RS7: Dynamic Ride Control Suspension or Air Suspension?

[ky0t3s]

Can someone with DRC let me know what the ride height is? I'm considering a 2016 build and keep waffling on DRC. It sounds like DRC provides a superior range of firmness throughout the different settings, but since there's no way to change the ride height with software I'm hesitant.

[rcmas4]

I have DRC with the KW sleeve kit that lowers the vehicle to your liking. Prior to the Kw sleeves, it was compliant yet firm. I found myself leaving it in auto. As a previous S6 owner with air suspension, there is a noticeable difference in ride quality; over bumps or imperfections in the road. But the s6 felt too floaty and body roll was simply too much for me.
Lowered, the ride is harsh for a touring sedan, but I don't mind as I am used to my dedicated sports cars (R8, 991tts). Just my two cents

[moosehead1]

FWIW, an HR module set lower and Eurocode sways has noticeably flattened roll and firmed the handling in the S7. For those who aren't tracking, this is a good alt.

[CanuckRS]

Can someone with DRC let me know what the ride height is? I'm considering a 2016 build and keep waffling on DRC. It sounds like DRC provides a superior range of firmness throughout the different settings, but since there's no way to change the ride height with software I'm hesitant.

and that's exactly why i'm going air suspension again. i personally found drc very harsh and air ride is just about perfect WITH the ability for easy height adjustment. the rs7 isn't a track vehicle and i'll never take it there so really no need for it myself.

[[email protected]]

Call me contrarian to a degree. The DRC system was always plagued with leaks and issues on every other model it's ever been fitted to, plus the air suspension's adjustability is so useful. It's also very easy to lower the car with air suspension via lowering links or by using Vagcom (don't need any of those expensive lowering modules at all).

Lowering links: http://www.airmatic-lowering-links.co.uk/buy-now/

Cheers,

[ky0t3s]

Thanks for the feedback! I am mostly happy with the air suspension in my '14. I'm going to try to find a DRC car to test drive then make up my mind.

[pmarin]

I did the Vag-Com lowering of the air suspension and it transforms the suspension of the car. Rides great 14 mm lower, much less body roll bringing that 4400 pound mass down. I actually like comfort mode now, before I would get sea sick. Dynamic is very stiff now, car looks great. Agree with above post getting rid of stock 21 cast wheels, so damn heavy. Lighter wheels and lowered suspension is way to go.

[Arnie49]

A lot of reviews argue not to get the DRC unless your going to be on the track a lot.

I do think a super fast sedan like this should have a nice soft ride...to add to the irony.

I drove the standard suspension and it was just too soft. I heard all the reviews about not getting the Dynamic package and my dealer tried to talk me out of it but I did not listen and ordered it. Best decsion I made. It is not that stiff and very adjustable. If you have driven a Porsche at the dynamic setting it is just as stiff as a Porsche. I guess they feel a big car should ride like a pillow not for me. I love the dynamic package with the dynaic steering etc. Worth every penny.

[Pale Rider]

I drove the standard suspension and it was just too soft. I heard all the reviews about not getting the Dynamic package and my dealer tried to talk me out of it but I did not listen and ordered it. Best decsion I made. It is not that stiff and very adjustable. If you have driven a Porsche at the dynamic setting it is just as stiff as a Porsche. I guess they feel a big car should ride like a pillow not for me. I love the dynamic package with the dynaic steering etc. Worth every penny.

Agreed. I opted for DRC, though I wish there was an easy height adjustment as there is with the air. But that wasn't enough to make me give up the "rocket on rails" feeling of the DRC.

[ky0t3s]

Yesterday I placed a 2016 order with DRC. The more I thought about it, it's the suspension that left the most to be desired on my 2014, and from everyone's comments it sounds like DRC is adjustable enough. Thanks!

Edit: Well, I waffled on this one and cancelled the order. Dealer didn't get allocation after a couple weeks, and when I think about it they really didn't change enough to warrant taking the deprecation hit. Pretty sure I'm going to hold on to my '14 for another year or two.

[kouzman]

Coming from porsche 911s I do not expect neither I wanted a stiff car. I felt that the air suspension will suit the car perfectly as I wanted a compliant ride.

In the future I am getting a track dedicated car, probaby a Porsche again to satisfy my track needs. The RS7 that I am picking up tomorrow will serve as the family executive leisure vehicle... air suspension is fine.

[Pale Rider]

I went back & forth on this issue, and I am glad I got the DRC. Anyone worried about comfort needs to drive the car before giving up that Dynamic setting. In Dynamic, and most of the time in Auto, it feels like driving on rails from a control perspective, and completely comfortable. Our roads around the Bay Area are justifiably reviled for their disrepair, though not as bad as some of the potholed roads exposed to more extremes in the North, East & Midwest. But our roads suck, especially compared to what they used to be. Nevertheless, I find myself in Dynamic mode more than anything else. And it is plenty comfortable. This is my business vehicle, and I have zero regrets about the DRC choice. The one tradeoff is the greater difficulty lowering the car, if you want to do that. Easier to do that with air suspension.

[VPRS7]

I have DRC with the KW sleeve kit that lowers the vehicle to your liking. Prior to the Kw sleeves, it was compliant yet firm. I found myself leaving it in auto. As a previous S6 owner with air suspension, there is a noticeable difference in ride quality; over bumps or imperfections in the road. But the s6 felt too floaty and body roll was simply too much for me.
Lowered, the ride is harsh for a touring sedan, but I don't mind as I am used to my dedicated sports cars (R8, 991tts). Just my two cents

How much of a difference in the ride quality change with the KW kit, as I love my '14 RS7 with DRC, but would like to lower it a bit. I cant stand the "gap" look.

[audi12345678]

Planning to buy S6 and wondering why you guys just don't go with the air and make the Vag-Com lowering? Or it wont do any difference to the stiffness and body roll? Asking because I like the hard and direct ride also.

[ATL_]

IMO, keeping the air suspension is a no-brained. Gives the best of both worlds and can be lowered whereas Dynamic is fixed. Calipers are easy to paint and the sports exhaust is a stand alone option.