Hi. I ordered a 2013 C-Diesel (delivery next fall), and speced it out without PASM or AS. I am now having second thoughts (too much lead time to constantly revisit my choices). I have read all the threads on this and have determined I definitely don't want/need AS. But the jury still out on PASM. I will use this as daily driver in a very large City (Toronto). My daily round trip commute is about 70km, a lot of it in heavy traffic. Then there is the running around on evenings and weekends as I have 5 kids to transport to various activities. All in, about 25k kms per year. No track, no offroading. A fair amount of hwy driving and a fair amount of stop and go traffic.

So with this driving profile, is the $2,200 PASM option worth it? Ready to spend the coin if it really is worth it, but hesitant to do so if it will be a barely noticeable improvement. All input appreciated, and particularly interested in hearing from anyone in Europe who currently drives the Diesel. Thx.

 

I have PASM with steel springs on my '12 V6. I like the option of switching to comfort on bumpy roads and sport on really curvy roads but, honestly, it spends like 90+% of the time in Normal. Assuming Normal on PASM equates to standard non-PASM suspension, then you can probably skip it.

 

If you like to take corners fast, you will definitely notice it. All depends on your priorities.

 

I skipped on AS, but got PASM.

I really like it and wouldn't get another Cayenne without it. It really does change the feel of the car. In Soft mode the car just floats down the road and absorbs bumps very well, but when I'm in the mood Sport mode really firms up the car and makes curvy road very fun.

That being said, I will say I keep my car in Normal mode 90% of the time, so it isn't necessary, just one of those things that add a little oomph to the car.

 

Thx for all the responses. As I read your replies and think this through, the main reason for geting the Cayenne over, say the Touareg, is because I really want a sporty handling SUV. That being the case, seems like I should get the PASM to maximize that sportiness when I want it. Damn, I'm good at convincing myself when I really want something! BTW, is it true that Normal mode on PASM is equivalent to the ride with no PASM?

 

Not only that, but I think the chicks dig the Cayenne more over the Toureg

 

For the wife's CS, I opted not to get PASM or AS. In addition, I added the 21" SportEd wheels for her build. To some, this may sound crazy, especially on the patchy freeways of South Cali, however, I based my decision on 2 factors:

1. She is not a button (lever) fiddling kind of gal. So if I got PASM, she'll leave it in Comfort forever.
2. More importantly, I based my decision on the actual sidewall height of the 21" wheels. Coming from a very similar setup on my M5 (285/35's) and the 21" SportEd (295/35's), I actually get a little more cushion. Couple that with the softer steel springs in the CS and longer suspension travel, I deemed it was not worthwhile for my application, as the M5 rides *ok* over the roads of SoCal.

Initially when I picked up the car, it was a bit rough (dealer delivered with 44/48). I toyed with the air pressures (finally going 1lb under (33/38) the partial loaded comfort pressures from the owner's man., as there is always a buffer from Manufacturer specs), it is now very acceptable on even the roughest of streets. On normal streets, it is very comfortable. Never floaty like an MB GL or ML. Compliant and sporty. 10 lbs of pressure makes a huge difference!

BTW, I got lucky and got the Michellin Latitude Tires. There is, however, a bit more tire noise than I expected from the Michellins (My experience with PS2s have always been whisper quiet). Perhaps after they wear in a bit, they will become what I expect them to be.