I haven't driven one with the standard sports suspension. ... the adaptive drive is apparently worth it if you can afford it.. it was just too much $ for me...$6000 AUD) but apparently the car tracks like a train with it... lots of technology in it which is very impressive... I am getting the standard stock suspension as I do not do a lot of driving and I figured that the standard suspension would do me... must admit I was convinced not to get sports suspension from previous reviews and the previous x5 model...but it appears it is MUCH better now and not as firm ...only thing that BMW seem to have not significantly fixed is the feel of the sports seats e.g poor adjustable headrest...