My previous experience, before the S, had me conclude that performance suspension and wheels leads to a harsh ride and handling. I swore it off altogether. Then I test drove the S. Like other options, I came to realize that the car was conceived with the idea of finding the perfect balance between performance and comfort. The air suspension allows for a very comfortable ride even with the performance rimes, making up for the loss of cushion usually provided by non-performance tire sidewalls. Needless to say we went for the whole enchilada in the end and lucky we did! turns out I have to put the suspension on high to get the car in and out of the garage and onto the road since I have a steep driveway. without the lift, the car high centers a little bit on the pavement. fortunately it's only by a little nick. Also, I have had to think about the buckled pavement from tree roots in this area. In general, it's very nice to know I can lift the car and get over stuff I'd otherwise have to reroute around while on the other hand, when on the open road I can take advantage of the low wind drag of low suspension.
Personally, I suspect that the only reason the standard shocks are an option is to provide the low base price and it worked for us. we might never have considered the S, not even gotten in the showroom, if it weren't for the fact that we could tell ourselves that there was a $50K option. it took warming up to the idea of spending two to three times more on a car than we had ever considered, it took a deposit and multiple test drives for us to realize that indeed the value was there, that this car is the exception to so many of the rules I had come to previously understand about cars.