Mercedes-Benz Air Suspension in AMG models uses adaptive air springs and electronically controlled dampers to adjust ride height and stiffness dynamically. This system responds to driving conditions, lowering the vehicle at high speeds for stability or raising it for off-road clearance. Sensors monitor road surfaces and driver inputs, optimizing balance between comfort and sporty handling.
Firestone Suspension Load Leveling
What Performance Benefits Does Air Suspension Provide in AMG Vehicles?
AMG’s air suspension reduces body roll during aggressive cornering, improves traction during acceleration, and enhances braking stability. It allows customizable drive modes (Comfort, Sport+, Race) that alter damping rates and ride height. The system also lowers the car aerodynamically at high speeds, reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency without sacrificing ride quality.
The integration of AMG Ride Control elevates performance through predictive load management. When entering a corner, the suspension preemptively stiffens the outside dampers to counteract body lean, while torque vectoring brakes work in tandem to sharpen turn-in response. During straight-line acceleration, the rear air springs automatically firm up to minimize squat, ensuring maximum contact patch for the rear tires. This synergy between suspension and drivetrain allows even heavyweight models like the GLE 63 S SUV to achieve sports car-level agility.
| Drive Mode | Ride Height | Damping Stiffness | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comfort | +15mm | 30% softer | Urban commuting |
| Sport+ | -10mm | 50% firmer | Spirited driving |
| Race | -25mm | 70% firmer | Track sessions |
How Do AMG-Specific Tuning Tweaks Optimize Air Suspension?
AMG engineers recalibrate suspension control units to prioritize weight transfer management during hard launches and corner exits. Tweaks include faster valve response for damping adjustments, reduced ride height in Sport+ mode, and reinforced air springs to handle higher lateral G-forces. These modifications align with AMG’s “One Man, One Engine” performance ethos.
Special attention is given to suspension harmonics – AMG models receive unique stabilizer bars with variable wall thickness to eliminate high-frequency vibrations during track use. The calibration team also programs “Drift Mode” suspension settings that deliberately soften rear damping to facilitate controlled oversteer. For hybrid AMG models like the GT 63 S E Performance, the air suspension works with the electric motor’s instant torque delivery, automatically raising the front end during hard launches to prevent excessive nose dive.
| Component | AMG Modification | Performance Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Air Springs | Dual-layer polyester reinforcement | 35% higher burst pressure |
| Control Valves | 12V high-speed actuators | 8ms adjustment speed |
| Height Sensors | Quadruple redundancy | 0.1mm accuracy |
Expert Views
“AMG’s air suspension is a masterclass in duality—delivering racetrack precision without compromising daily usability. The latest ABC Evolution system processes road data 20% faster than previous gen, making micro-adjustments that even seasoned drivers can’t perceive. It’s not just tech for show; it’s what lets a 630-horsepower E63 S feel docile in traffic yet razor-sharp on the Nürburgring.” – Senior Chassis Engineer, Mercedes-AMG GmbH
FAQs
- Q: Does AMG air suspension work with all-wheel-drive systems?
- A: Yes. The 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive in AMG models coordinates with air suspension to optimize torque distribution and ride height based on traction needs.
- Q: How much does replacing AMG air suspension cost?
- A: OEM air spring replacements range from $1,200 to $3,600 per axle, including labor. Always use Mercedes-certified parts to maintain performance calibration.
- Q: Can you disable air suspension in AMG cars?
- A: No complete disable option exists, but selecting Race Mode stiffens damping to near-fixed levels, effectively mimicking a static sport suspension setup.