Aiming at the problem that the convergence rate of identification algorithm in conventional adaptive controller is difficult to follow the model parameters actual change rate of semi-active air suspension, a damping multi-model adaptive control method, which could meet the high control quality requirement of semi-active air suspension with parameters changing in wide range, was proposed. In order to improve the system control speed, multiple fixed local linear models were established according to the actual damping control process of semi-active air suspension for different vehicle operating statuses and an adaptive model which initial value could be re-assigned was introduced to enhance the system control precision. The model switching control strategy based on minimum error was used to select the best matching model online and the optimum damping force was regulated by adaptive control method, thus constituting the damping multi-model adaptive control for semi-active air suspension. Simulation and vehicle road test results showed that the proposed method could improve the control quality of semi-active air suspension in wide range driving conditions effectively and the vehicle ride comfort was improved significantly.