I had a 2019 T8 with air and 21” wheels. It’s really the T8 that unlocks drive modes in the newer AAOS cars, not air suspension. You will get pure
Mode, hybrid mode, power mode, constant awd, and off road. If equipped with air each has its own air suspension setting depending on drive mode, with power being the lowest/firmest, hybrid being geared for comfort, and pure somewhere in the middle. Off road jacks it up pretty high but only allows speed up to 25mph. Now in the Sensus cars you had an individual setting where you could combine the power mode suspension with hybrid power train for example but AAOS doesn’t allow that. In general I found the hybrid suspension setting to be a bit too floaty for my taste and preferred the lowest power setting or the mid range pure in most driving conditions. May be fine for you though if you’re used to the default T6 “non-air” settings (as opposed to a firmer r-design setup which I tend to prefer).


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The air suspension is mostly if you are loading heavier loads in the back and are trying to avoid squat. That's why you get it. If you are focused on performance you probably want to go with the standard suspension and then get some nice Koni shocks or something.

 

Respectfully, I would disagree.
An XC60 with air, lowered, corners a lot better than an XC60 without air. It is also a lot stiffer.

Koni "or something" is indeed the better option, but then you are stuck with a stiff ride even when you don't want it. Air gives you the ability to customize your experience.

About reliability... the most likely scenario is that the compressor will kick it at some point, won't cost you a dime (after some haggling with Volvo), but will waste your time.

 

Can't comment on T8, but our 2022 B5 has air. You can select firm setting in the centre display, this does firm it up a good bit. What I like with the air is cornering ability, the car stays so level and feels very planted. I had a VW Scirroco previously, and the Volvo handles corners nearly as well.

 

I hope you are not serious.
Comparing a sports compact that has three doors with an SUV model XC60 is ridiculous.
Volvo doesn't have any models that have the sporty characteristics of the German competitors SQ5, X3 M or GLC AMG, but that would be impossible. SUV size, weight, ground clearance... and much more

 

I had a T6 without air and now have a T8 without air. My t6 had 20"" and I opted for 19" tires on the T8 (to improve ride quality). In general, I thought the T6 handled slightly better, because its lighter weight imparted a more "nimble" feel. It wasn't a huge diff though. The T8, even without air, has a more pleasent ride than the T6 although it is still a bit unrefined and stiff. Its so heavy that it tends to smooth out some road imperfections. I did test drive a T5 with air and I thought the ride was more compliant than the conventional suspension. I didn't notice a huge difference in handling with air (although, on that issue, I definitely defer to those who own air suspension). If I were to order again, I'd probably get air although I don't really have a major regrets.