Pirelli Tyres in the UAE: P ZERO, Cinturato P7, Run Flat, PNCS and Original Equipment, homologation marking Markings Explained

 
Choosing the right premium tyre is about much more than matching the tyre size to your vehicle.

If you drive a Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Land Rover, Bentley, Tesla or another premium vehicle, you may have noticed additional markings on Pirelli tyres such as:

*, RFT, PNCS, MO, MOE, AO, AOE, GOE, LR, B1, B2, N0, N1, N2, N3, N4, T0, T1 and T2.

You may also see Pirelli product families such as:

• Cinturato P7
• P ZERO
• Scorpion Verde
• Scorpion Zero

What do these markings actually mean?

Are all Pirelli tyres with the same size interchangeable?

And when should you choose Run Flat (RFT), PNCS or a specific Original Equipment (OE) marking?

This guide from Fasttrack Emarat explains the most important Pirelli tyre markings and technologies to help UAE drivers make a more informed tyre replacement decision.

Why Pirelli Tyre Markings Matter, Original Equipment (OE) or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) markings

A common mistake when replacing tyres is to look only at the size.

For example, you may have:

245/40 R19 98Y

and find several Pirelli tyres with exactly the same dimensions.

However, one may have:

MO

another:

MOE

another:

(*)

and another may have:

AO, N0 or T0

depending on the vehicle application.

These markings can identify an Original Equipment specification developed with the vehicle manufacturer.

Pirelli explains that marked tyres are developed in cooperation with vehicle manufacturers to create a tyre specifically matched to the characteristics of the vehicle. This development can consider handling, comfort, weight distribution, electronic systems, rolling resistance, high-speed performance and other vehicle-specific requirements.

That is why the correct replacement tyre should be selected by looking at the complete tyre specification, not simply the tyre size.

What Is an Original Equipment (OE) Tyre?

 
An Original Equipment tyre is a tyre developed and approved for a particular vehicle manufacturer's application.

Pirelli refers to these as marked tyres.

The marking appears on the tyre sidewall and identifies the relevant vehicle manufacturer or application.

Pirelli states that its OE-marked tyre programme began with Porsche in the 1980s and has expanded to many leading vehicle manufacturers.

These tyres are developed through extensive testing, including areas such as:

• Dry handling
• Wet handling
• Aquaplaning
• Rolling resistance
• High-speed performance
• Tyre integrity
• Comfort
• Vehicle balance

The objective is to achieve a tyre that works correctly with the vehicle's overall engineering.

Pirelli Cinturato P7

 
The Pirelli Cinturato P7 is one of Pirelli's best-known premium touring tyres for passenger vehicles.

It is designed around a balance of:

• Wet braking
• Dry handling
• Comfort
• Mileage
• Rolling resistance
• Highway stability
• Noise performance

Cinturato P7 is particularly suitable for drivers who want a premium touring tyre for everyday driving and longer highway journeys.

 Ideal for:

• Premium sedans
• Family cars
• Executive vehicles
• Daily commuting
• Long-distance highway driving

The exact performance and available technologies depend on the particular size and specification.

Pirelli Cinturato P7 RFT – Run Flat

 One of the most important Pirelli technologies is:

RFT – Run Flat Technology

You may see:

Cinturato P7 RFT

or:

Cinturato P7 RUN FLAT

A Run Flat tyre uses a reinforced construction designed to allow the vehicle to remain mobile for a limited distance after significant loss of inflation pressure, subject to the vehicle and tyre manufacturer's conditions.

Why can Run Flat be useful in the UAE?

 
UAE drivers regularly travel long distances on high-speed roads such as:

• Sheikh Zayed Road
• Emirates Road
• Dubai–Abu Dhabi routes
• Dubai–Al Ain routes
• Inter-emirate highways

A puncture on a busy highway can create a difficult and potentially unsafe situation.

Run Flat technology can provide additional mobility so that the driver can reach a safe location or tyre facility, subject to the manufacturer's specified limitations.

 Important:

RFT does not mean you can drive indefinitely with a flat tyre.

After a pressure-loss event, the tyre should be inspected and replaced or repaired only where permitted by the tyre manufacturer and applicable safety requirements.

Pirelli PNCS – Noise Cancelling Technology

 PNCS stands for Pirelli Noise Cancelling System™.

It is designed to reduce tyre-generated noise transmitted into the vehicle cabin.

Pirelli uses sound-absorbing material inside the tyre to help reduce cavity noise.

 Why PNCS is important

Tyre noise can be particularly noticeable in:

• Luxury sedans
• Premium SUVs
• High-performance vehicles
• Electric vehicles

Electric vehicles are especially interesting because their powertrains are significantly quieter than conventional petrol and diesel engines.

As drivetrain noise decreases, road and tyre noise can become more noticeable.

PNCS is therefore particularly attractive to drivers who prioritise a quieter and more refined driving experience.

 
RFT vs PNCS

These are completely different technologies:

RFT = Run Flat / extended mobility

PNCS = noise reduction

A particular Pirelli tyre may be available with more than one technology depending on the application.

Pirelli P ZERO

 
The P ZERO family represents one of Pirelli's most recognised high-performance tyre ranges.

P ZERO tyres are commonly associated with:

• Sports cars
• Performance sedans
• Luxury vehicles
• Supercars
• High-performance SUVs

The focus can include:

• Steering response
• Cornering
• Dry grip
• Braking
• High-speed stability
• Wet performance

However, it is important to understand that P ZERO is a product family, not one universal tyre specification.

Different P ZERO tyres can have different:

• Compounds
• Constructions
• Tread patterns
• Sizes
• OE markings
• Technologies

Therefore, simply ordering "P ZERO in the same size" may not be sufficient for a premium vehicle.

Pirelli Scorpion Verde

 Scorpion Verde is designed primarily for SUV and crossover applications.

It combines SUV characteristics with a focus on road performance and efficiency.

Depending on the particular version, the tyre may focus on:

• Wet-road performance
• Highway stability
• Comfort
• Mileage
• Rolling resistance
• Dry handling

It is particularly relevant for SUV owners who spend most of their driving time on paved roads

 Pirelli Scorpion Zero

Scorpion Zero is a more performance-focused SUV and crossover tyre family.

It is aimed at drivers who want a sportier road-driving experience from their SUV.

Typical priorities include:

• Steering response
• Dry grip
• Cornering stability
• Highway performance
• Wet-road control
• Sportier handling

Scorpion Zero is particularly relevant to premium SUVs and vehicles where Pirelli has developed specific OE versions.

What Does the Pirelli * Mark Mean?

 
One of the markings that can confuse customers is:

*

The asterisk (*) is a BMW Original Equipment marking in Pirelli's current OE marking system. Pirelli lists the BMW markings as *, I*, II* and *1.

Therefore, if you see a Pirelli tyre with the BMW * marking, it indicates a BMW-specific OE tyre specification.

Why is this important?

BMW vehicles are engineered around precise handling, steering and suspension characteristics.

The tyre can influence:

• Steering feel
• Cornering behaviour
• Ride comfort
• Road noise
• Braking
• High-speed stability

For this reason, a BMW owner should check whether the vehicle requires the BMW-specific Pirelli marking rather than choosing only by size.

What Does RFT Mean?

RFT = Run Flat Technology.

It indicates that the tyre is designed with technology intended to provide temporary mobility after a significant loss of inflation pressure.

Run Flat tyres are particularly useful for drivers who want additional mobility following a puncture.

However, RFT is not an OE manufacturer marking.

For example, you can have a tyre that combines:

BMW * + RFT

or:

Mercedes MOE + RFT

The two markings provide different information:

* or MOE = vehicle-specific OE specification

RFT = tyre technology

 m

What Does MO Mean?

MO = Mercedes-Benz Original.

Pirelli identifies MO as a Mercedes-Benz Original Equipment marking.

An MO-marked Pirelli tyre has been developed for the applicable Mercedes-Benz vehicle application.

You may find MO on products such as:

• Cinturato P7
• P ZERO
• Other Pirelli passenger and SUV applications

If your Mercedes-Benz is specified for MO tyres, the OE marking should be considered when selecting replacements.

What Does MOE Mean?

 MOE is a Mercedes-Benz Original Equipment marking associated with an extended-mobility specification.

A tyre may be marked:

MOE + RFT

This combination tells you that the tyre is both:

• Developed for the relevant Mercedes-Benz OE application
• Equipped with Run Flat/extended-mobility technology

MO vs MOE

MO
Mercedes-Benz Original specification.

MOE
Mercedes-Benz Original extended-mobility specification.

Do not automatically replace an MOE/RFT tyre with a conventional tyre just because the size is identical.

What Does AO Mean?

AO = Audi Original.

Pirelli lists AO as an Audi Original Equipment marking.

An AO-marked tyre is developed for the applicable Audi vehicle application.

Audi drivers should therefore check the original tyre sidewall and vehicle specification before ordering a replacement.

What Does AOE Mean?

 
AOE is another Audi-related Pirelli Original Equipment marking.

The exact specification and available technologies depend on the individual tyre application.

Therefore, an Audi owner should not assume that all tyres carrying the same size are equivalent.

Check:

Size + Load Index + Speed Rating + AO/AOE + Technology

before replacement.

What Does GOE Mean?

 
GOE is an Original Equipment marking listed by Pirelli for specific GENESIS applications.

If a GENESIS vehicle requires a GOE-marked Pirelli tyre, the correct OE specification should be verified before replacement.

What Does LR Mean?

LR = Land Rover Original Equipment marking.

Pirelli's OE marking system includes LR, along with additional Land Rover-related markings such as LR1, LR2, LR3 and LR5.

This is particularly relevant for vehicles such as:

• Range Rover
• Range Rover Sport
• Range Rover Velar
• Land Rover Discovery
• Other Land Rover applications

 Why does LR matter?

Large premium SUVs can place significant demands on tyres because of their:

• Vehicle weight
• Power
• High-speed capability
• Suspension systems
• All-wheel-drive systems

The correct OE tyre can help maintain the intended balance of handling, comfort and vehicle dynamics.

What Do B1 and B2 Mean?

 Pirelli's current OE marking table includes B1 among Bentley-related markings.

For Bentley applications, the complete sidewall marking should be checked rather than interpreting one code in isolation.

Bentley vehicles combine high power, high vehicle weight, high-speed capability and luxury-oriented ride characteristics, making correct tyre selection particularly important.

Important: Always verify the exact vehicle and Pirelli product application when interpreting B1/B2-type markings.

What Does *1 Mean on a Pirelli Tyre?

Pirelli also uses additional BMW-related star markings, including:

*1

The *1 marking is part of Pirelli's BMW-specific OE marking system.

It should not automatically be treated as identical to the standard * marking.

Pirelli's current OE information identifies several BMW star variants, including:

• *
• I*
• II*
• *1

These markings represent different BMW-specific applications or specifications.

What Do N0, N1, N2, N3,N4,N5,NDO,NCO,NEO and NFO Mean?

 These markings are associated with Porsche Original Equipment specifications.

Pirelli's current OE table lists:

N0, N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5

along with other Porsche-specific markings.

You may see a Porsche tyre marked:

P ZERO N0

or:

P ZERO N1

Are N0 and N1 the same?

No.

The N-number identifies the applicable Porsche-specific tyre development specification.

These specifications can involve differences in:

• Construction
• Compound
• Handling
• Steering response
• Wet performance
• High-speed characteristics

Therefore, Porsche owners should check the vehicle's recommended N specification.

What do MGT Means

The MGT tire marking belongs to an entirely different supercar family.

On a tire sidewall, MGT stands for Maserati Genuine Tires. Just like Porsche's "N" system, it indicates an Original Equipment (OE) homologation marking

 What Do T0, T1 and T2 Mean?

Pirelli lists:

• T0
• T1
• T2

as Tesla-related Original Equipment markings.

Tesla vehicles have specific tyre requirements influenced by factors such as:

• Vehicle weight
• Electric powertrain
• Instant torque
• Regenerative braking
• Rolling resistance
• Range efficiency
• Noise

A Tesla tyre with a specific T marking may therefore have been developed to meet Tesla's requirements.

Do not choose only by size

For example:

235/45 R18

does not automatically tell you which Pirelli specification is correct.

The vehicle's recommended OE marking should also be checked.

Why Electric Vehicles Need Special Attention

 
Electric vehicles can place different demands on tyres compared with conventional vehicles.

The combination of:

High vehicle weight + instant torque + regenerative braking + low powertrain noise

can affect tyre wear, rolling resistance, noise and handling.

This makes correct tyre specification particularly important for EV owners.

Pirelli's OE development process considers the interaction between tyre and vehicle systems, including vehicle electronics and other characteristics.

Pirelli OE Markings Quick Reference 
 

Pirelli's official OE marking table contains additional manufacturer-specific variations, so this table should be treated as a practical guide rather than a complete list of every current Pirelli marking.

OE Marking vs Tyre Technology – Do Not Confuse Them

 
This is one of the most important things for customers to understand.

OE MARKING

Identifies the vehicle manufacturer/application.

Examples:

*
BMW

MO
Mercedes-Benz

AO
Audi

LR
Land Rover

N0
Porsche

T0
Tesla

TECHNOLOGY

Identifies a tyre feature.

Examples:

RFT
Run Flat Technology

PNCS
Pirelli Noise Cancelling System

Therefore, a tyre could potentially have both:

MOE + RFT

or:

* + RFT

or another OE marking combined with a specific Pirelli technology.

How to Read a Complete Pirelli Tyre Marking

 
Consider this example:

P ZERO 245/40 R19 98Y XL MOE RFT

Here is what it tells you:

P ZERO
Pirelli tyre family.

245
Tyre width in millimetres.

40
Aspect ratio.

R
Radial construction.

19
Wheel diameter in inches.

98
Load index.

Y
Speed rating.

XL
Extra Load.

MOE
Mercedes-Benz Original extended-mobility specification.

RFT
Run Flat Technology.

This is why reading the entire sidewall is so important.

Pirelli also provides guidance on reading tyre markings, including tyre width, aspect ratio, construction, rim diameter and load index.

Why the Same Size Does Not Always Mean the Same Tyre

 Imagine two tyres:

Tyre A

275/45 R21 110Y

Tyre B

275/45 R21 110Y LR

Both have the same basic size.

But Tyre B has a Land Rover OE marking.

Now consider:

Tyre C

245/40 R18 97Y

Tyre D

245/40 R18 97Y MOE RFT

Again, the dimensions may be similar, but the specifications and technologies are different.

This is why Fasttrack recommends checking the complete original tyre specification before replacement.

What Should You Check Before Buying a Pirelli Tyre?

At Fasttrack Emarat, we recommend checking these details before ordering a premium Pirelli tyre:

Tyre brand

Pirelli

Tyre family

Cinturato P7 / P ZERO / Scorpion Verde / Scorpion Zero

Tyre size

Example:

245/40 R19

Load index

Example:

98Speed rating

Example:

Y

Extra Load

Check whether XL is required.

OE marking

Check for:

* / MO / MOE / AO / AOE / LR / N0 / T0 etc.

Run Flat

Check whether the vehicle requires:

RFT / RUN FLAT

PNCS

Check whether the vehicle is equipped with or requires a PNCS version.

Vehicle manufacturer specification

Always verify the recommended tyre specification for the exact vehicle.

Common Mistakes When Buying Pirelli Tyres

"The size is the same, so it will fit."

Physical fitment does not automatically mean the tyre is the correct vehicle specification.

"All P ZERO tyres are the same."

They are not. P ZERO is a family with different specifications and applications.

"MO and MOE are the same."

They are different Mercedes-Benz markings.

"RFT and PNCS are the same."

They perform completely different functions.

"N0 and N1 are interchangeable."

They are different Porsche-specific specifications.

"T0, T1 and T2 are just different names."

They identify different Tesla-related OE specifications.

"The OE marking doesn't matter."

For a vehicle designed around a specific OE tyre specification, it can matter significantly.

Pirelli Tyres for UAE Driving Conditions

 
UAE driving conditions make tyre selection particularly important.

During summer, road surfaces can become extremely hot. Drivers also frequently travel at highway speeds and cover substantial distances between cities.

The right tyre should therefore be selected according to:

• Vehicle type
• Driving style
• Tyre size
• Load requirement
• Speed rating
• Highway usage
• Vehicle manufacturer's specification
• OE marking
• Required technology

A premium tyre is only performing at its intended level when it is correctly specified, correctly inflated and properly maintained.

Fasttrack Emarat: Helping You Choose the Correct Pirelli Tyre

At Fasttrack Emarat, our goal is not simply to sell a tyre based on its size.

We recommend checking the vehicle and tyre specification before fitting, particularly for premium vehicles.

Our tyre-selection process should consider:

Vehicle → Tyre Size → Load Index → Speed Rating → OE Marking