Driving under a noisy background possibly irritating to some of the drivers. Especially going for a long haul, drivers prefer a less noise yet having high traction on the ride.
If you ever ride for more than 2 hours, you won’t want a very noisy driving experience. That’s what I got when I rented a vehicle in China self touring at Yunnan, equipped with an all-season tyre in a summer weather.
Ever since Dunlop is fully acquired by Sumitomo, the two new models released have received mostly good feedback from drivers. Especially the ultra high performance tyre – Dunlop Sport Maxx Lux. Let’s go deep to know more about this tyre.
The Pros of Dunlop Sport Maxx Lux
Tread Pattern
Not just about water drainage. Tread pattern affects tyre external noise level. Dunlop Sport Maxx Lux adapts the premium comfort touring tyre – Dunlop Veuro VE304 tread pattern, such that it can lower down the noise level.
Equipped with Acoustic Cotton
All sizes are equipped with acoustic cotton. If you have not read how acoustic cotton can bring down the driving noise level, check this article out to learn more about tread pattern, tyre noise and acoustic cotton .
The tyre does not have a very large acoustic cotton like you see in Michelin Pilot Sport EV. In fact, Bridgestone T005 EV has a small-size acoustic cotton just like Dunlop Sport Maxx at first but later changes to a large size of acoustic cotton.
Even though acoustic cotton is not covering the majority part of the inner Sport Maxx Lux, it still works in absorbing some of the sound, providing a low noise environment.
Soft sidewall
To make driving with more comfort, a soft sidewall absorbs the bumping on the road. Similar to Michelin Pilot Sport 4 soft sidewall.
A soft sidewall is an important feature for providing a very comfortable tyre especially in the long run. All premium comfort touring tyre has such feature.
Wider than standard width
This is my first time seeing a tyre that is built wider than the specified size. Following 4 examples to show the width of the Sport Maxx Lux compared with other models
Sport Maxx Lux 275/35 R19 vs Goodyear F1A5 275/45 R21
You can zoom in to see the difference in width between the two tyres
Sport Maxx Lux 245/40 R19 vs Yokohama AE51 245/40 R18
This one is very obvious. Both are supposed to be 245 width but Sport Maxx Lux is much wider.
Sport Maxx Lux 245/40 R19 vs FK520L 245/35 R21
Sport Maxx Lux 245/40 R19 vs Westlake Z007 245/35 R21
The width is manufactured to be the same whether you are getting 245/40 R19, 245/45 R19, 245/35 R19 and so on.
If you get a 245/40 R20, Dunlop Sport Maxx Lux actual width is around 255mm. That’s 10mm wider than specified. I am unsure if all the sizes are the same but so far all the tyres sold are measured to be like that. Perhaps the engineer wanted a little wider to compensate the side effect of the soft sidewall to gain higher traction.
Another benefit is indirectly acting like “FR” (Flange Protector). Some tyres have “FR” marking on the tyre label to inform consumer that the tyre is designed to prevent the rim from damage. This implies any damages will go to the tyre sidewall instead. (the rim is more expensive than a tyre afterall)
Low pricing
Top brands these days are very expensive especially for R19 and above due to continuous high oil price. However, Dunlop here in HK tried to maintain a low price for drivers to enjoy the ride to the fullest. Sport Maxx Lux is around $300 – $500/tyre lower than Michelin and Continental, making it very price competitive against the competitiors.
In fact, Dunlop is a premium brand in Europe. Almost all tyre models sold in Europe are more expensive than here in Hong Kong. Since Sport Maxx Lux is not available in Europe, I will be using Blue Response TG for price reference.
Blue Response TG 235/55 R19 105V
Dunlop UK Pricing: around £132.00 – £146.00 (HK$1230 – HK$1460 /tyre)
In Hong Kong, Tyrehood selling price is around: HK$1050/tyre – HK$1200/tyre depending if there is a promotional discount.
The Cons of Dunlop Sport Maxx Lux
Not very good at speed cornering
Although Sport Maxx Lux falls under the ultra high performance category, the tyre does not give you much feedback when hard cornering due to its soft sidewall.
Low treadwear
UTQG treadwear 280 compared to Sport Maxx 060+ with treadwear 400. It wears off faster also thanks to the soft sidewall. Nonetheless, the low selling price compensate this disadvantages, making it worth to install. (Calculate the expenses in the long run, this tyre is still lower than the top brands)
Who should choose this tire?
- – Drivers looking for maximum comfort and a quiet ride with high traction
– Daily commuters with long journeys to work
– Ride-hailing and professional drivers who spend many hours behind the wheel
– Especially suitable for Northbound Travel (港車北上) drivers who prioritize comfort during long-distance trips
Who should look elsewhere?
If you prefer fast cornering, sporty handling, and stronger steering feedback, this tire may not meet your expectations. In that case, the Dunlop Sport Maxx 060+ would be a more suitable option.
Conclusion
Honestly speaking, Dunlop tyres disappoint some of the drivers in Hong Kong in the past with its past product DZ101 and LM705. Nonetheless, things have changed ever since end of year 2025 with the release of the two new models. It offers very compelling reasons for drivers to really try it on.
Vehicles that have installed Sport Maxx Lux include BMW iX3, 520i, ORA, Tesla Model 3, Honda, and more. All share the same comment : “the tyre provides real comfort on driving”
AXA Travel, Home, Accidential Insurance offer promotion periodically as well as Zurich general insurance.
To purchase automotive tire, batteries and automobile, travel and personal insurance in HK, whatsapp Jimmy +852 5113 0668
Other related articles:
-> Dunlop Sport Maxx 060+ vs Sport Maxx Lux
-> High Performance Tyre vs Comfort Touring Tyre
Other articles:
-> Tyre related information
-> Automotive Battery related information
-> Vehicle maintenance and DIY
-> Insurance Related Information
-> Global Travel Guide
