Curious how you guys feel about air suspension? I was recently given a panamera loaner with air suspension and it seemed to be pretty versatile. Relatively comfortable in the normal setting, and then progressively getting much sharper in the sport+ setting. Any of you compare a PASM equipped car with and without air suspension? I'm guessing the steel springs are more reliable long term, any thoughts on that? Any reason one of you ordered a car explicitely without air suspension, reasons? Any thoughts/insights on pros/cons of air suspension over steel springs appreciated.

Also as an aside, while this car is not the most photogenic one out there, in person looks really sharp. I liked it much more than I expected.

Thanks.

 

I have the TURBO, but have owned a Panamera S for 9 months. I love there Air Suspension!

My opinion, wouldn't get on a V6. Recommend for all V8s.

Rides better in all modes than stock suspension.

Cheers, JohnnyB

 

In the 997tt I constantly scraped the front spoiler and on wintery roads, I thought the steering wheel will fall off. One reason I choce the PTT is air suspension, you have it sporty hard when the road is smooth and comfy on uneven surfaces, you can have 20 inch wheels and still have a comfortable ride. Also in the places with steep slopes where I scraped the 997 spoiler, I lift the car to the high level and dont have to worry, the air suspension is one of the best things in this car.

 

great if they work.. expensive if they don't!!

 

Thanks all for the responses so far. Does anyone have some subjective sense for their reliability? Is air suspension common amongst other large lux sedans?

Also anyone out there go out of their way to make sure they didn't get air suspension? Reasons? I guess with the Pan turbo you have no choice, but it is an extra on the other cars.

Thanks again.

 

More expensive models usually have it, super sportscars not so often. AMG top models and BMW M5 also, cheaper models like M3 C63 AMG not. One member had broblems with it, do a search, but I think malfunction is due to tire shops not locking the suspension when changing tires.

 

Yes, but only because of projected reliability. Unfortunately I have no data for this. Bought car, planning on running it into the ground. Don't want to deal with air suspension at that time. Very satisfied with the base suspension over the past one year. Very surprised at the handling/comfort balance. Its the best I've ever driven. Its not trackable, but nice enough on the motorway.

If you're leasing, or swapping cars every 5 years, I'm sure air suspension is will hold out fine. Have no real sample size though, so can't say.


Honestly, the more I drive this car, the more I realize its no replacement for a weekend put about in a 911/real sports car. This car is a good daily driver, but no 911. Trying to make it more like a 911 is cool, but one is better off getting a 911 for that purpose if one can. Either way, air suspension is a good choice, gives you flexibility.

 

Probably going to run my into the ground as well and that is my biggest concern. I pray it holds up because I can only imagine what the repair bill will be if it fails!!!