Luxury cars prioritize comfort, and air suspension plays a crucial role in delivering a smooth, cushioned ride. Unlike traditional suspension systems, air suspension uses airbags instead of solid springs, offering adjustable ride height and enhanced shock absorption.
Many high-end SUVs and sedans incorporate this technology to provide a “floating on a cloud” experience. This article explores some of the best vehicles equipped with air suspension, ranked from the most affordable to the most extravagant.
1. Volvo XC90 Ultra: Affordable Air Suspension Luxury
The 2025 Volvo XC90 Ultra offers an optional air ride system for an additional $1,800, enhancing ride comfort and safety. This adaptive system adjusts the SUV’s ride height according to speed, ensuring better handling and efficiency.
The air suspension also allows manual lowering, making entry and exit more convenient. Coupled with hybrid technology and electronic dampers, the Volvo XC90 effectively mitigates road imperfections, ensuring a smooth journey.
2. Audi SQ6 e-tron: Electrified Comfort
Audi’s new SQ6 e-tron benefits from an advanced air suspension system designed for supreme ride quality. Built on Audi’s PPE architecture, this electric SUV balances efficiency with luxury.
The optional adaptive air suspension refines driving dynamics, making for an exceptionally smooth experience. With a quiet cabin, ample legroom, and impressive agility, the SQ6 e-tron sets a high standard for electric SUVs with air suspension.
3. BMW X7: Premium Comfort for Seven
The BMW X7, a three-row luxury SUV, offers air suspension as a standard feature, ensuring a plush ride. Despite a recent price increase, it remains one of the more affordable air-suspension-equipped vehicles.
The system reduces cabin disturbances from road imperfections, while optional features such as ventilated massage seats and a Skylounge LED roof further enhance comfort. For families seeking a refined driving experience, the X7 is a compelling option.
4. Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class: Intelligent Air Suspension
The Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class takes air suspension to the next level with its independent AIRMATIC system. The optional electronic active body control system scans the road ahead to anticipate adjustments, preventing excessive swaying and maintaining cabin stability.
The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system enhances the vehicle’s versatility, making it equally capable on highways and off-road. Acoustic comfort features further insulate passengers from external noise, ensuring a tranquil ride.
5. BMW 7 Series: A Chauffeur’s Dream
BMW’s 7 Series is a benchmark for luxury sedans, and its air suspension system contributes significantly to its silky-smooth ride. The system automatically adjusts to road conditions, ensuring an uninterrupted glide over bumps and potholes.
Rear passengers can experience unparalleled comfort with the optional executive lounge seating and a massive 31-inch 8K theater screen. The 7 Series exemplifies BMW’s dedication to blending comfort with advanced technology.
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6. Land Rover Range Rover: Royal-Level Ride Quality
As the vehicle of choice for the British royal family, the Range Rover integrates air suspension to enhance both luxury and capability. The adjustable ride height proves invaluable for off-road adventures and water crossings up to 35.4 inches deep.
Inside, acoustic glass and air quality sensors maintain a serene cabin environment. The Range Rover continues to set the standard for combining opulence with rugged capability.
7. Audi S8: The Sporty Side of Air Suspension
The 2025 Audi S8 merges performance with comfort through its sport adaptive air suspension. Constantly monitoring road conditions, the system dynamically adjusts to optimize ride quality.
In Comfort mode, the S8 delivers an effortlessly smooth ride, while all-wheel steering ensures agility during spirited drives. Noise-canceling glass and luxurious leather seating complete the package, making the S8 a high-performance luxury sedan with unparalleled ride refinement.
8. Bentley Continental GT Speed: Grand Touring Excellence
Bentley’s Continental GT Speed integrates air suspension with an active chassis for superior ride quality. The system combines all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, and an electronic limited-slip differential to ensure both stability and dynamic performance.
Despite its sporty DNA, the Continental GT Speed maintains Bentley’s signature smoothness, aided by a PDK double-clutch transmission for seamless gear changes. Customization options through Mulliner allow buyers to tailor their interiors to the highest standards of luxury.
9. Rolls-Royce Cullinan: The Pinnacle of SUV Luxury
Rolls-Royce ventured into the SUV market with the Cullinan, bringing its renowned comfort to a new platform. The Cullinan’s air suspension system delivers an unmatched ride quality, even on rough terrain.
The ultra-luxurious interior features plush leather seating, thick carpets, and a near-silent cabin environment. Whether on or off-road, the Cullinan ensures that passengers remain cocooned in ultimate luxury.
10. Rolls-Royce Phantom: The Ultimate Air Suspension Experience
As Rolls-Royce’s flagship model, the Phantom epitomizes the “magic carpet ride.” Its air suspension system is fine-tuned to eliminate all vibrations, ensuring a perfectly smooth journey.
Designed primarily for chauffeur-driven experiences, the Phantom pampers rear-seat passengers with the finest Bridge of Weir leather seats, privacy barriers, and optional cool boxes. No other vehicle offers such a meticulously crafted ride experience.
Over the years, air suspension has evolved from an exotic feature to a defining element of luxury cars. Automakers continue refining this technology, integrating sensors and adaptive dampers to optimize comfort.
As electric vehicles gain popularity, air suspension systems will play a critical role in maximizing ride quality while enhancing efficiency. With more brands incorporating this innovation, the future of luxury motoring looks smoother than ever.
Air suspension has revolutionized comfort in luxury vehicles, offering passengers a ride quality that traditional suspension systems cannot match. From the relatively affordable Volvo XC90 Ultra to the opulent Rolls-Royce Phantom, air suspension enhances stability, reduces road disturbances, and improves driving dynamics.
As technology advances, more vehicles will benefit from this innovation, ensuring that the pursuit of comfort remains at the forefront of automotive luxury.
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