AMG RIDE CONTROL is an advanced suspension system featured in many Mercedes-AMG vehicles, designed to optimize the balance between comfort and high-performance handling. This system offers a more refined driving experience by allowing the driver to adjust the suspension settings based on driving conditions, driving style, and road surfaces. Here's how it functions:
1. Adaptive Damping Technology:
At the core of AMG RIDE CONTROL is its adaptive damping system, which continuously adjusts the shock absorbers on each wheel based on real-time inputs. This system monitors factors like the vehicle’s speed, road surface conditions, and the driver's steering and braking inputs. It adjusts the suspension stiffness to offer the optimal balance of comfort and performance at any given moment.
- Soft Settings (Comfort): When driving over rough or uneven roads, the system softens the shock absorbers to improve ride comfort, reducing road noise and vibration.
- Firm Settings (Sport and Sport+): When the driver demands more performance (e.g., for track driving or spirited driving on smooth roads), the system stiffens the suspension to provide more precise handling and better road feedback.
2. Multiple Driving Modes:
AMG RIDE CONTROL typically integrates with the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT system, which allows the driver to select different driving modes. Each mode alters the suspension settings, adapting the ride and handling to suit different conditions:
- Comfort Mode: Prioritizes a softer, more comfortable ride. The suspension is more lenient, offering better absorption of bumps and imperfections in the road.
- Sport Mode: Stiffens the suspension to offer a more responsive, sporty feel, ideal for driving on winding roads or during high-performance driving.
- Sport+ Mode: Provides the firmest suspension setting, enhancing vehicle stability, cornering precision, and performance. This mode is most useful for track days or aggressive driving on smooth, dry roads.
3. Dynamic Adjustment for Road Conditions:
The AMG RIDE CONTROL system continuously adapts to road conditions, providing dynamic real-time adjustments to each wheel. This helps maintain vehicle balance and control in varying conditions:
- On smooth, flat roads, the system stiffens to maximize handling and reduce body roll.
- On uneven or rough terrain, the system softens to better absorb shocks and ensure a smooth ride.
4. Improved Handling and Performance:
AMG RIDE CONTROL helps to optimize the handling performance of AMG models, particularly at high speeds or during aggressive cornering. By stiffening the suspension when required, it improves vehicle stability, reduces body lean, and enhances traction, allowing the vehicle to maintain optimal contact with the road. This is particularly important for maintaining the precision and responsiveness that AMG vehicles are known for.
5. Integration with Other Performance Systems:
The AMG RIDE CONTROL system works in conjunction with other performance features of AMG vehicles, such as AMG Performance 4MATIC®, Torque Vectoring, and AMG Performance Braking System. These systems collaborate to ensure that the suspension is optimized in every aspect of the driving experience, improving both safety and driving dynamics.
6. Personalization and Comfort:
The AMG RIDE CONTROL system offers a high level of personalization, allowing drivers to fine-tune the suspension to their preferences, whether they prioritize comfort, handling, or a blend of both. This adaptability ensures that the suspension system provides maximum comfort during everyday driving, but also allows for the aggressive handling required for high-performance scenarios.
7. Impact on Off-Road and Track Performance:
In certain AMG models that are equipped with the AMG 4MATIC®+ all-wheel-drive system, AMG RIDE CONTROL plays a crucial role in adapting the suspension to both off-road conditions and track environments:
- On off-road terrain, it softens the suspension to help navigate uneven surfaces more easily.
- On the track, it stiffens the suspension to provide maximum control, responsiveness, and stability.
Conclusion:
AMG RIDE CONTROL is a key element of Mercedes-AMG vehicles, combining advanced adaptive suspension technology with a variety of driving modes to ensure the ideal balance between comfort and performance. By allowing real-time adjustments to the shock absorbers, the system optimizes the driving experience in different conditions, from everyday driving to track or off-road adventures. The system enhances handling precision, stability, and overall vehicle control, making it a standout feature in AMG's high-performance lineup.