Why do luxury cars have air suspension?
The standard suspension is perfect for daily driving in most scenarios, but the air suspension takes ride comfort to the next level.
A car’s suspension affects the ride comfort of the car. Some suspensions are made for smooth comfort, while others are made a little stiffer to prioritize handling.
Most cars use traditional leaf spring or coil spring suspension, but some automakers choose air suspension for some vehicles. Air suspension is a great option for daily driving as it focuses on ride comfort and provides a more comfortable driving experience.
How does air suspension work?
Air suspension replaces the basic steel spring with an air spring, which is an air-filled rubber bellows. Similar to how traditional shocks work, they use compressed air to adjust the vehicle’s ride height and absorb shock from the road.
What is adaptive air suspension?
Adaptive air suspension takes things to another level. This type of suspension uses sensors to automatically adjust to the terrain and conditions you’re driving on, giving you the smoothest ride possible.
What type of car does it come with?
Air suspension is typically available on luxury cars and large SUVs and trucks that need to raise or lower the vehicle.
Are there any disadvantages to air suspension?
The air suspension can be easily adjusted at the push of a button while providing maximum comfort. A good ride quality is what makes it great, but it will fail at some point. Once your air suspension breaks, it can be expensive to repair if it’s not under warranty.
More basic leaf spring or coil spring suspensions may not offer as much ride comfort, but they are much more durable and last longer. Even if it breaks down, it will last longer than air suspension and will be cheaper to repair.
Kenan Thompson is a car culture reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Keenan at kthompson@freepress.com. Follow him on Instagram @keenanaautos. To sign up automotive newsletter. become a subscriber.
