Sport Package in Canada
 

I drove a 4.8i with sport package today at the dealer and it did not have the little sport button below the shift knob? Anyone know if this "sport"button is only on the US version?:dunno:Any Canadians have thier sport version yet?

You only get the sport button if you have Adaptive Drive suspension. It is a stand alone option in the UK and is not incorporated in the sport package. Looks as if Canada may be the same.

Correct, only with Dynamic Handling in Canada.

I test drove a 4.8 sport a couple with 20" wheels a couple of days ago. I couldn't find the sport button either (Canada). I was looking for it as I found the ride too stiff and wanted to soften it. I'm not sure if it was the 20" wheels or the sport suspension (or the combination), but I personally wouldn't order it this way. I found the ride bordering on harsh on all but the smoothest roads and the tramlining with those 275/315 tires to be unbearable on our local roads. taking your hands off the steering wheel for even a second meant an instant lane change on asphalt roads.

On the other hand, the acceleration was great and the SAV went around corners like a sports sedan. I guess I'll have to try the 4.8 with and Adaptive Drive (with and without the sports suspension) to find a combination of handling and ride I am happy with. If that doesn't work, I'll be on to a different type of vehicle to meet my towing, kid hauling and daily driving needs. maybe I'm asking too much and I should buy a 335 Cabriolet and a used pickup for the boat towing and lumber runs to Home Depot.

So is this true in the US too? Very disappointing if true.

in us the sport package come with the adjusting damper but in canada it doesn't come with sport, this is the main reason i didn't opt for sport....

Yes, in Canada the adjusting damper switch comes with the Dynamic Handling Package.

So if pressing the "sport" button will stiffen the suspension, then how can one switch it to "comfort" mode (provided that you order the adaptive drive with sport suspension)? Does it mean the normal driving mode will have the stiffness of sport suspension while if you press the sport button, it will stiffen the suspension even more?

If you order the Dynamic Handling Package with the Sport Package the Sport package springs are replaced with different suspension springs. The stiffness compensation is made up with active components of the Dynamic Handling Package, ie. electronic dampers, active roll, sway bars etc. when you engage the sport mode button.

But how does it ride when in the non sport mode? Softer than the sport package when in comfort mode and then the same as the sport package when in sport mode? Or, the same as the sport package when in comfort mode and even stiffer when the "sport mode" is selected? I'm confused!!

Sport Package - Switched off
 

Grover - I have the 4.8 with the sport pack, USA model, and the ride with the sport mode off is a much softer ride. Even with my 20's it's fine. The vehicle definitely does pull(tramline) if you get an asphalt road that has welts, you will need 2 hands! But this condition is rare. Asphalt roads that are maintained, as they should be, are fine.

With the sport mode on, the vehicle does ride stiff, but that is what it's meant to do! Having the sport button is a must with the sport package.

I think that the UK and the US settings are a bit different (please correct me if I am wrong). The UK Sports Package will give you the sport suspension setting but without the adaptive drive function. In order for them to get the adaptive drive function, they will have to get the Dynamic Handling Package as well. However, in the US, there is no "sport suspension setting" and the US version will have adaptive drive in the Sports Package. In other words, for the UK version, will the "sport suspension setting" and the "adaptive drive (in sport mode)" together make the supension ultra stiff?:)

I'll have to sort this out with the dealer as the model I drove didn't have a sport button near the shift lever (that I could see, anyway). What is the default mode when you start the car - comfort or sport?
I'd like to say I'd be surprised if the USA and Canada cars were different, but I notice that Adaptive Drive comes with Active Steering in Canada, while in the USA, Adaptive Drive can be ordered without Active Steering.

This is a bit confusing still. If one is looking for performance/handling (most of the time) and comfort (when driving on rough roads), is it better to order the vehicle with "adaptive drive + normal suspension setting" or "adaptive drive + sport suspension setting"? Furthermore, does "adaptive drive (in sport mode) + normal suspension setting" equals the "sport suspension setting"? Anyone has any idea?

dude there is no such thing as "adaptive drive + normal suspension setting" or "adaptive drive + sport suspension setting" u either get the normal suspension , the sport suspension or the suspension with the adaptive damper. The adaptive damper will offer the comfort of a normal suspension yet can firm up with a push of a botton.
if someone order sport suspension with adative drive, the sport suspension will be replaced just like sport seats and comfort seats

Thanks for the clarification. Btw, do you know if the sport suspension will lower the car?

According to the UK brochure, it doesn't.