Pirelli is the performance name. An Italian company founded in 1872 in Milan, it is the sole tyre supplier to Formula 1 and fits as original equipment on a large share of the world's supercars and premium cars. Its reputation is built on dry grip and high-speed composure.
Where it sits
Premium, with a performance lean. Pirelli's strengths show most on fast cars and in the dry; on an ordinary family car driven gently, that bias matters less, which is why the matching tyres to how you drive question is worth asking before paying performance-tyre money. The wider price trade-off is under premium versus budget tyres.
What it is known for
- Motorsport: the Formula 1 supplier, with deep racing heritage
- Supercar and premium original-equipment fitment
- P Zero: one of the most recognised performance tyres anywhere
- Car-specific marked tyres, tuned with individual manufacturers
The ranges that matter
- P Zero: performance
- Cinturato: touring and efficiency
- Scorpion: SUV and 4x4
- Winter versions across the ranges
What the markings mean
Pirelli frequently makes car-specific versions developed with a manufacturer, identified by a sidewall code, a star for some BMWs, N0 and similar for Porsche, MO for Mercedes, AO for Audi. Where your car was homologated with one, fitting that marked version is worthwhile, the principle covered under tyres marked for specific cars.
Where they are made
Pirelli manufactures worldwide from its Italian base, so origin depends on the model and size shown on the sidewall.
Who they suit
Drivers of performance and premium cars, especially those whose car came on Pirellis and wants the matching marked version. For a comfort-first family car, a touring-biased premium tyre may serve better than a performance one.
From the reviews desk: Pirelli on the right car is superb, dry grip and composure that flatter a fast car. On the wrong car it's money spent on strengths you'll never use. The marked-tyre thing is the bit worth knowing: if your car came on an N-rated or star-marked Pirelli, that version was tuned for it.
Sources and accuracy. This is a general brand profile at the time of writing; specific performance should be read from a current, dated independent test in your size. If anything here looks wrong, get in touch and we will check it and put it right.
Common questions
Are Pirelli tyres good?+
Pirelli is a premium performance brand, strongest in the dry and on fast cars, and it is the sole tyre supplier to Formula 1. It is extremely common as original equipment on supercars and premium models. For everyday family driving its strengths matter less, so match the range to the car and read a current test in your size.
What is Pirelli known for?+
Performance and motorsport. Pirelli supplies Formula 1, fits as original equipment on a huge share of supercars and premium cars, and its P Zero is one of the best-known performance tyres in the world. Its reputation is built on dry grip and high-speed composure.
What do the letters on Pirelli tyres mean?+
Pirelli often makes car-specific versions tuned with a manufacturer, marked with a code on the sidewall: for example a star for some BMWs, N0 and similar for Porsche, MO for Mercedes and AO for Audi. A marked tyre is matched to that car, so fitting the version your car was homologated with is worthwhile where one exists.
Where are Pirelli tyres made?+
Pirelli is an Italian company founded in Milan in 1872 and manufactures worldwide, with plants across Europe, the Americas and Asia. The origin of a specific tyre depends on its model and size and is shown on the sidewall.