How does the MINI Intelligent Adaptive Suspension work?

Do you have any information on the Intelligent Adaptive Suspension being offered on the 2023 Mini Cooper S, please? I’ve read it is a mechanical system rather than electrically controlled. I asked the main dealer about it, but they were vague and said it improves high-speed driving and cornering so unless you planned to drive the car like this, it was probably an unnecessary option. I would appreciate your comments, please.

Asked on 1 December 2023 by

Answered by David Ross
The Intelligent Adaptive Damping system available on the MINI Cooper S is a mechanical system rather than the previous electronic system. It uses a valve in each damper that reacts depending on the speed of wheel compression, so that if you hit a sharp bump or pothole where the wheel is compressed quickly the valve opens, softening the damping effect to reduce the impact. During cornering, where the compression of the wheel is more gradual, the valve is closed to stiffen the damping effect and improve the handling.
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