In the competitive automotive industry, each brand relentlessly pursues innovation to deliver a superior driving experience. As a result, air suspension systems have become standard features for many luxury car brands. This not only enhances the driving performance of the vehicles but also provides passengers with a more comfortable and enjoyable ride, showcasing outstanding performance for drivers.

In today’s article, we will delve into the exclusive air suspension systems of two European luxury car brands – Mercedes and BMW. Let’s reveal how these systems strike a perfect balance between driving technology and comfort.

MERCEDES — Pinnacle of Technology and Comfort

The Mercedes AIRMATIC^®air suspension is a self-levelling suspension system adding passengers or cargo does not compromise the comfort of your journey. It replaces the traditional coil springs and gas-pressurized shock absorbers with electronically controlled air suspension components. These systems will typically include some form of automatic ride height control and this allows the system to adjust the ride height of each wheel, adjusting it as needed for the road surface, vehicle load or driving style. On rough roads airmatic can raise the vehicle with a push of button to greater ground clearance. At higher speeds, can push the same button to lower down airmatic for improved aerodynamic and control. Next, for smoother handling, it works with Adaptive Damping System (ADS) and response with dynamic select drive modes. For example, select sport or comfort to adjust the feel of the suspension based on your preference.

Leveling Functionality: Intelligently controls the height of the front and rear axles based on road conditions and load, ensuring the vehicle maintains a level stance under various driving conditions. This enhances stability and driving comfort.

Three Adjustment Modes:

Manual Adjustment: Allows drivers to manually adjust the suspension system according to personal preferences for different driving needs.

Automatic Adjustment: The system has automatic adjustment capabilities, intelligently adapting the suspension based on real-time driving conditions and road surfaces.

Speed-Sensitive Adjustment: With changing speeds, the system can sense variations and adjust the suspension performance accordingly. For example, at speeds exceeding 160 km/h, the system might automatically set the suspension for a sportier type suitable for high-speed driving.

Adaptive Damping Function: The system features adaptive damping, dynamically altering damping force based on road conditions and driving types. This ensures a balanced and superior driving experience between smooth rides and sporty drives.

High-Speed Mode: When the vehicle reaches a certain speed, the system can automatically set the suspension for a sportier type suitable for high-speed driving. This contributes to improved stability and handling performance during high-speed driving.

mercedes glc model

E-ABC (E-Active Body Control)

The E-Active Body Control suspension is built upon the foundation of the Airmatic air suspension system, which includes standard elements such as air springs, an air compressor chamber and height control valves. To enhance this setup, the E-active system incorporates hydropneumatics, featuring two dedicated on-board computers, a hydraulic pump and motion-detecting sensors. The power for the hydropneumatics is derived from the car’s hybrid system.

In collaboration, there systems maintain a consistent vehicle ride height regardless of the load. As the on-board sensors identify various types of motion, the E-Active Body Control swiftly adjusts the length of each strut in as little as ten milliseconds. This adjustment serves as a counterforce against external forces acting on the car. Continuously responding to detected movements, E-ABC rapidly influences each wheel, promoting a level stance for the entire vehicle. This notably improves handling and reducing body.

According to Mercedes-Benz, this system is unique globally, offering individual control over spring and damping forces at each wheel, effectively suppressing roiling, pitching and lifting movements.

Magic Body Control

One of the unique features you can find on Mercedes S-Class is The MAGIC BODY CONTROL® with the CURVE® function. The S-Class Mercedes presents the innovative technology feature known as MAGIC BODY CONTROL®. This system utilizes two cameras mounted on the windshield to scan the road ahead of the vehicle. Subsequently, it analyses the bumps and dips on the road and dynamically adjusts the vehicle’s suspension to counteract them. The CURVE® function operates similarly, considering the vehicle’s tilting during turns and adjusting the suspension to maintain a level orientation, ensuring a smooth driving experience.

BMW — Perfect Fusion of Handling and Sportiness

The BMW developed air suspension system is highly integrated into the vehicle’s sensors and systems. The system comprises over 100 codes that can be configured by the two modules overseeing the chassis system. Air suspension uses an electric air pump or compressor to deliver pressurized air for absorbing road shocks during driving. The air struts, integral elements of BMW’s suspension system, play a role in sustaining the vehicle’s height by resisting compression via air pressure generated by the compressor.

adaptive drive

Dynamic Damper Control (Dynamic Damping Control)

BMW Dynamic damper control is a sophisticated system designed to dynamically alter suspension settings. The individual control unit on each wheel constantly monitor movement at rate of 400 times per second, ensuring precise adjustments to the shock absorbers. This innovative system has the capability to fine-tune both compression and rebound, adapting from a soft to firm setting. It optimizes the absorber to deliver the utmost comfort and superior handling tailored to the specific driving conditions, optimal driving experiences even on the terrains. In addition to the standard comfort settings, which reduces bumps and discomfort during vehicle movements, there are two additional programs: sport and sport +. In these modes, the dampers automatically adjust to provide a more tightened suspension, catering to a sportier driving style.

adaptive drive control

Adaptive Suspension System

BMW equipped with adaptive suspensions are EDC (electronic damper control) controlled- there’s an EDC control valve on every steel spring/strut or air suspension strut which controls the compression and rebound from driving dynamics control (comfort, sport, adaptive, eco, and pro) program.

Adaptive Suspension System: Intelligently adjusts suspension settings based on driving modes and road conditions, achieving a perfect balance between handling and comfort, providing an outstanding driving experience.

Road Sensing Technology: Experience a firmer suspension on open roads, ensuring exceptional road feel under various driving conditions.

Enhanced Traction: Dynamic Damper Control offers increased traction during acceleration and turns, providing confident control and passionate driving.

One-Click Sport Setting: With a simple button press, activate a more sports-oriented suspension setting for an exciting driving experience.

By delving deep into the air suspension systems of these 2 brands, we gain insights into the future direction of automotive technology. This article goes beyond being just about driving; it also serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence by luxury car manufacturers.

In the next article, we will take you on a journey to explore the air suspension systems of another 2 more European luxury car brands – Audi & Porsche.

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