Long range suspension

[MaoDiggyMao]

Hey gang,

Can any owners of the long range version please share opinions on the suspension, since it doesn't have the fancy air suspension.

 

[MikeJS]

Hey gang,

Can any owners of the long range version please share opinions on the suspension, since it doesn't have the fancy air suspension.

I drove the performance version on the IM6 and the LR version of the IM5 and did not notice any significant difference other than what you would expect between the 2 cars.

 

[rgledhill]

I found the IM5 very nice on standard suspension, so I suspect the IM6 would be too as it's basically the same under the skin.

 

[Caramaddy]

If keeping the car long-term, might be worth avoiding the air suspension - just a thought.

 

[NikLiverpool]

I was under the impression that only the IM6 launch has the air suspension?
I believe none of the IM5s has it
I test drove the IM6 launch twice. Both on motorway and inside the city the car felt very smooth on dealing with speedbumps, potholes etc.
Unfortunately there was no IM6 without air suspension to do a direct comparison.
I didn't drive the IM5 but to be fair they are very different cars so I am not sure if any difference would be down to the suspension only.

 

[rgledhill]

Yes, only the launch edition of the IM6 has air suspension, and I haven't driven it, so all I can report is that I found the standard suspension fine on the IM5. I'm not sure they're very different cars in any case - identical drivetrains etc, different body styles, much like the Tesla Model 3 and Y.

 

[NikLiverpool]

I own a model3, driven both first gen modelY and the Highland.
Very different behaviour.
I would presume that the same would apply between the IM5 and 6 being saloon and SUV.

 

[rgledhill]

I guess the only way to know is to try them .

 

[tsedge]

This comparison between IM5 and Tesla M3 Highland (both without air suspension), says the IM's suspension is considerably better than the Tesla's.

 

[Don H]

My test drive was in the im6 long range so no air suspension. To be honest it was pretty damn good, held the road well and given the potholes in my area it coped well. I pick mine up next week and after I’ve had it for a few weeks I’ll post my thoughts again.

 

[NikLiverpool]

My test drive was in the im6 long range so no air suspension. To be honest it was pretty damn good, held the road well and given the potholes in my area it coped well. I pick mine up next week and after I’ve had it for a few weeks I’ll post my thoughts again.

Congrats on the new wheels! I hope it all goes well.
Keen to know with whom you are insuring it; I am having hard time finding a decent insurance quote. My order is for an IM6 launch and the cheapest quote I have managed to find is £1170 but it is from a company I have not heard before; thus a bit weary...
For the record I am 44 years old, 14 years NCD, 8000 milers per year....Wife added on the insurance too.

 

[Don H]

Hi Nik
I’ve got a quote online ( money supermarket) price through Tesco insurance was just under £800 ( can’t remember exactly as I haven’t covered the car yet, pick up next Tuesday).
Quote was for full no claims, 10000 miles per year and adding the wife as second driver.

 

[tonyrome]

The adaptive air suspension is definitely superior, in my opinion. It's a shame this isn't an option on the Long Range model and is the reason I will go for the Launch Edition, if I buy one.

 

[BigBear]

The adaptive air suspension is definitely superior, in my opinion. It's a shame this isn't an option on the Long Range model and is the reason I will go for the Launch Edition, if I buy one.

And the reason I went for the Launch Edition too

 

[tsedge]

The adaptive air suspension is definitely superior, in my opinion. It's a shame this isn't an option on the Long Range model and is the reason I will go for the Launch Edition, if I buy one.

Good, it certainly should be the best ride. I agree it should be an option on the LR but I guess they want minimal options to keep costs down.

 

[MSvirus]

To my testdrive I came/left in another car with airsuspension and adjustable dampers, on the comfort setting. And the IM6 without air felt more comfortable. The ground clearance was adequate too. I quickly concluded that the air was absolutely not needed.

 

[tsedge]

To my testdrive I came/left in another car with airsuspension and adjustable dampers, on the comfort setting. And the IM6 without air felt more comfortable. The ground clearance was adequate too. I quickly concluded that the air was absolutely not needed.

I believe from what I have heard that the ride is very good anyway, but that the air suspension still improves it noticeably.

It will all depend what you are comparing it to, I would say if you haven't ever had a large luxury car, you'll find the normal suspension just fine, but if you are used to Mercedes luxobarge or similar levels of comfort, the air suspension is worth considering.

 

[MSvirus]

I believe from what I have heard that the ride is very good anyway, but that the air suspension still improves it noticeably.

It will all depend what you are comparing it to, I would say if you haven't ever had a large luxury car, you'll find the normal suspension just fine, but if you are used to Mercedes luxobarge or similar levels of comfort, the air suspension is worth considering.

I came from my MB R-class air suspension with electronically adjustable shocks that day. Had 5 cars with air and one S-class with ABC suspension, and still find the IM6 steel suspension much softer. If the air is any more soft than this, it would feel like a boat, as the steel suspension was not encouraging to drive in the bends.

If the air on IM6 is "better", then the increase is probably so small so it is not worth the extra money for it, in my opinion. Here in Norway you also get bigger wheels with the air, something I didn't want.

 

[tsedge]

Interesting... I have always felt wheel size makes a massive difference to ride. Maybe even more so than I always thought.

I have been looking at second hand BMW i3s as a occasional second car, but the 20inch wheels and terrible ride do put me off what is otherwise a very interesting design.