Why did the BMW X5 cancel the air suspension?
2 Answers
In the BMW family, the X5 is positioned not just as an SUV for pure highway driving, but also as an SUV that needs to accommodate off-road use. The air suspension designed for civilian vehicles is tailored for urban paved roads and is not suitable for off-road use. Using air suspension on unpaved roads can shorten its lifespan. Additionally, vehicles equipped with air suspension require annual relay replacements. If the relay malfunctions, the air suspension can fail, making it uneconomical. Advantages of air suspension: One major advantage of air suspension is its ability to automatically adjust the stiffness of the springs. During high-speed driving, the suspension automatically stiffens to provide better support for the vehicle, ensuring more stable driving. During prolonged low-speed driving, the suspension automatically softens, offering better comfort for the driver and passengers. Disadvantages of air suspension: The downside is the high cost of purchase or optional installation, along with 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 suspensions, making it difficult to popularize in mid-to-low-end vehicles. Moreover, the more sophisticated the technology, the more prone it is to damage. If the air suspension suddenly fails during driving, the vehicle may tilt to one side, posing a safety hazard.
As a long-time BMW owner who has driven several generations of their vehicles, I've observed that the removal of air suspension from the X5 was primarily for cost control and improved reliability. While air suspension delivers an exceptionally comfortable ride—automatically adjusting height on rough roads, for example—it's prone to frequent issues. Problems like airbag leaks, pump failures, or sensor malfunctions can easily rack up repair bills exceeding tens of thousands. I personally went through one such repair, and it was a massive hit to the wallet. BMW likely concluded that most owners prioritize everyday practicality over ultimate comfort, hence the shift to simpler steel spring suspension paired with electronic damping tuning—more affordable, durable, and still capable of maintaining solid handling. Another factor is weight reduction; air suspension components are heavy, and switching to standard suspension makes the vehicle lighter, slightly improving fuel efficiency. Overall, this move makes the X5 more cost-effective in the luxury SUV market, keeping its price more accessible.
