SL/R232: Suspension Difference
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 40
Likes: 48
C63S AMG
Suspension Difference
Having spent a few hours driving the SL55s yesterday before I made my decision which spec to buy, I found the differences between the Performance and Touring trims interesting and choosing either required certain trade offs, most notably as it relates to the suspension settings.
The Touring trim level with AMG Ride Control suspension seemed to ride a little less firmly in all settings. Body roll was very controlled and bumps and imperfections in the roads were handled very well.
The Performance trim, with the AMG Active Ride Control suspension, was slightly firmer in all settings, there was virtually no body roll, and extremely planted.
For day to day driving, probably not that much of a difference would be noticed, but I feel that the Performance trim is more adaptable to all types of driving.
The only way to get e-diff and front axel lift is the Performance trim, so if spirited driving is planned, the trim upgrade is required. Is it a $7000 difference? That is the real question.
The Touring trim level with AMG Ride Control suspension seemed to ride a little less firmly in all settings. Body roll was very controlled and bumps and imperfections in the roads were handled very well.
The Performance trim, with the AMG Active Ride Control suspension, was slightly firmer in all settings, there was virtually no body roll, and extremely planted.
For day to day driving, probably not that much of a difference would be noticed, but I feel that the Performance trim is more adaptable to all types of driving.
The only way to get e-diff and front axel lift is the Performance trim, so if spirited driving is planned, the trim upgrade is required. Is it a $7000 difference? That is the real question.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Yes, I think it's worth it. Plus you get the front axle lift which can prevent a lot of bumper damages, something SL's are known for. Or spend the money on getting CCB brakes...
Member
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 108
Likes: 90
SL55 2023
Having spent a few hours driving the SL55s yesterday before I made my decision which spec to buy, I found the differences between the Performance and Touring trims interesting and choosing either required certain trade offs, most notably as it relates to the suspension settings.
The Touring trim level with AMG Ride Control suspension seemed to ride a little less firmly in all settings. Body roll was very controlled and bumps and imperfections in the roads were handled very well.
The Performance trim, with the AMG Active Ride Control suspension, was slightly firmer in all settings, there was virtually no body roll, and extremely planted.
For day to day driving, probably not that much of a difference would be noticed, but I feel that the Performance trim is more adaptable to all types of driving.
The only way to get e-diff and front axel lift is the Performance trim, so if spirited driving is planned, the trim upgrade is required. Is it a $7000 difference? That is the real question.
The Touring trim level with AMG Ride Control suspension seemed to ride a little less firmly in all settings. Body roll was very controlled and bumps and imperfections in the roads were handled very well.
The Performance trim, with the AMG Active Ride Control suspension, was slightly firmer in all settings, there was virtually no body roll, and extremely planted.
For day to day driving, probably not that much of a difference would be noticed, but I feel that the Performance trim is more adaptable to all types of driving.
The only way to get e-diff and front axel lift is the Performance trim, so if spirited driving is planned, the trim upgrade is required. Is it a $7000 difference? That is the real question.
Also when I was considering the performance trim, my salesperson told me it necessitated black exterior trim which I did not want with the hyper blue exterior color I ordered.
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Super Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 876
Likes: 41
From: ST. Louis, MO
'16 SL550, '18 Porsche Macan GTS
But why can’t you get the Performance Trim with Red calipers? Really don’t care for the yellow ones! The Carbon Ceramic brakes are a better color but they are $8,000! Makes no sense to me.
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Member
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 108
Likes: 90
SL55 2023
That was another reason I ordered the touring suspension. For aesthetic reasons, I wanted red calipers and chrome trim. Not yellow calipers, not black trim.
