The definitive discussion: adaptive air suspension worth it or not?

[TaycanBoss]

Hi guys i have searched this forum and others regarding this subject. I have posted this thread in the UK section as our road are notoriously bad and probably the worst in first world europe. For those that have compared the base and adaptive air suspension what are your thoughts?. Did you notice a significant difference between the two on our battered pot hole riddled roads?

Thanks in advance

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[daveo4EV]

it's worth it - it's one of the main advantages of higher end vehicles - if you want a smooth adjustable ride air suspension all day long.

 

[RAHRCR]

it's worth it - it's one of the main advantages of higher end vehicles - if you want a smooth adjustable ride air suspension all day long.

Yes….what he said…

 

[bah1590]

Agree with the above 100%. For me it was the most important option. Big difference maker in the ride.

 

[Ambroos]

With the size of the Taycan and how low it is, even just being able to raise the suspension a little to enter car parks / sudden inclines makes it worth it.

 

[Ronglos]

I would be driving a 4S if I could have skipped that option.

 

[Fish Fingers]

Hi guys i have searched this forum and others regarding this subject. I have posted this thread in the UK section as our road are notoriously bad and probably the worst in first world europe. For those that have compared the base and adaptive air suspension what are your thoughts?. Did you notice a significant difference between the two on our battered pot hole riddled roads?

Thanks in advance

UK owner here.

I wasnt going to spec it till I came on this forum. But really glad I did now.
I find the smart lift feature is used a lot on UK roads. Sleeping policeman / car park ramps / steep inclines. It is a very low car.

And it makes bumpy, pitted UK roads as smooth as butter. It's remarkeabke how smooth it is.

That said I haven't driven a Taycan without it.
Hopefully you will get some feedback from UK members who have driven both.

 

[HypeR]

I definitely recommend it, it's a good option

 

[W1NGE]

I've always had air suspension on my Porsches were it has been an option to do so.

Practical advantages - Smart Lift - go without saying.

However I'll be controversial here and say that it does not necessarily offer a smoother ride in all scenarios. Badly rutted roads on larger alloys can be felt (and heard).

Standard on most models now which may restrict your purchase decision. I would always tick the box for the practical advantages offered (great in snow) and accept that it will never provide a magic carpet ride.

Test drive to compare.

 

[Computerglitch]

Drive both if you can. I did and thought the springs were excellent over speed bumps etc. However it is personal choice. The best config probably includes 30k of extras, you personally draw the line. I see some people say it’s their first option……..it was way down on my list and I live in east London where the roads are awful. It’s high enough to avoid the problems that lower cars have and handles really well. Good luck with your choice…….I’m 5 weeks in and have to say I’m loving the daily drive

 

[Windpower]

While I can’t comment on the improvement in the ride (I’ve never driven a Taycan without air suspension), smart lift is important to avoid bottoming out the car in many parking lots. I personally need it just to get up my driveway (my house is on a hill).

 

[4sCT21]

Just as a side note, I know some manufacturers have reliability issues with air suspension (Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes etc), do Porsche have a record of such issues?

sorry to deviate away from the main theme of this discussion.

 

[W1NGE]

Just as a side note, I know some manufacturers have reliability issues with air suspension (Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes etc), do Porsche have a record of such issues?

sorry to deviate away from the main theme of this discussion.

I had a height sensor failure on an early Cayenne S but nothing since (touch wood) in the last 14 years.

Warranty is your friend ;-)

 

[Discohead]

I think it is well worth it on the rubbish roads we have here in the South Downs. However, I haven't driven a Taycan without it.

 

[4sCT21]

I had a height sensor failure on an early Cayenne S but nothing since (touch wood) in the last 14 years.

Warranty is your friend ;-)

Thanks

I‘m thinking ahead to year 4 of the lease. I know that 1k a corner is typical with air suspension

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