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Hi,
The lease on my 2020 A4 is ending in June and I really really really want a Q5, but it looks increasingly unlikely that the redesigned model will be orderable by then. So... thinking about ordering a 2024 instead.
In Canada, they made 20" wheels standard for 2024 (unfortunately) and they got rid of the adaptive air suspension option, but the 'regular' 1BL adaptive suspension is still orderable. Impossible to test drive one I think (at least on a Q5 - maybe other Audis with a similar suspension can be found) because dealers just don't order them for inventory.
Roads have gotten much rougher in the last couple of years here, so looking for something that would be more on the comfort side than my A4.
Thoughts? Does anyone have any experience with the 1BL suspension?
There isn't an "adaptive" air suspension for the type FY (B9 Q5). There's the 1BK standard air suspension 1BK and then the 2MB sport air suspension (SQ5). They're both inherently "adaptive", being air springs.
For the steel springs suspensions, you have 1BA standard and 1BV sport. These use traditional single state dampers. Then you have 1BL adaptive and 1BQ sport adaptive (SQ5). These use adaptable dampers. The adaptive suspension is certainly better than the fixed suspension, but can't speak to how it compares to the air suspension. It won't have the adjustable level/height aspects of the air suspension.
While 1BL exists for the type 8W (B9 A4), it was pretty much not offered at all, at least in the US. What is the suspension on your A4? If it's 1BE, pretty much anything not "sport" on the Q5 will be softer.
There isn't an "adaptive" air suspension for the type FY (B9 Q5). There's the 1BK standard air suspension 1BK and then the 2MB sport air suspension (SQ5). They're both inherently "adaptive", being air springs.
For the steel springs suspensions, you have 1BA standard and 1BV sport. These use traditional single state dampers. Then you have 1BL adaptive and 1BQ sport adaptive (SQ5). These use adaptable dampers. The adaptive suspension is certainly better than the fixed suspension, but can't speak to how it compares to the air suspension. It won't have the adjustable level/height aspects of the air suspension.
While 1BL exists for the type 8W (B9 A4), it was pretty much not offered at all, at least in the US. What is the suspension on your A4? If it's 1BE, pretty much anything not "sport" on the Q5 will be softer.
My A4 is... the regular non-sport suspension. Would have to check which code it is.
In 2023, they offered a 1BK "adaptive air suspension" on the Q5. Now that's gone, so the one I am considering is the 1BL.
1BA is the standard steel spring suspension. 1BK is just the normal air suspension for the Q5; adaptive is inherent when you say air suspension. Adaptive when used with the steel spring suspension has a different implication. So 1BK adaptive air spring and 1BL adaptive steel spring, both adaptive, but not in the same methodology or capability. Using adaptive to refer to air just convolutes the terminology. standard, adaptive, air, and each comes in standard and sport.
The only negative to the adaptive suspension is when it comes time that the dampers are worn out and need replacing. They are very expensive compared to some third-party replacement standard dampers.
1BA is the standard steel spring suspension. 1BK is just the normal air suspension for the Q5; adaptive is inherent when you say air suspension. Adaptive when used with the steel spring suspension has a different implication. So 1BK adaptive air spring and 1BL adaptive steel spring, both adaptive, but not in the same methodology or capability. Using adaptive to refer to air just convolutes the terminology. standard, adaptive, air, and each comes in standard and sport.
Please take that up with Audi Canada. They were the ones calling 1BK "Adaptive air suspension", at least when they last offered it in 2023. I literally copied and pasted their wording from their order guide.
In any event, given the 1BK suspension is no longer available here in 2024, that's... somewhat irrelevant. The 1BL is the only available option and the one I'd like to get people's thoughts/experience/etc on...
Okay, I'm trying to go through parts lists. Is 80A413029G used both in the 1BL adaptive Q5 Canadian suspension and in the SQ5 adaptive suspension? Are there differences between the two?
I had 19's on my A4 Avant. I've now got 20's on my Q5. The ride is much more compliant on the Q5.
The amount of tyre sidewall has increased a lot.
My A4 had adaptive suspension and although it would protect the passengers from the really bad roads when in Comfort mode, you'd still here and feel the low profile wheels crashing on the potholes. My Q5 has the S-line suspension (conventional/non-adjustable) which Audi call 'dynamic' or 'Sports'' and the extra side wall makes a massive difference to comfort.
Last edited by Scotty (UK); 02-19-2024 at 01:39 AM.
I have a 2022 Q5e with the adjustable suspension ( not air) as some have said has an adjustable suspension. We keep it on comfort. We have 20" pirelli run flats. They are a little stiff but the ride is really pretty good. I have taken it on some pretty rough roads and it always performs. It is a quattro!!!!
02-11-2024, 05:40 AM
Adaptive suspension?
