Menu
Bridgestone Potenza S001 View Gallery (1)
185-305/25-55 R15-20 248 sizes

Bridgestone Potenza S001

Previous Bridgestone Tyres Max Performance Summer Next

The Bridgestone Potenza S001 is a premium max-performance summer tyre that feels sharp and confident on dry roads, with quick steering response and strong high-speed stability. Across real-world use it earns praise when warm and driven hard, but it can feel noisy and firm day-to-day. Wet performance is the biggest talking point: tests show the S001 can deliver excellent wet braking and handling in some versions, yet many drivers report reduced traction and more abrupt breakaway in cold or damp conditions.

7.9
Tyre Reviews Score Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews
High Confidence View Breakdown
Dry Grip
83%
Wet Grip
69%
Road Feedback
74%
Handling
74%
Wear
67%
Comfort
60%
Buy again
57%
164 Reviews
69% Average
1,901,329 miles driven
28 Tests (avg: 6th)
Bridgestone Potenza S001

Bridgestone Potenza S001

Summer Premium
BETA
7.9 / 10
Based on Professional Tests & User Reviews · High Confidence · Updated 23 Feb 2026

The Tyre Reviews Score is the most comprehensive tyre scoring system available. It aggregates professional test data from multiple independent publications, user reviews, and consistency analysis using Bayesian statistical methods, weighted normalisation, and recency-adjusted scoring to produce a single, reliable performance rating.

Learn more about our methodology
Category Scores
Wet
75.4
2x / 11 tests
Dry
75.2
1.8x / 8 tests
Value
52.3
0.42x / 7 tests
Comfort
47.3
0.32x / 4 tests
Cross-Category Performance

Cross-category scores are derived metrics that combine data from multiple test disciplines to evaluate real-world performance characteristics.

Handling
76.4
8 tests
Braking
76.2
8 tests
Score Components
Professional Tests
Weight: 80%
Tests: 28
Publications: 10
Period: 2010 - 2020
User Reviews
Weight: 15%
Reviews: 164
Avg Rating: 69%
Min Required: 5
Consistency
Weight: 5%
Score Std Dev: 0.31
History Points: 10
Methodology & Configuration
Scoring Process
  1. Collect Test Data: Gather results from professional tyre tests across multiple publications. Minimum 1 test(s) required.
  2. Normalize Positions: Convert test positions to percentile scores using exponential weighting (factor: 1.2).
  3. Apply Recency Weighting: More recent tests are weighted higher with a decay rate of 0.95.
  4. Incorporate User Reviews: Factor in user review data (minimum 5 reviews). Weight: 15%.
  5. Bayesian Smoothing: Apply Bayesian prior (score: 7, weight: 1.5) to prevent extreme scores with limited data.
  6. Calculate Final Score: Combine all components using normalization factor of 1.1. Max score with limited data: 9.5.
Component Weights
Test Data
80%
User Reviews
15%
Consistency
5%
All Configuration Parameters
ParameterValueDescription
safety_weight 0.7 Weight multiplier for safety-related metrics
performance_weight 0.55 Weight multiplier for performance metrics
comfort_weight 0.4 Weight multiplier for comfort metrics
value_weight 0.45 Weight multiplier for value-for-money metrics
user_reviews_weight 0.15 How much user reviews contribute to the final score
test_data_weight 0.8 How much professional test data contributes to the final score
consistency_weight 0.05 How much score consistency contributes to the final score
recency_decay_rate 0.95 Rate at which older test results lose influence (higher = slower decay)
min_test_count 1 Minimum number of professional tests required
min_review_count 5 Minimum number of user reviews required
score_version 1.9 Current version of the scoring algorithm
score_normalization_factor 1.1 Factor used to normalize raw scores to the 0-10 scale
confidence_factor_weight 0.2 How much data confidence affects the final score
position_penalty_weight 0.2 Penalty applied for poor test positions
gap_penalty_threshold 12 Score gap (%) that triggers additional penalties
min_metrics_count 2 Minimum number of test metrics needed per test
limited_data_threshold 2 Number of tests below which data is considered limited
single_test_penalty 0.75 Score multiplier when only one test is available
critical_metric_penalty 0.7 Penalty for poor performance on critical safety metrics
critical_metric_threshold 70 Score below which a critical metric penalty applies
position_exponential_factor 1.2 Exponent used to amplify position-based scoring
position_exponential_threshold 0.9 Position percentile below which exponential scoring applies
gap_multiplier_critical 3 Multiplier for critical gap penalties
max_category_weight 2 Maximum weight any single category can have
max_score_limited_data 9.5 Score cap when data is limited
bayesian_prior_weight 1.5 Weight of the Bayesian prior in smoothing
bayesian_prior_score 7 Prior score used for Bayesian smoothing
evidence_test_multiplier 1.9 Multiplier for test evidence in confidence calculation
evidence_metric_divisor 3 Divisor for metric count in evidence calculation
evidence_review_divisor 10 Divisor for review count in evidence calculation
combined_penalty_floor 0.2
Data Sources
TestPublicationDateSizePositionMetrics
2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test Auto Bild 2020 245/45 R18 11/20 10 metrics
2020 ADAC 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test ADAC 2020 225/40 R18 9/16 1 metrics
2020 Tyre Market Overview Braking Test Auto Bild 2020 245/45 R18 3/49 2 metrics
2019 Sport Auto 20 Inch UHP Tyre Test Sport Auto 2019 245/30 R20 5/8 10 metrics
2018 Auto Bild 20 inch UHP Tyre Test Auto Bild Sportscars 2018 245/30 R20 6/8 7 metrics
2015 Sport Auto 235/35 R19 UHP Tyre Test Auto Express 2015 235/35 R19 6/7 0 metrics
2014 EVO Max Performance Summer Tyre Test EVO 2014 225/45 R17 10/10 0 metrics
2014 Auto Review Max Performance Tyre Test Auto Review 2014 255/40 R19 5/7 0 metrics
2014 ACE Summer Tyre Test ACE 2014 225/45 R17 5/11 0 metrics
2013 Auto Express Summer Tyre Test Auto Express 2013 225/45 R17 7/10 0 metrics
2013 Auto Review Performance Summer Tyre Test 2013 225/45 R17 7/9 0 metrics
2013 Sport Auto Max Performance Summer Tyre Test Sport Auto 2013 225/40 R18 8/10 0 metrics
2013 Auto Bild Performance Summer Tyre Test Auto Bild 2013 225/35 R18 4/8 0 metrics
2013 European Summer Sports Tyre Test ADAC 2013 225/45 R17 9/18 0 metrics
2012 EVO Summer Tyre Test EVO 2012 225/45 R17 5/10 0 metrics
2012 Sport Auto Summer Tyre Test Sport Auto 2012 235/35 R19 8/9 0 metrics
2012 Auto Bild Max Performance Tyre Test Auto Bild 2012 225/45 R17 5/15 0 metrics
2012 Autobild 50 Tyre Braking Test Auto Bild 2012 225/45 R17 8/45 0 metrics
2012 EVO Max Performance Tyre Test EVO 2012 235/40 R18 6/10 0 metrics
2011 Auto Express Ultra High Performance Tyre Test Auto Express 2011 225/45 R17 8/10 0 metrics
2011 AMS Ultra High Performance Tyre Test Auto Motor Und Sport 2011 225/45 R17 3/11 0 metrics
2011 Sport Auto Max Performance Summer Tyre Test Sport Auto 2011 245/40 R18 4/7 0 metrics
2011 Autobild Max Performance Summer Tyre Test Auto Bild 2011 225/40 R18 6/10 0 metrics
2011 Auto Zeitung Max Performance Tyre Test Auto Zeitung 2011 225/45 R17 7/14 0 metrics
2011 Subjective shootout - 255/40 R19 Max Performance Summer Tyres 2011 255/40 R19 3/3 0 metrics
2010 EVO FWD Tyre Test EVO 2010 235/35 R19 7/9 0 metrics
2010 Sport Auto Ultra High Performance Tyre Test Sport Auto 2010 235/35 R19 1/11 0 metrics
2010 Auto Zeitung Ultra High Performance Summer Tyre Test Auto Zeitung 2010 235/40 R18 3/9 0 metrics
All Tests
View Test Results
28
Tests
6th
Average
1st
Best
11th
Worst
Latest Tyre Test Results
2020 Tyre Market Overview Braking Test
245/45 R18 • 2020
3rd/49
2020 ADAC 18 Inch Summer Tyre Test
225/40 R18 • 2020
9th/16
Very good in the dry
Relatively weak in the wet
Recommended
2020 Auto Bild Summer Tyre Test
245/45 R18 • 2020
11th/20
A wet specialist with a good balance and safe handling properties, good aquaplaning reserves, short braking distances.
Average wear, high rolling resistance.
Satisfactory.
Size Fuel Wet Noise
17 inch
225/50 R17 94 W D C 70
225/50R17 94 W C C 70
225/45 R17 91 Y D A 71
225/45 R17 94 Y XL D A 72
225/45 R17 91 W D A 71
225/50 R17 94 W C B 71
225/50 R17 94 W C B 71
225/45 R17 91 W D B 71
225/50 R17 94 W C B 71
205/50 R17 89 W D C 70
205/50 R17 89 Y B B 70
225/50 R17 98 W XL C B 70
205/50 R17 89 Y D C 70
225/50 R17 94 W C B 71
225/45 R17 91 W D B 71
225/45 R17 91 W D B 71
225/50 R17 94 W C B 71
225/45 R17 94 Y XL D A 72
205/50 R17 89 W D C 70
205/50 R17 89 W D C 70
205/50 R17 89 Y B B 70
205/50 R17 89 Y B B 70
225/50 R17 94 W B B 70
225/50 R17 98 W XL C B 70
225/50 R17 98 W XL C B 70
225/50 R17 94 W D B 71
225/50 R17 94 W C B 71
205/50 R17 89 Y D C 70
225/50 R17 94 W D B 71
225/50 R17 94 W C B 71
205/50 R17 89 Y D C 70
225/50R17 94 W C B 71
225/50R17 94 W C B 71
225/45R17 94 W XL D A 72
225/50R17 94 W B B 70
225/45R17 91 W D A 71
225/45R17 94 W XL D A 72
18 inch
245/40 R18 97 Y XL A B 71
245/40 R18 97 Y XL A B 71
225/40 R18 92 Y XL D A 71
225/40 R18 92 Y XL D A 71
245/40 R18 97 Y XL C B 72
225/40 R18 92 Y XL C B 72
225/40 R18 92 Y XL C B 72
245/40 R18 97 Y XL C B 72
225/40 R18 88 Y D B 71
225/40 R18 92 Y XL D B 72
225/40 R18 92 Y XL C B 72
225/40 R18 92 Y XL C B 72
225/40 R18 88 Y D B 71
225/40 R18 88 Y D B 71
225/40 R18 92 Y XL D B 72
245/45 R18 100 Y XL D A 71
255/35 R18 94 Y XL D A 73
245/40 R18 97 Y XL C B 72
225/40 R18 92 Y XL D B 72
245/40 R18 97 Y XL D B 72
225/40 R18 92 Y XL D B 72
245/40 R18 97 Y XL D B 72
245/40 R18 93 Y D B 70
245/40 R18 93 Y D B 70
225/40 R18 92 Y XL D A 72
225/40 R18 92 Y XL D B 72
225/40 R18 92 Y XL D B 72
225/40 R18 92 Y XL C B 72
225/40 R18 92 Y XL C B 72
245/40 R18 97 Y XL C B 71
245/40 R18 97 Y XL D B 70
245/40 R18 93 Y D B 71
245/40R18 97 Y XL D B 70
225/40R18 92 Y XL C B 72
19 inch
235/35 R19 91 Y XL D B 72
235/35 R19 91 Y XL D A 71
20 inch
245/35 R20 95 Y XL D B 72
View All Sizes and EU Label Scores for the Bridgestone Potenza S001 >>

Questions and Answers for the Bridgestone Potenza S001

Ask a question
March 29, 2016

Is the SO01 a run flat tyre

The Bridgestone Potenza S001 is available in both runflat and non-runflat versions. The Bridgestone designation for runflat tyres is "RFT", so look out for this on a listing.
March 7, 2017

Good afternoon i have a ford fiesta st with bridgestone potenza 2054017 RE050A tires and i need to replace 2 of my tires, unfortunately all stores do not stock these tires anymore. Could i please find out which bridgestone tires to get as the ideal alternative to the RE050A

The Bridgestone Potenza S001 replaced the RE050A, so would be the logical tyre to fit.
August 20, 2018

I have the RE050s on my Alfa and they have been shockingly noisy since 10,000kms in. Will these do the same?

It depends on the cause of the wear. If the wear is due to poor alignment resulting in cupping or uneven wear on the tyres there's a chance any tyre will become noisy.
June 29, 2024

Is there a published weight for this tyre? Not a load rating weight, but the physical weight of the actual tyre.

What size are you looking for? There are some databases somewhere but not exhaustive. The S001 is an older pattern so I don't expect it to be a light tyre.
Ask a question

We will never publish or share your email address

captcha

To verify you are human please type the word you see in the box below.

Size Price Range  
205/45 R17 £147.99 - £147.99 (1 Price) Compare Prices >>
225/40 R18 £109.99 - £136.99 (5 Prices) Compare Prices >>
225/45 R17 £122.99 - £122.99 (1 Price) Compare Prices >>
225/45 R18 £166.99 - £178.99 (3 Prices) Compare Prices >>
235/40 R19 £169.99 - £176.99 (2 Prices) Compare Prices >>
Available in 30 tyre sizes - View all.

Review Summary

Based on 134 user reviews

Drivers of the Bridgestone Potenza S001 report strong dry grip, sharp steering response, and stable high-speed handling, with several high-scoring reviews praising confidence on twisty roads and motorways. However, many users complain about poor wet-weather traction (especially in cold or damp conditions) with sudden breakaway, plus intrusive road noise and a firm, sometimes harsh ride. Wear is mixed: some see excellent longevity, others faster wear or sawtoothing, often depending on vehicle, runflat spec, and driving style. Overall sentiment is slightly positive but split, with dry performance a clear strength and wet grip, noise, and comfort common drawbacks.

Strengths
  • Strong dry grip
  • Precise steering and handling
  • High-speed stability
  • Predictable behavior when warm
  • Decent tread life for some users
Areas for Improvement
  • Weak wet grip (especially cold/damp)
  • Sudden loss of traction in the wet
  • High road noise/drone
  • Harsh/firm ride comfort

Top 3 Bridgestone Potenza S001 Reviews

Given 53% while driving a Vauxhall Adam S (225/35 R18) on a combination of roads for 5,000 spirited miles
Nice tire for dry driving and summer.
Wet grip is OK but not more than that. I will not buy them again.
They squeel and scream like hell while hard turning.
Helpful 826
March 29, 2025
Given 51% while driving a Volkswagen T Roc (225/45 R19) on mostly motorways for 10,000 average miles
Hey ALL, When I bought my VW T-ROC, it came with S001, the tire is fine when you are at a lower speed.

However, when you are on the highway, I mean the noise that tires make will drive you crazy.
Helpful 944
November 3, 2024
Given 46% while driving a BMW 120i M Sport (225/40 R18) on mostly town for 20 spirited miles
At first, these tyres were pretty good. More uncomfortable than the typical tyre but it is a run flat so that is expected. It's when I modified my car that these tyres really had to go (ordering CSC7's). The car is already insane and having these tyres do not help at all. I have little to no grip in the wet and it doesn't improve much in the dry to be honest. I skid a lot now, wheelspinning everytime and it's now scary to drive... Bear in mind I still have about 4mm left. I drive normal conditions majority of the time, but when it comes to spirited driving, hell no I wouldn't recommend these. The ride was always rough but after doing some research, turns out everyone else feels the same way..
Helpful 893
December 4, 2024

How would you rate the Bridgestone Potenza S001?

Click a star to start your review

188 reviews submitted this month Earn your Contributor badge No account needed

Latest Bridgestone Potenza S001 Reviews

Given 77% while driving a Mazda MX5 (205/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 6,832 spirited miles
This is the OE tire on my ND MX-5 Miata. It suits the car well with very linear steering response and feels like it has a stable sidewall that holds up well during aggressive cornering. This S001 is precise and response is not too quick for the soft stock chassis. There is plenty of dry grip for the street. Wet grip is fairly low, although the tire is still predictable and I have not had issues with hydroplaning. I have no comparison on this car yet for comfort, but have the impression this tire is quite stiff and comfort may benefit from trying another tire next. After 6800 miles I am at 7/32nds tread depth compared to 9/32nds full depth, so I'm expecting to get about 18-20k miles out of these tires with a spirited driving style balanced by about 50% highway miles.
Helpful 214
December 9, 2025
Given 53% while driving a Skoda Superb MK3 (2015 Present) (235/40 R19) on mostly motorways for 23,000 average miles
These are the original tires on my Skoda Superb 1.5 TSI (2023 model). I've driven a total of 23,000 km on them. I've noticed that the ABS occasionally engages when I brake suddenly at low speeds on dry roads. The car also slips during quick accelerations, even with gentle driving. This slipping could be due to factors like the long wheelbase or the lack of all-wheel drive. I'm looking for alternative tires but haven't decided yet. However, I'm considering changing the tires.
Helpful 170
November 9, 2025
Given 32% while driving a Volkswagen Golf 6 GTI (225/40 R18) on a combination of roads for 1,000 spirited miles
There's really not much to like about these tyres! If anything, they are solid under breaking, and aren't too adversely affected by wet weather. However, in every other aspect, I can't wait to move them on!

Performance is mediocre at best in dry weather, with large amounts of understeer, and they struggle to get power to the road. Feedback through the steering wheel is wooden, as though there's not enough give in the sidewalls to allow the tyres to bite into the road surface, which isn't inspiring in the slightest. In wet weather they don't seem to be too much worse, but coming from a low dry standard, I wouldn't be trusting these on a spirited wet weather drive.

Perhaps my least favourite aspect of these tyres are the road noise, they have the loudest tyre drone I've ever encountered! It's distracting, and takes away all the enjoyment of conversations, music, engine noise, and basically driving in general. I might as well be driving a truck!

I'll be moving on from these tyres sooner rather than later, even though there is still plenty of tread onboard.
Helpful 916
May 3, 2024
Given 44% while driving a Alfa Romeo Giulia q4 2.0T 280+ (255/35 R19) on a combination of roads for 10,000 average miles
I have been running these tyres in a staggered setup, 225/40 R19 in front, 255/35 R19 in back. They really do have very good grip in the dry. In the wet I can't really say much as I try to avoid pushing my car to it's limits when it's raining. Suffice to say I've never felt any issues in the wet, grip was there and I never felt any aquaplaning.

Apart from that, these are probably the worst tyres I ever had. They are extremely loud, in fact at first I thought I had a worn wheel bearing, but the noise goes away when using winter tyres. They also do a lot of tramlining which is quite a scary feeling at highway speeds. Also, they just get generally unstable at higher speeds (above around 160-170 km/h), where the whole car feels like it keeps shaking from left to right etc. None of these issues occur with my winter tyres (Conti WinterContact TS870P), so it's safe to assume it's an issue with the tyres and not the car.

They've also worn out fairly quickly, I'm at about 4mm after around 15000km or so.

Overall, a tyre I would never buy again, it even put me off the Bridgestone brand as a whole and will not consider it for future purchases
Helpful 1065
December 11, 2023
Given 42% while driving a BMW (225/40 R19) on a combination of roads for 6,000 spirited miles
The S001s were first released back in 2010 and the age of the tire design and compound has really began to show. They perform quite poorly in the dry and wet compared to other product offerings as of 2023. Going from these to a set of Michelin PS4S was the best decision I’ve made for my driving experience yet. Comfort, noise, and grip have been lacking with the Bridgestones compared to the Michelins. In cold weather especially with the Bridgestones, you could clearly feel the tires get way sketchier once temperatures dipped below 10C.

The S001s weren’t even able to keep up with a modern all season during a spirited mountain drive, I see no reason for someone to purchase a set as they aren’t really good at anything.
Helpful 1020
October 4, 2023
Given 46% while driving a Lexus IS300h (225/45 R17) on mostly motorways for 15,000 average miles
Fitted to a company car so have no choice but to use them. I do about 30k a year and have found these tyres to be underwhelming at best. Tyre wear is poor for a car that does most of its miles on the motorway, often needing new ones at only 15k, my Jaguar XF fitted with Dunlop's would do 30k in a heavier more powerful car. Dry grip is OK as long as its warmish, wet / cold grip is very poor. The tyre feels OK but its hard to tell as the car, Lexus IS300h, is not a sporty drive but is very comfortable which I think effects the ride more than the tyres. Overall would not put these on if the car was mine.
Helpful 1176
September 25, 2023
Given 60% while driving a Subaru 2015+ STI (245/40 R18) on mostly town for 3,500 average miles
After 2 years and 3,500 miles the outside sidewalls of all 4 tyres began cracking and crazing on contacting Bridgestone I was given numerous "excuses" including u/v light,tyre dressing,short journeys and road contaminants in my reply I had to asked the technician why he had not including Covid and Climate Change amongst these comical excuses. I have previously run Bridgestone on my last 2 cars,both purchased from new, and not had any complaints but will now fit my car with Dunlop Maxx ,which were on the car when purchased from new and were good for 20k, something I regret not doing in the first place but I had always preferred Bridgestone until now.I can only add that the response and service I received from Bridgestone regarding the matter was pathetic and definitely not what I expected from a company of this stature!
G.Hall
Helpful 1097
September 22, 2023
Given 41% while driving a Mercedes Benz C180 (225/45 R17) on mostly town for 100 average miles
These are not premium grade tyres despite the price very disappointing.handles poorly,buy Continental or Michelin for same price and they’re night and day superior.
Helpful 974
July 6, 2023
Given 28% while driving a Lexus IS350 (235/40 R19) on mostly country roads for 15 average miles
The tire is loud and wears terribly. I drive on the hiway to and from work. All the road is good, with one curve. They handle decently. Dry anyways. Wet, not so much. 15,000 miles and they’re worn out. It’s not a sporty drive. It’s straight, in the country with one curve. We’re not formula one driving. Way, WAY too expensive to buy again. 15,000 miles? No way.
Helpful 1160
April 28, 2023
Given 50% while driving a SEAT Ateca Xcellence (235/40 R19) on mostly town for 15,000 average miles
Not bad in the dry, bad in wet/greasy conditions and absolutely useless in any amount of snow, even 1cm causes a very noticeable lack of grip.
Helpful 962
March 11, 2023
Given 49% while driving a SEAT Leon 5F1 1.4 TSI (225/40 R18) on mostly country roads for 5,000 average miles
The wear rate in the beginning is pretty significant, i bought the car used, so i cant provide exact rates, but the rate slows down as the tire gets older. But it also gets way worse, the wet traction is horror. The dry performance is pretty good and the handling is quite nice, but that is to the expense of comfort. You can really feel any bump in the road and it ruins the experiance on longer drives in my Seat Leon FR from 2018.
Helpful 918
February 24, 2023
Given 41% while driving a Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI PP DSG (225/40 R18) on mostly country roads for 2,000 spirited miles
These tyres are nasty. Poor in the dry and borderline dangerous in the wet. Noisey, provide minimal feedback and when they slide there is next to no warning or progression. They came on a new Golf Mk7 GTI and then a MK8 GTI. Removed from both cars once the engines were bedded in (circa 1,000 miles) and replaced with Pilot Sport tyres instead. Why VW fit this garbage on a ‘sporty’ car I have no idea. Presumably they get a good deal on a 12 year old design from Bridgestone.
Helpful 962
February 19, 2023
Rate the Bridgestone Potenza S001