For improving the performance of maglev systems with a combined lift and guidance, it is suggested that the multivariable control systems and a secondary suspension should be added. The former is required to reject both track irregularities in vertical disturbances and wind gusts in lateral disturbances, and the latter to guarantee passengers against an unsatisfied criteria in ride quality. In this paper, bond graph model for the study of nonlinear dynamics of maglev systems with a combined lift and guidance is presented briefly. And, the secondary suspension is analyzed to understand the role of stiffness and damping factors in passive devices. Finally, LQG/LTR mulitivariable control systems are designed for the overall maglev systems with and without secondary suspension, and then the system performances in these two cases are evaluated.