Adjustable suspension allows drivers to modify their vehicle’s suspension settings to suit their current driving needs. This technology has evolved significantly over the years, offering drivers a wide range of benefits, including improved handling, comfort, and performance.
Adjustable suspension has become an increasingly common feature in modern vehicles, from race cars to luxury vehicles. It’s a key component of many high-end performance cars.
Porsche has equipped their electric Taycan with this feature, enabling drivers to always set their suspension to the correct height. In this article, I’ll provide details on your setups, including the different ride heights and how to set these.
Table of Contents
What is PASM?
Porsche’s Active Suspension Management, or PASM, is a system that actively adjusts the chassis dynamics. The PASM system is available in two versions:
- PASM with steel suspension
- PASM with selectable air suspension and leveling system
The PASM system individually sets the appropriate damper force level for each wheel. By making the suspension softer, your vehicle can absorb more of the bumps and dips in the road, which makes for a smoother ride. By making it harder, your car can handle turns and corners better.
Porsche Taycan Suspension and Chassis Setups
The Porsche Taycan suspension is also affected by the driving mode that is currently selected. Three different chassis setups can be set at the push of a button:
- Normal (for comfortable driving, such as highways)
- Sport (for more of a sporty feel)
- Sport Plus (the most sporty mode, suitable for driving on the race circuit)
The different suspension settings on the Porsche Taycan
There are four different chassis heights available in the Porsche Taycan:
- Medium
- Lift
- Low
- Lower
Each chassis height allows for a different driving feel and can be used to assist driving in a variety of scenarios.
Medium
The Medium level is standard in the Normal and Sport chassis setups.
Lift
The Lift level increases the ground clearance by approximately 1 inch compared to the Medium level. It can be selected at speeds of up to around 30 km/h (19 mph).
The purpose of this chassis height is to drive over obstacles. For this reason, this mode is deselected automatically at higher speeds, where it might also impact stability.
Lower
The Lower level reduces the ground clearance by approximately 0.5 inches compared to the Medium level and can be selected manually.
Low
The Low level reduces the ground clearance by approximately 1 inch compared to the Medium level and is used for sporty driving.
The low level is selected in the following scenarios:
- When the Sport Plus chassis setup is active
- When RANGE drive mode is active
- When selected manually
Selecting a chassis setup or height
Selecting a chassis setup
To select the chassis setup, follow the steps below:
- Ensure the vehicle is ready for operation.
- Select the PASM button or open the PASM menu in the central display by going to Drive and then choosing Chassis.
- Pick your desired Chassis Setup.
- An icon representing your selected chassis setup will show in the instrument cluster.
- The chassis setup remains effective even after the car has been turned off.
Selecting a chassis height
A similar approach is required if you would like to change the chassis height without changing your setup. If you would like to change the chassis height, follow the steps below:
- Ensure the vehicle is ready for operation.
- Open the PASM menu in the central display by going to Drive.
- Then, choose Chassis.
- Select your desired Chassis Height.
The selected chassis height will be represented on the instrument cluster.
- For Lower, the car is shown with a down arrow.
- For Low, there are two down arrows.
- For Lift, an up arrow is displayed.
As with the chassis setup, the last used height remains effective after the vehicle has been turned off.
Using the Lift function
Due to the purpose of the Lift function, Porsche recognizes that this may be needed quickly when approaching an obstacle. For this reason, there is a Lift button on the instrument cluster to quickly change the chassis height.
When selected, an icon showing the car with an up arrow will be shown on the display.
System limitations
If you find that your car is not changing heights when selecting a mode, this may be for a number of reasons. Please, find below common reasons that the Porsche Taycan adaptive air suspension will not change height immediately:
- One of the vehicle’s doors is open
- Frequent level changes have caused the compressor to overheat
- The vehicle is moving at a speed that exceeds the set speed for that setting
It is essential to heed any warning and information messages displayed in the vehicle, such as PASM or hot vehicle warning messages. No work should be performed on the chassis without calling in a qualified specialist workshop.
Setting the Taycan to the Medium level and switching off the leveling system before hoisting the car is also recommended.
The ride height may drop if you don’t use your Taycan for several weeks. The car will compensate for this lowering automatically once operational readiness has been established. During this time, ground clearance is reduced.
Conclusion
In summary, the Porsche Taycan suspension is equipped with PASM to allow drivers to adjust their vehicle’s suspension settings for different driving needs.
With the ability to select different chassis setups and heights, the Taycan offers a comfortable ride on regular roads, a sporty feel on the race circuit, and the ability to navigate obstacles.
It’s important to remember that the system has limitations, and it’s essential to consult a Porsche Taycan owner’s manual (see below) or a Porsche partner for proper use and maintenance.
FAQs
What is Porsche’s PASM system, and how does it work?
Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) is a system that actively adjusts the chassis dynamics by individually setting the damper force level for each wheel. It provides a smoother ride and better handling.
What are the different chassis setups available for the Porsche Taycan?
The Taycan offers three chassis setups: Normal for comfortable driving, Sport for a sportier feel, and Sport Plus for the most sporty mode suitable for racing.
How do I change the chassis height on my Porsche Taycan?
You can change the chassis height by accessing the PASM menu in the central display and selecting your desired chassis height. The settings remain effective even after the car is turned off.
When should I use the Lift chassis height setting?
The Lift setting is used to increase ground clearance for driving over obstacles. It can be selected at speeds of up to around 30 km/h (19 mph).
Are there any limitations to the Porsche Taycan’s adaptive air suspension system?
Yes, some limitations include the system not changing heights when doors are open, compressor overheating, or when the vehicle exceeds the set speed for that setting.
Is it important to heed warning messages displayed in the vehicle regarding the suspension system?
Yes, it’s crucial to pay attention to any warning or information messages, such as PASM or hot vehicle warnings. Consult a qualified specialist workshop for any work on the chassis.
