BMW i4 Adaptive vs Standard Suspension: A Real-World Ride Quality Comparison

Having spent a month driving my ’71 plate BMW i4 40 M Sport with adaptive air suspension, the unexpected need for repairs led me to experience a ’22 plate i4 40 M Sport courtesy car equipped with standard air suspension. This provided a unique opportunity to directly compare the ride quality of these two suspension setups in real-world conditions, specifically navigating the diverse road surfaces and frequent roadworks of zone 3 London.

The most noticeable difference lies in the level of refinement offered by the adaptive suspension. In comfort mode, it truly lives up to the luxury feel, effectively smoothing out bumps and imperfections in the road. While aggressive driving in this mode can induce noticeable nose lift and dive, switching to sport mode tightens things up considerably. This sport setting reduces body roll and dive, but introduces a firmer ride where smaller road imperfections become more apparent.

In contrast, the standard air suspension in the courtesy car presents a compelling compromise. It feels firmer and more controlled than the adaptive suspension’s comfort mode, and approaches the tautness of sport mode in managing body roll and dive. However, it lacks the adjustable nature of the adaptive system, meaning you can’t tailor the ride to your specific driving style or preference at that moment. Despite this, the standard suspension still allows for changes in steering weight and throttle response through the sport and comfort modes, impacting the overall driving feel.

My experience test driving a Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo highlighted an exceptionally supple and planted ride, with minimal roll or dive – setting a high benchmark. Conversely, the Tesla Model 3, while feeling agile and go-kart-like with minimal roll and dive, transmits much more road texture, lacking the refinement of both adaptive and standard i4 suspensions. The key takeaway is refinement; both BMW i4 suspension systems offer a great driving experience, but cater to slightly different preferences in ride quality and adjustability.

Ultimately, both suspension options deliver a great drive, with the adaptive system offering a more customizable and luxurious ride, while the standard suspension provides a well-balanced and slightly firmer experience. The choice depends on individual priorities regarding ride comfort, adjustability, and driving style.