What vehicles have air ride suspension?
Air ride suspension is used across a wide range of vehicles, from luxury sedans and SUVs to certain pickups and RVs. Notable examples include Range Rover, Mercedes‑Benz S‑Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Tesla Model S and Model X, Porsche Cayenne, and Ram 1500.
Air suspension relies on adjustable air springs and on-board compressors to raise or lower a vehicle and to adjust ride height and stiffness. It aims to deliver a smoother ride, better load leveling, and, in some models, improved off-road capability. Availability varies by model year, trim, and market.
Luxury sedans and performance models
These mid- and full‑size luxury cars commonly offer air suspension to maximize comfort and handling.
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class — traditional air suspension (AIRMATIC) with adaptive damping
- BMW 7 Series — available with air suspension on most trims
- Audi A8 — optional air suspension for refined ride control
- Lexus LS — air suspension with adaptive damping on current generations
- Tesla Model S — Smart Air Suspension offered on certain configurations; Model X offers similar capability
Across these models, air suspension is tuned to balance a serene highway ride with confident handling, especially when carrying passengers or cargo.
Luxury SUVs and crossovers
Premium SUVs frequently use air suspension to preserve ride quality while accommodating varying loads and terrain.
- Range Rover / Range Rover Sport — defining use of air suspension with adaptive dampers and terrain response
- Mercedes-Benz GLS — available with AIRMATIC air suspension
- Audi Q7 / Q8 — optional air suspension on higher trims
- Land Rover Discovery — available with electronic air suspension
- Tesla Model X — includes Smart Air Suspension on select configurations
- Porsche Cayenne — air suspension with PASM available for ride comfort and height adjustability
In this category, air suspension often works with other dynamic systems to maintain a composed ride across a full range of speeds and weights.
Trucks, RVs, and work vehicles
Air-ride systems also appear in pickups, motorhomes, and commercial platforms to smooth out rough roads and support heavy loads.
- Ram 1500 — available Active-Level Rear Air Suspension for load leveling and a smoother ride
- Class A motorhomes and many recreational vehicles — rely on air-ride suspensions for comfort on long trips
- Commercial trucks and buses — widespread use of air springs for improved ride and load handling
For drivers who spend long hours on the road or regularly haul heavy payloads, air suspension offers tangible benefits in stability and comfort.
Summary
Air ride suspension has moved from a niche luxury feature to a mainstream option across multiple vehicle types. It enhances ride comfort, maintains level handling under load, and, in many models, provides adjustable ride height for easier entry, improved aerodynamics, or off-road clearance. When shopping, verify which trims include air suspension and whether it’s standard or optional for the model and market you’re considering.
What cars come with air ride suspension?
Vehicle marques that have used air suspension on their models include: Audi, Acura, Bentley, BMW, Cadillac, Citroën, Ford, Genesis, Hummer, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Land Rover, Lamborghini, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes--Maybach, Porsche, Ram, Rivian, Rolls-Royce, SsanYong, Subaru, Tesla, Volkswagen, Volvo, and ...
What cars have air suspension as standard?
Several luxury and premium vehicles come with air suspension as standard, including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and G-Class, Range Rover, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and Q7, and the Tesla Model X. These systems offer benefits like an adjustable ride height, improved comfort by "gliding" over bumps, and enhanced handling and aerodynamics.
- Mercedes-Benz: The S-Class family and other models often include the AIRMATIC® air suspension system as a standard feature, offering both comfort and sport modes.
- Range Rover: Land Rover, who pioneered the technology, fits air suspension as standard on models like the new Range Rover Sport for a combination of on-road performance and all-terrain capability.
- BMW: All models in the 7 Series come standard with air suspension, providing a comfortable drive.
- Audi: The A8 and Q7 lineups are equipped with standard adaptive air suspension, ensuring a premium and smooth ride.
- Tesla: The Model X comes with Active Air Suspension, which can automatically adjust ride height for aerodynamics, efficiency, and easier entry or exit.
- Volvo: The XC90 is another example, with standard air suspension that can lower the vehicle for entry or raise it for ground clearance.
- Rolls-Royce: The Phantom uses air springs as part of its suspension to neutralize bumps for an exceptionally smooth ride.
What are the downsides of air suspension?
Some of the drawbacks of air suspension systems are because of some of the mechanical issues they can be vulnerable to. Several of the common issues with air suspension systems that can require repair include: Rust or moisture damage from the inside that can lead to the air struts or bags to malfunction.
What is the easiest car for seniors to get in and out of?
SUVs and crossovers are generally the easiest cars for seniors to get in and out of because their higher ride height allows for a more horizontal movement, often referred to as the "zero plop factor". Popular models that are good for ease of access include the Hyundai Santa Fe, Subaru Forester, and Honda CR-V, as they combine a good seat height with wide door openings. Minivans also offer a convenient, high-entry design.
Top car types for seniors
- SUVs and crossovers: These are a great starting point because their higher stance means a more comfortable "chair height" entry, reducing the need to sit down or climb up.
- Hyundai Santa Fe: Often cited for its higher seating position and wide door openings.
- Subaru Forester: Known for its good ride height and roomy interior.
- Honda CR-V: Praised for its easy access and safety features.
- Minivans: These offer a very accessible design, especially in terms of entry height.
- Honda Odyssey: A popular choice for its overall convenience.
- Kia Carnival: Another good minivan option for easy access.
What to look for
- "Zero plop" factor: A car is ideal when the seat height is level with the user's hip height, making it easy to slide in and out without climbing or dropping into the seat, according to A Girls Guide to Cars.
- Wide door openings: Wider openings make it easier to get a foot in and out and provide more room to maneuver.
- Spacious interior: A roomy cabin provides more space for getting in and out of the vehicle without feeling cramped.
- Automatic transmission: This is an easy-to-use feature that avoids the complexity of a manual clutch.
