Suspension with Adaptive Damping Adjustment on 2019 G550?
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Future 2019 G550 Owner
Suspension with Adaptive Damping Adjustment on 2019 G550?
Is the $1400 "Suspension with Adaptive Damping Adjustment" worth it? Will I feel a difference with daily road driving if I don't have this option?
I forgot to add it to my 2019 G550 order that's being built in December. My salesperson told me if I try to add it now, it will delay my build.
I forgot to add it to my 2019 G550 order that's being built in December. My salesperson told me if I try to add it now, it will delay my build.
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2023 G550
I ordered a 2019 G550 last week, with an estimated build date of Jan/Feb 2019. I also have the same question as "pdeacon" has to whether I should do a change order to add this same feature. My salesman was unsure what it even is at the time he placed my order, but he said I can add it anytime prior to my scheduled build date being received by my dealership, which he said should be about late November 2018 without causing any delay in my order. So, may I kindly ask: What is this option? I believe the G550 has several driver settable modes (Comfort, Economy, Sport, etc.), but I have no idea what the "Suspension with Adaptive Damping Adjustment," Option A20, is, or what it even does, how it is activated/selected by the driver,etc.
Is anyone familiar with Option A20, and if so, would be so kind to please give me a brief explanation?
I don't mind spending another $1400, but I'd sure like to know what A20 is/what it does, etc. My salesman thought it was a driving mode only meant for very, very extreme off road use, and unless I actually plan to climb up/down some phenomenal grades, it would be entirely useless/unnecessary for me. I'd sure like to know.
Is anyone familiar with Option A20, and if so, would be so kind to please give me a brief explanation?
I don't mind spending another $1400, but I'd sure like to know what A20 is/what it does, etc. My salesman thought it was a driving mode only meant for very, very extreme off road use, and unless I actually plan to climb up/down some phenomenal grades, it would be entirely useless/unnecessary for me. I'd sure like to know.
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The adaptive air suspension adjusts automatically to changing road conditions and smooths out the ride. I have it on my E Class and have experienced it on previously owned S Class vehicles. It also has the ability to manually raise the suspension by a couple of inches to avoid scraping the front spoiler on sharp inclines. I'm not sure that feature is important in a G Wagon.
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The adaptive air suspension adjusts automatically to changing road conditions and smooths out the ride. I have it on my E Class and have experienced it on previously owned S Class vehicles. It also has the ability to manually raise the suspension by a couple of inches to avoid scraping the front spoiler on sharp inclines. I'm not sure that feature is important in a G Wagon.
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E63s AMG
The adaptive air suspension adjusts automatically to changing road conditions and smooths out the ride. I have it on my E Class and have experienced it on previously owned S Class vehicles. It also has the ability to manually raise the suspension by a couple of inches to avoid scraping the front spoiler on sharp inclines. I'm not sure that feature is important in a G Wagon.
On the current G550, the stock suspension was great, considering the suspension design and useage.
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2023 G550
I agree, SF. I also didn't think the g-wagon had air suspension, nor could it adjust its ride height. I think my dealer is probably correct that option A20 is probably a waste of $. However, in spite of this, I decided to do a change order this afternoon and add it in. This way, if it is even slightly advantageous to have A20 in some situations, what the heck, I will have it. In relation to the total cost of the vehicle, relatively speaking $1400 is not a lot of money. From what I was able to find out about it subsequent to my post, I believe A20 will work in conjunction with the system's ESP, and in a pinch, such as a high speed maneuver on a bad piece of the road, maybe it will make the difference between negotiating that high speed corner successfully, versus not. Even if this is the case even just one time, it would be worth it the $1400. So, I said WTH, and told my salesman today to go ahead and add A20 to my order.
FYI, here's what Mercedes says about A20:Electronically adjustable shock absorbers can vary their damping rate not only at the touch of a button, but automatically in critical driving situations. By switching from Comfort to Sport mode, the driver can firm up the handling characteristics of the suspension. During highly dynamic movements, the vehicle's Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) can instantly adjust the settings automatically, working strategically with ESP's throttle and brake intervention to enhance stability.
Electronically adjustable shock absorbers can vary their damping rate not only at the touch of a button, but automatically in critical driving situations. By switching from Comfort to Sport mode, the driver can firm up the handling characteristics of the suspension. During highly dynamic movements, the vehicle's Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) can instantly adjust the settings automatically, working strategically with ESP's throttle and brake intervention to enhance stability.
FYI, here's what Mercedes says about A20:Electronically adjustable shock absorbers can vary their damping rate not only at the touch of a button, but automatically in critical driving situations. By switching from Comfort to Sport mode, the driver can firm up the handling characteristics of the suspension. During highly dynamic movements, the vehicle's Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) can instantly adjust the settings automatically, working strategically with ESP's throttle and brake intervention to enhance stability.
Electronically adjustable shock absorbers can vary their damping rate not only at the touch of a button, but automatically in critical driving situations. By switching from Comfort to Sport mode, the driver can firm up the handling characteristics of the suspension. During highly dynamic movements, the vehicle's Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) can instantly adjust the settings automatically, working strategically with ESP's throttle and brake intervention to enhance stability.
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From: Texas
E63s AMG
I agree, SF. I also didn't think the g-wagon had air suspension, nor could it adjust its ride height. I think my dealer is probably correct that option A20 is probably a waste of $. However, in spite of this, I decided to do a change order this afternoon and add it in. This way, if it is even slightly advantageous to have A20 in some situations, what the heck, I will have it. In relation to the total cost of the vehicle, relatively speaking $1400 is not a lot of money. From what I was able to find out about it subsequent to my post, I believe A20 will work in conjunction with the system's ESP, and in a pinch, such as a high speed maneuver on a bad piece of the road, maybe it will make the difference between negotiating that high speed corner successfully, versus not. Even if this is the case even just one time, it would be worth it the $1400. So, I said WTH, and told my salesman today to go ahead and add A20 to my order.
FYI, here's what Mercedes says about A20:Electronically adjustable shock absorbers can vary their damping rate not only at the touch of a button, but automatically in critical driving situations. By switching from Comfort to Sport mode, the driver can firm up the handling characteristics of the suspension. During highly dynamic movements, the vehicle's Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) can instantly adjust the settings automatically, working strategically with ESP's throttle and brake intervention to enhance stability.
Electronically adjustable shock absorbers can vary their damping rate not only at the touch of a button, but automatically in critical driving situations. By switching from Comfort to Sport mode, the driver can firm up the handling characteristics of the suspension. During highly dynamic movements, the vehicle's Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) can instantly adjust the settings automatically, working strategically with ESP's throttle and brake intervention to enhance stability.
FYI, here's what Mercedes says about A20:Electronically adjustable shock absorbers can vary their damping rate not only at the touch of a button, but automatically in critical driving situations. By switching from Comfort to Sport mode, the driver can firm up the handling characteristics of the suspension. During highly dynamic movements, the vehicle's Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) can instantly adjust the settings automatically, working strategically with ESP's throttle and brake intervention to enhance stability.
Electronically adjustable shock absorbers can vary their damping rate not only at the touch of a button, but automatically in critical driving situations. By switching from Comfort to Sport mode, the driver can firm up the handling characteristics of the suspension. During highly dynamic movements, the vehicle's Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) can instantly adjust the settings automatically, working strategically with ESP's throttle and brake intervention to enhance stability.
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W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
The adaptive air suspension adjusts automatically to changing road conditions and smooths out the ride. I have it on my E Class and have experienced it on previously owned S Class vehicles. It also has the ability to manually raise the suspension by a couple of inches to avoid scraping the front spoiler on sharp inclines. I'm not sure that feature is important in a G Wagon.
Car & Driver and other reviews have said the G adjustable suspension does not make much of a difference to ride or handling, regardless of what mode it’s in.
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2023 G550
I have heard exactly the opposite inasmuch as the adj suspension is very important as a safety system that auto adjusts to provide increased vehicle control under certain conditions.
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W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
From Car & Driver:
Adjustable dampers are optional on the G550 and standard on the G63. The AMG also gets front and rear anti-roll bars that make for a slightly sportier box. Switching the dynamic dampers into firmer settings in either version buys fractionally more cornering ability, but you’re always aware of the G’s towering height and its off-road mission.
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2023 G550
Nope, no confusion. I read an extensive article on this system and wutz involved. Made me think it’s well, well worth it. I will try to dig the review article up and post it.
In my case, no worries, though as I think it comes standard with the G63.
In my case, no worries, though as I think it comes standard with the G63.
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W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
I also assumed that the ride would be more comfortable with the adjustable dampers, since the non-adjustable are probably set somewhere between Comfort and Sport.
Finally, I assumed the blank switch on the center console would be filled with the damper setting button. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
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From: Marineland FL
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this is on road only. I’ll be driving off road next summer. What sold me was that the dampers apparently improve emergency handling as they can auto-adjust when necessary. Also, I’m not sure if they have additional modes for off road use (vs the 2 user selectable modes).
I also assumed that the ride would be more comfortable with the adjustable dampers, since the non-adjustable are probably set somewhere between Comfort and Sport.
Finally, I assumed the blank switch on the center console would be filled with the damper setting button. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
I also assumed that the ride would be more comfortable with the adjustable dampers, since the non-adjustable are probably set somewhere between Comfort and Sport.
Finally, I assumed the blank switch on the center console would be filled with the damper setting button. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case.
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From: Marineland FL
'27 EQG deposit, '22 F8 Spyder, '20 Fat Boy
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W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
You have 2 options: Comfort and Sport. In Individual mode you can select which of the two you want. For Sport, you get Sport, for Comfort you get Comfort.
Now in the Off Road/Low Range mode, you may get a 3rd damper setting that is not user-accessible... not sure.
Now in the Off Road/Low Range mode, you may get a 3rd damper setting that is not user-accessible... not sure.
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W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
A Mercedes-Benz instructor rides shotgun to keep my actions in check. "Good luck, buddy," I think as he tells me to lock the center diff so the G550's scaled-down terrain management system engages. Called "G-Mode," in the G550, it automatically adjusts the shocks, steering and throttle parameters for maximum off-road performance.
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From: Marineland FL
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Thanks. I am asking since my wife, who will be the primary driver, will probably use Eco mode - is there a way to utilize it that way via the Individual mode?
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W463 G550 / C190 GTC //prev: W204 C63 507 / R170
Eco mode uses Comfort for the suspension. If you mean can you select Sport suspension in Eco, no, you can't. You may be able to get the Eco mode settings in Individual mode and select Sport dampers that way.
