3 European suspension breakthroughs could lift US sedan and coupe sales.

1️⃣ Porsche’s 2025 Active Ride system | Makes it easier to get into and out of a performance sedan. [video clip]

Open any door of a Porsche Panamera or Taycan equipped with Active Ride, and the sedan will automatically raise itself 2.2 inches — instantly.

This is groundbreaking for most people who live in cities and must navigate tight parking spots. No more limbo moves required to get in and out.

2️⃣ Mercedes-Benz’s 2025 Active Body Control system | Boosts occupant comfort by reducing centrifugal forces.

With its “Curve Tilting” function, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan leans the vehicle up to 2.65° into corners, somewhat like a plane, banking through a turn.

While this system has been available since 2014, the latest version has doubled the adjustment rate to 10 times per second and uses numerous sensors to anticipate complex road scenarios ahead. The result is a reduction in passenger effort required to remain stable, and perhaps a decrease in car sickness as well.

Keep in mind, Mercedes-Benz also offers this in their GLS and GLE SUV models. But I’d argue it makes a greater impact in sedans, where ride comfort on longer trips (and twisty roads) is more of an issue for drivers and passengers.

3️⃣ Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz systems | Automatically avoid scrapes and bumps on uneven surfaces.

Many of today’s active suspension systems “read” the road ahead and automatically adjust the dampers and spring lengths to keep the vehicle flat.

As a result, these active suspensions are advancing the agility of coupes and sedans far beyond anything possible in taller, bulkier vehicles.

But now there’s a more practical benefit. The most advanced systems keep track of the exact GPS locations where adjustments are made by using cameras and HD maps. They help lower-riding vehicles easily avoid damage from low curbs, road debris, speed bumps, potholes, steep driveways, or even cobblestones.

This is a crucial feature for cars with aerodynamic carbon fiber body parts, which cost thousands to repair. And it makes it possible for anyone to drive your car, without stress.

So let's put these 3 features in perspective.

In 2005, the Ferrari F430 and the BMW M5 were considered the pinnacle of performance among coupes and sedans. But both were challenging for non-enthusiasts to live with daily.

Today’s luxury coupes and sedans are even more powerful, with far superior handling for driving enthusiasts.

—And yet, they're comfortable for everyone else.


[Video credit: Porsche Ontario. Vehicle: 2025 Taycan Turbo S]