The answer to this question: "So what I am really trying to uncover is whether I would be sacrificing legitimate handling performance, or having to live with an annoying quirk by going with the coils." IMHO is a resounding YES. I test drove coil and air defenders back to back and, to me, it was nigh and day. The AS ride was a float like experience, but without the lumbering effects of a lifted truck (more on that below). The coil was significantly harsher in the same course.

I still think the AS is the better choice and the benefits greatly outweigh potential downsides. Having coils does not give you better clearance and if you go down the lift-road you will have a lumbering boat driving to the trail head. And I 100% second this: "but if you worry a lot about the air suspension, what keeps you from worrying about the engine, supercharger, 48-volt battery pack, or transmission? Might as well just stay home. Get what makes you happy, and assume there is always going to be risks, regardless."

 

Perhaps, but then you still don't get what I'm saying.

I don't believe that complexity, in and of itself, means you will need a plan B. Just because you've got air suspension I don't think you're more likely to need a Plan B.

But you might need a plan B in any of your previous scenarios, regardless of the air suspension or not. AND then I don't find any of your scenarios = stranded.

 

I did exactly the same thing, test driving the defender with coil and air back to back, actually what I did was air-coil-air to confirm the differences and the air provided significantly better riding quality in both comfort and performance in higher speed. It was an easy decision for me.

My assessment of air better than coil does not mean coil is bad, it simply means air is better than coil in terms of comfort, handling, and convenience.

 

l actually preferred the ride on coil springs when on tarmac.

The air suspension was more floaty and the front end wallowed more.

I guess many people prefer the more cosseting ride but l preferred the direct feel of coil springs.

Off road may be a different story, l only drove the air suspension one on tarmac.

 

I[m considering ordering a 110 with coils and was currious if you still liked your decision over the air ride a few years out. Any regrets?
Thanks
Gerald

 

Really depends on the main usage of the Defender. I prefer the air suspension over coil.

 

Gerald - I absolutely love the standard coilovers as opposed to the air suspension. I would not change my decision.

Friends of mine just bought a blue Defender 110 this week and they also went for the traditional coilover suspension for less hassle later.

 

I've had both on D90s and was happy with the coils when I had them. But kept thinking I needed the extra height of the air suspension for heavy snowfalls. Wasn't needed this year but maybe next. The other benefit was reducing the paranoia every time I enter a parking structure by lowering to access mode.

 

I had air suspension on mine. IMO it's one of the better parts of owning one but that's not to say there's anything wrong with coils. As for going 'wrong' I had a lot go wrong but it's one of the things that never went wrong with mine. It's also from what I understand not all that expensive to fix when it finally does fail and let's face it regular suspension doesn't exactly last a lifetime either. For extended warranty options I think I was charged like an extra couple hundred to cover it. fwiw Yes you may need it to get clearance over say a higher snowbank at the end of the driveway but it is probably going to be rare to actually 'need' it, slightly better during wading I would imagine etc. I think coils might ride a bit higher on a day to day basis because air automatically does lower at a certain speed... so that higher ride on coils might be a desirable thing for some. Although I will say if you have a 90 with coils and someone needing to get in to the back seat without side steps I'm thinking coils will make for quite a stretch. Air can be lowered further to help with entry in that scenario.

 

Also l think it depends on what you want your Defender to be.

lf you had an old Defender or similar truck, and wanted something more up to date but with some of the "feel" of the old one, then the coil spring version will be great.

lf you want a luxury SUV but one that looks different to your neighbours Range Rover, then air suspension will suit you better.