I drove 3,000+ miles in a 2016 XC90 that didn't have the 4-corner aka air suspension. I purchased a vehicle that has it - and I like it better. I like the feeling / handling. I like the fact it drops lower on the highway (for whatever economy that provides). I like the extra height the AWD mode provides (on New England unpaved roads). Also note: I have not had any issues with it (which some people noted was a deterrent from getting it). The XC60 that I'm replacing my current vehicle with will also have the air suspension.

Best I can recommend is go try driving similar vehicles with and w/o the air suspension; that may give you a better feeling for the differences.

 

We have a 2017 XC90 T6 without it and a 2021 XC90 T6 with it. Do the air suspension. But also buy the extended warranty.

Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

 

We order very few cars for the lot with it because the majority of folks are perfectly happy without it. However, it's not a very expensive option and is a noticeable difference, so in that regards it is very much "worth it". There will be more maintenance so if you plan to own it outside of warranty that can be a factor as well.

 

You did mention driving in New England where I assume it gets below zero often. I live in a cold winter location and the local Volvo Dealer noted that customers with air suspension have had problems with it in the cold. Might be worth asking the maintenance department at your local dealership. I didn't get into details as to the nature of the problems but got the impression that service was required and they didn't just go away when the temperatures rose.

Another consideration. If you are going for a T8 there may be a consideration as to the maximum cost of the vehicle to be able to qualify for the tax credits that may potentially apply if certain legislation as already proposed makes it into law. (I am not sure if there already is a cap to qualify for the current $7,500 tax credit.). Of course the problem is that unless you are buying off the lot you can't be 100% certain what the state of the law will be when you "put the vehicle in service."

Basically, if other expensive options such as the massaging seats and/or Bowers & Wilkins sound system are of more importance to you (as they were to me) then not getting the air suspension could be the difference in getting a tax credit or not. In the end it was simply a matter of priorities and air suspension was lower on the list. Others' preferences may well differ.

 

My 2019 T8 does NOT have it. You need to test drive with and without it if all possible.. I didn't notice a huge difference between the 2. I had a loaner for a week that had it, and again not a huge difference, but yet many on here state there is.

 

I had a 2021 XC90 with air suspension, and ride quality was still terrible. Volvo suspensions are lightyears away from other makers.

My current XC60 with Ohlins dampers are not that far off.

 

Based on my experience with my '13 R-D with 20s, I was very worried when we went with a '22 T8 R-D with 21"s without air suspension. Would have preferred 20"s but it is what they had. However, the stock suspension and ride is MILES better in the '22, even with the 21"s than my '13. Very happy without the air suspension.

Having said all that, I find the wheel size inflation crazy. When I got the '13 with 20" they looked huge compared to any car I ever had. Talking 21-22"s on a non-performance car just adds so much cost, maintenance, and hassle.