Are Pirelli tires worth it for a normal car?
For a family sedan, a Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus 3 is a good tire but not clearly better than a Michelin Defender2 or Continental PureContact LS at similar prices. Pirelli's real advantage is in performance and OE-specific fitments for European cars, where it often matches the original tire exactly.
What do the codes like MO, N0 or star mean on a Pirelli tire?
They are original-equipment approval marks. MO means Mercedes-Benz, N0 through N4 are Porsche, a star is BMW, AO is Audi and J is Jaguar. A tire with the mark was tuned for that car, so replacing with the same code keeps the factory ride and handling. It is not required, but it is a safe choice.