Why did the BMW X5 cancel the air suspension?
3 Answers
BMW X5 canceled the air suspension because it is not suitable for off-road use. The positioning of the BMW X5 in the BMW family is not purely a road-driving SUV; it also needs to be an SUV that can handle off-road use. The air suspension used in civilian vehicles is designed for urban paved roads and is not suitable for off-road use. Using air suspension on unpaved roads will shorten its lifespan. Additionally, vehicles equipped with air suspension must replace the relay every year. If the relay malfunctions, the air suspension will fail, which is not economical. Advantages of air suspension: One major advantage of air suspension is its ability to automatically adjust the stiffness of the springs. When driving at high speeds, the suspension automatically becomes stiffer to provide better support for the vehicle, ensuring more stable driving. When driving at low speeds for extended periods, the suspension automatically softens, offering better comfort for the driver and passengers. Disadvantages of air suspension: The downside is the high purchase or optional cost, as well as particularly high maintenance costs. Although technology continues to advance and the cost of air suspension is decreasing, it remains relatively high compared to conventional spring suspension, making it difficult to popularize in mid- to low-end vehicles. Moreover, the more precise the mechanism, the more prone it is to damage. If the air suspension suddenly fails during driving, the vehicle may tilt to one side, which is also a safety hazard.
As an early follower of the X5 facelift, I've discovered several considerations behind the removal of the air suspension. A key point is handling dynamics—BMW inherently pursues driving pleasure, and engineers believe traditional coil spring suspensions offer more direct and faster responses, aligning better with the X5's sporty positioning. Then there's cost control; air suspension systems are expensive upfront, with even more exorbitant maintenance costs—a single air spring can cost over ten thousand. Now that the domestic X5's price has dropped to the 600,000 RMB range, conventional suspension significantly lowers both the purchase threshold and long-term ownership costs. Meanwhile, BMW's adaptive suspension technology is already quite mature, and when paired with electronic dampers, the comfort difference on regular roads isn't substantial. Market data also shows that most users don’t prioritize this feature, instead focusing more on upgrades like rear-seat space and infotainment systems. Clearly, the manufacturer made this decision after thorough research.
A friend of mine who follows BMW's supply chain shared some inside information. The supply of core components for air suspension has been unstable over the past two years, especially during the chip shortage crisis. It's more practical for BMW to prioritize production capacity for the base models. Honestly, the older X5 models had a relatively high air suspension failure rate, with airbags prone to leaks in cold northern winters, leading to many complaints in owner groups. After simplifying the configuration, overall vehicle reliability has actually improved, and workshop technicians report significantly lower repair rates for mechanical suspensions. Another interesting point is weight reduction—steel springs are about 30 kg lighter than the entire air suspension system, which benefits both fuel consumption and emissions. However, customers seeking the 'magic carpet' ride experience shouldn't be disappointed—the official M Performance version will still offer air suspension as a premium option, though it comes with a price tag exceeding a million.
