Tesla owners, especially those driving the Model Y, frequently express their primary complaint about the ride comfort. The car's beautiful design and simple interior, along with the convenience of Autopilot, create an overall satisfying experience. However, no matter how you try to dress it up, the uncomfortable ride quality is undeniably serious. It feels almost like a rough ride, and finding a better way to describe it is challenging.
Some may think, "Since it's an electric vehicle, I guess we can't avoid this for the sake of high-speed stability..." and try to find some comfort in that idea. However, after recently test-driving the Genesis GV60 and BMW iX, I couldn't help but sigh, realizing that the difference in comfort might just be a matter of technology. Surprisingly, the GV60 even had 22-inch wheels!
If it were possible, regardless of the cost, I would want to transplant the preview electronic control suspension used in the Genesis directly into the Tesla. Additionally, I have always been bothered by the awkward stance created by upsizing the wheels and tires...
Anticipating such shortcomings, Move On developed a dedicated integrated suspension for the Tesla Model Y that can balance ride comfort and stance.
To be precise, the product has not officially launched yet. What I installed this time is a final prototype that has undergone sufficient testing on multiple Tesla vehicles. Fortunately, I became the last tester for this exciting opportunity.
Let's hear from the Move On team about this product.
Personally, my relationship with Move On dates back to 2015. Although they have now become one of the most renowned aftermarket suspension companies in Korea, back then, they were just a fledgling brand that primarily focused on OEM production and export for the Japanese domestic market.
I still vividly remember how the president of Move On personally brought their products and set them up for me, and it's hard to believe that was already seven years ago. The bright yellow springs and vibrant colors still remind me of European luxury brand Öhlins.
The topic of Tesla Model Y ride comfort and stance is crucial.
To conclude, after the initial setup, I adjusted the damping force and ride height once. After a week of thorough test driving, I completed the final setup, which reflects the last feedback. The ride height now looks just right, doesn't it? By the way, this is an unedited iPhone photo... ^^
The ride comfort has improved, which is quite amazing, right? Typically, when you set up an integrated tuning suspension and lower the ride height, the comfort tends to worsen. Yet, surprisingly, the comfort has actually improved!
The Move On suspension is renowned for its excellent ride comfort, but it also highlights how excessively stiff the original Tesla suspension was. However, I wouldn't say it improved dramatically to the level of the electronic control suspension applied in the Genesis. It's more accurate to say that it reached the maximum comfort level achievable with a coilover suspension for the Tesla Model Y.
I requested two pieces of feedback from the Move On team: maintain the short and firm stroke feeling like the original, maximizing roll control at high speeds, while alleviating stress from minor vibrations and uneven surfaces at low speeds.
Nevertheless, I think the Move On suspension tuning has addressed the ride comfort issues that seemed excessively poor.
This is a comparison photo of the rear spring and damper. By the way, during the second setup, I changed the spring rate to a slightly softer one. This alone significantly improved ride comfort and reduced minor vibrations.
I concluded that improving ride comfort in the Model Y relies heavily on the rear suspension.
These factors directly relate to ride comfort and performance, and enjoying the many changes that result from adjusting these settings is one of the charms of integrated suspension tuning.
In everything, moderation is key. When you choose one thing, you inevitably lose another...
And here's how it looks now. You can definitely see the difference in stance, right? Haha!
To summarize, the uncomfortable ride quality that felt like a truck’s leaf spring suspension on rough roads has significantly improved to a smoother experience. The requests for a moderately firm and short stroke for high-speed stability have also been well met. While it may not be as dramatic as an expensive air suspension or electronic control suspension, I believe it has at least reached the ride comfort level of comparable coilover-equipped SUVs.
I will conclude here.
