cammy5

The Advance Pkg is around $4800 (I believe) more than a Tech Pkg car and I know it comes with some features like cooled front seats, heated rear seats, acoustic glass, ELS 3D, etc......but the main performative difference seems to be the Advance has adaptive dampers. I've watched a few reviews on the Advance Pkg car (Savage Geese and Alex on Autos) and they seem that is essentially makes the car quite soft in comfort mode but even Sport isn't as firm as the non-adaptive dampers. I guess I'm looking for some feedback on the Advance vs Tech pkg cars from folks here who have bought one or have done a test-drive in both. Thanks!

Tesla1856

I can't really answer your question.
However, whether to buy Advance over Tech is easy. I say get the Advance if can afford it.
- Active Dampers (can be adjusted, others no)
- All the things you mentioned
- seats and dash materials are different/better
- Only real-wood in Advance
- Power Folding mirrors / Surround cameras (big deal for us)

My test-drive evaluation post is here somewhere.

BEAR-AvHistory

Can't help you with Acura but can give some thoughts.

TLX does not have them as an ala carte item but in other brands they are about $700MSRP. Can't see the point of softer in comfort & not as firm as non adaptive. I get comfort same as the standard fixed suspension & full sport a bit firmer than the fixed sport suspension. They go firmer than sport standard because having the standard same as comfort they can push the sport settings a bit higher than what might be acceptable as an everyday rate in a fixed sport.

Had in my last 4 cars plus my latest SUV. Will not buy a car without it as long as it functions as I described.

ELIN

I've read/heard from 2 separate expert reviews that the additional cost is not worthwhile compared to the trims below the Advance. As referenced, the extreme adjustments to the Advance lead most folks back to the default value, which I believe should feel similar to A-Spec and below trims.

If I'm getting the Advance, it would be for a host of other reasons and not specifically for the dampener.

cammy5

Thanks! Yeah, I remember reading the C&D review and they said the standard base, Tech, and A spec fixed dampers were like the BMW suspensions of old - just right - versus the new ones that have a zillion drive modes and none of them are perfect.

BEAR-AvHistory

Which set of fixed shocks were they talking about? BMW never had just one set of one size fits all fixed dampers. For all models there were & still are different sets of fixed suspensions. My 2004/2011 had fixed performance shocks which were stiffer than the base shocks.

BEAR-AvHistory

They also do a lot for the 420BHP RST 4X4 Suburban. With a light load on comfort its as comfortable as a Caddy but if ever maxed out the 3 tons of truck & 4 tons of payload & tow load its nice to be able to stiffen up the suspension so the truck is not wallowing all over the road.

BTW the Z4 in the signature vid is running adaptable dampers fangs out which pulls 1.02G on the skid pad (TLX 0.87G) & more instantaneous G's. Its the rate I run at VIR with the nannies down but not the rate I use to take my wife out to dinner when I want a boulevard cruiser. An intermediate rate is also nice to run the local moonshine roads at a nice clip but with the nannies on to prevent stupid mistakes causing problems.

CheeseyPoofs McNut

Alex talks a bit about the adaptive dampers in his current video:


Cheers!

BEAR-AvHistory

Think his statement "I wish they all had it" says it all. The Adaptive section of the Vid sounds like the way my last post reads. Just swap Caddy for Lexus

ELIN

I guess if the TLX has a consistent payload as in my situation (single driver and no passengers), then I shouldn't miss the dampers, right?

BEAR-AvHistory

Depends on three things to me. How you drive alone/What kind of ride you want with people in the car. Second the normal condition of the roads you drive on compared to the suspension you choose. Last does the car have run flats or get flats in what profile? Low profile run flats suck on any kind of rough pavement that get flats will normally soak up.

I personally have three drive modes. Quick & agile when alone, Soft & gentle with wife or passenger/s in the car. Long range interstate mode fast & safely as conditions allow, comfortable but still very stable. Car can separate engine transmission settings from suspension settings or link them into a single setting.