Supercars are needed to amaze. Design, price, engine power, luxury finishes - all at once and on the spot. So that on a summer evening in Monaco you don't lose your face. So that, barking with exhaust, drove up to the yacht club in the port of Hercule, and everyone understood everything at once. Yes, millions and billions, barrels of oil and grain futures. And also diamonds, emeralds, a private jet and a four-masted sailboat - you have to match.
It can be simpler. The industry offers supercars for almost any wallet. Or rather, cars that look like supercars. Some of them look great. And even go their 5 seconds to "hundreds", you do not even have to check. And here you no longer need to be a prince or an oligarch. To get your dose of surprised looks in the office parking lot on weekdays and an adrenaline rush on the track on weekends, the salary of a middle manager is enough. But it will be, how to put it mildly, the views and adrenaline of the mass segment. Not exclusive. And if you want to feel the taste of life to the fullest, you should not follow this path.
To surprise and be surprised really, you need a completely different kind of supercars. Previously, only the custom industry was responsible for them: grandfather's sob was taken, sandblasted and painted in a dazzling red color. On the wheels - chrome, in the salon - seats made of leopard skins, under the hood - a turbine from an attack aircraft. Some of these cars accelerated to 500 km / h or even faster. True, I had to tinker, digesting helicopter transmissions and conjuring with rocket fuel.
It's easier now. The manufacturers themselves offer us monsters, which not every customizer would have the courage to collect. For example, Grand cherokee The Trackhawk is Jeep's second flying brick. The first was the Grand Cherokee SRT8 thirteen years ago. This modification is still being produced, but with the advent of Trackhawk, it is losing its flagship positions.
Outwardly, they almost do not differ, and unless a seasoned fan can distinguish Trackhawk from SRT8 in the stream by special air intakes in place of the front foglights and twin exhaust pipes at the rear. The main differences are inside.
First of all, it is a V-shaped "eight" with a volume of 6.2 liters with a screw compressor in the collapse of the cylinder block. It would seem that only 0.8 bar of overpressure, and the power and torque have increased to 717 hp. s. and 875 Nm, respectively.
Secondly, it is a reinforced transmission, brakes with oversized compound discs and six-piston mechanisms at the front and four-piston at the rear.
And thirdly, this is a special version of the software that controls gear shifting and torque distribution. Of course there is a launch control, this monster accelerates to "hundreds" in just 3.7 seconds, maximum speed limited to 289 km / h.
We met the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk in the vicinity of the Austrian "Red Bull Ring", just during the amateur races on the track day. While the local retirees were beating their Porsches and BMWs on the track bumpers, my colleagues and I turned round and round on the highway - village paths - autobahn route. The roar of sports cars from the ring mingled with the booming roar of a dozen test Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, and I guess we got as much adrenaline as the local amateur racers.
At the same time, we drove in cars capable of towing a trailer weighing up to 3.2 tons. Imagine a 280 km / h off-road vehicle with a boat on a trailer zipping by. Surprised? Here I am about the same: supercars - to amaze.
Deafened by the roar of engines, Alexey Zaitsev
Ground clearance (also known as ground clearance) is one of the most basic and important parameters of any vehicle. When choosing a car, many of us often pay special attention to this parameter. Especially ground clearance important in winter conditions, when traditionally winter takes public utilities by surprise and the roads, even in large Russian cities, turn into winter rally tracks. Unfortunately, what the automakers indicate in the technical specifications is often not true. For example, few people think about the fact that, in fact, the clearance of cars in reality is much less than stated by car companies.
So if you buy a car with a ground clearance of 140 or even 150 mm, do not be surprised later in the winter that your car literally scrapes "high-quality" snow-covered Russian roads due to the fact that in reality the ground clearance of the car is similar to some sports cars.
Our online edition decided to select ten cars for you, which, due to their ground clearance, are actually not intended for operation on Russian highways. Especially in the winter. We would like to note that we did not include in our rating any exclusive rare sports cars that have a small ground clearance due to their specifics. We chose among ordinary cars that can be officially purchased in Russia and intended for use in the city. First, let's find out what is the clearance (ground clearance) of a car?
What is ground clearance?
The ground clearance of any vehicle is the minimum distance between the road and the vehicle body (or frame). In other words, ground clearance is the height of the bottom of the vehicle in relation to the ground. As a rule, most manufacturers indicate the size of the ground clearance, which is measured in an empty car, in which there are no driver and passengers, as well as a spare wheel and luggage. That is why any vehicle with a load, a driver and passengers has a ground clearance lower than the automaker claims.
On uneven, bumpy or snowy roads, ground clearance is important because if the car has a low ground clearance, there is a risk of getting stuck and even damaging the car. As a rule, the smallest ground clearance is sports cars... Due to the low clearance, manufacturers strive to minimize the aerodynamic air resistance of the car in order to increase dynamic characteristics sports car.
Sedans also do not have very high ground clearance due to their design specifics, while some hatchbacks often have slightly increased ground clearance. But the highest ground clearance, of course, are crossovers and SUVs, which are ideal for operation in areas with poor roads and on any roads in the winter. That is why crossover sales are breaking records in our country.
Pros and cons of high ground clearance
But, unfortunately, the high ground clearance has its drawbacks. The main disadvantage of crossovers and SUVs is their tendency to roll over. Because of the high ground clearance, the vehicle's center of gravity is too high. As a result, vehicles with higher ground clearance are more likely to roll over than vehicles with low ground clearance. Also, cars with low ground clearance are more manageable and comfortable due to the lower center of gravity of the body.
So when choosing a car, you should always take into account that high ground clearance is not ideal. For example, if you want the car to have excellent handling, then it is worth buying a sports car or sedan, since even the most expensive crossover or SUV will not be able to provide you with the ideal level of steering.
Is the vehicle clearance declared by the manufacturer true?
But the truth is, you must remember that the ground clearance declared by the manufacturers does not correspond to the real data. As we said, ground clearance is measured by car companies in an empty, unloaded vehicle. So in real conditions, the ground clearance is always less than indicated in the technical specifications.
Worst of all, the ride height specified in the vehicle specification usually does not take into account the engine crankcase protection that the vehicle manufacturer or purchaser specifies. As a result, in fact, virtually any car has a ground clearance of 10-30 mm less. As a result, many cars, presented for sale on the Russian market, literally turn into a "grinder" for rolling snow on the road.
For example, if your car, according to the manufacturer, has a good ground clearance of 160 mm, then even plastic protection the car will lose 10-15 mm ground clearance. So in best case 150 mm of ground clearance will remain in the car.
Plus, don't forget that the official clearance figures do not take into account the load on the body. Therefore, if a driver and three passengers with luggage sit in the car, then you can safely say goodbye to at least 3-5 mm of ground clearance. As a result, ideally only 147 mm will remain from 160 mm of ground clearance. In the worst case, all 140 mm. And this, mind you, is not the same as 160 mm. This is especially offensive when, when buying a car, ground clearance was the main selection criterion for you.
Yes, of course, when buying a car with a low ground clearance, you can of course not install engine protection. But then you risk damaging the crankcase of the power unit. This is especially true on Russian roads, which like to present unexpected surprises to drivers.
So the lower the ground clearance of the machine, the more reliably the engine crankcase protection should be installed from below. But, unfortunately, reliable and high-quality protection of the engine crankcase will in any case eat up sufficient ground clearance for any car. As a result, owning the same sedan in winter can be a huge problem for the owner.
Let's find out, taking into account the above information, which cars on sale in our country are poorly suited for the harsh Russian roads for operation in the winter. We have selected for you the Top 10 cars with the lowest ground clearance, the operation of which is problematic in the winter.
10) Mercedes-Benz E-class (W212)
150 mm (with AMG body kit 135 mm)
Real ground clearance: 130 mm (with AMG body kit 115 mm)
Popular sedan in Russia Mercedes-Benz E-class in the back of the W212 gives its owners an unforgettable level of comfort and handling. This car has pleased many Russian car owners. Since the appearance of the W212 body, many have even started talking about the fact that the E-class has once again acquired the spirit of the legendary 124 body. But unfortunately, modern E-class cannot compare with the old legend. For example, in terms of ground clearance. So the E-class in the back of the W212 has a ground clearance of 150 mm (standard equipment - code 485). But in our country are popular more cars in AMG body kit. In this configuration, the ground clearance of the E-class is only 135 mm (code 486). There is, however, a modification of the suspension with increased ground clearance, which is 165 mm. But such cars can only be bought in Elegance or Avantgarde trim levels.
As a result, what we see: In most E-class cars in the body of the W212, the ground clearance is only 150 or 135 mm. For Russian roads, this ground clearance is very small. After all, as we have already said, the ground clearance specified in the specification was measured on an unloaded vehicle. This means that at least another 20 mm can be taken away from the declared clearance (5 mm when loading with luggage, when three passengers, the driver and after installing the metal protection). As a result, the clearance of the E-class in the AMG body kit will be only 115 mm. Agree a significant difference. Can you imagine what it's like to drive such a car during a snowfall?
9) Kia Cee "d
Ground clearance specification: 150 mm
Real ground clearance: 125 mm
Another popular car in Russia, with which there may be problems during winter operation. We are talking about the Kia Cee "d, the ground clearance of which, according to the official specification, is 150 mm. On the one hand, it is quite acceptable ground clearance by modern standards. But again, this is without taking into account the driver, passengers, luggage and traditional engine protection, which are eaten from the initial ground clearance is approximately 25 mm.
If we compare it with the Mercedes E-class, then due to the small dimensions of the Kia Cee "d, it sits much lower when fully loaded, which ultimately leads to a large loss of road space declared by the car company. Also, the design feature of the Kia Cee" d does not allow installing crankcase protection, which would eat up the ground clearance slightly. As a result, the real ground clearance of the Kia Cee "d is not 150 mm, but 125, which is extremely small for Russian winter roads.
8) BMW 3-series F30
Ground clearance specification: 140 mm
Real ground clearance: 120 mm
Once popular in Russian BMW The 3-series has been losing ground in the car market for several years now. Naturally, this is primarily due to pricing and the growing popularity of crossovers in our country. But a small clearance of the model played an important role in the fall in popularity. On the one hand, "treshka" has an ideal "weight distribution" of weight (50:50) and amazing aerodynamic characteristics, which makes it one of the best handling car in its class.
But the consumer pays for controllability with low ground clearance, which causes inconvenience even in summer when traveling out of town. The fact is that according to the technical characteristics, the clearance of the BMW 3-series is only 140 mm, which is very little for this size of the car. In reality, when the driver and three passengers get into the car, the ground clearance will decrease by 3-5 mm. Plus, of course, every owner is installed an engine crankcase protection, which eats up another 15 mm of ground clearance. As a result, BMW's clearance is only 120 mm.
7) Lexus IS (third generation from 2013)
Ground clearance specification: 135 mm
Real ground clearance: 117 mm
As you already understood, we started our rating with cars whose ground clearance is not very small, but, nevertheless, not very comfortable for winter conditions driving. Especially on Russian roads, which traditionally hide from drivers under the snow until the arrival of birds.
Starting with this car, you will see cars with obscenely low ground clearance, despite the fact that we are faced with ordinary cars that do not belong to sports cars.
And so in front of you is the Lexus IS sedan, which has a ground clearance of only 135 mm!
As you already understood, this ground clearance, declared by the manufacturer, you can see only in an empty car without luggage, and also without factory engine protection. Having installed protection and seating passengers with luggage, at least prepare for the fact that the ground clearance will decrease by 18 mm. As a result, in fact, the Lexus IS has a ground clearance of 117 mm.
6) Ford Focus Restyling (third generation)
Ground clearance specification: 130 mm
Real ground clearance: 110 mm
Most recently, this car was one of the leaders in the Russian car market. In general, Ford Focus is of high quality and reliable car which is quite high tech. But many owners of this model often complain about the small ground clearance of the car, which often gives its owners a lot of problems. Especially in the winter. The fact is that the third generation Focus in the hatchback body has a clearance of only 130 mm, which, taking into account the load of the car and the installation of the engine protection, is very small, since in reality the ground clearance is no more than 110 mm.
In winter driving conditions, even in large cities, this car can give its owners a lot of unpleasant impressions.
5) Audi A1 Sportback
Ground clearance specification: 125 mm
Real ground clearance: 105 mm
As we have already said, the smaller the car is in its size, the more the car loses ground clearance when the driver and passengers with luggage get into it. Therefore, the already low Audi A1 Sportback loses 5 mm of ground clearance when fully loaded. Plus the protection of the engine crankcase and, as a result, the ground clearance of a mini-car is in reality not 125 mm, but only 105 mm, which you will agree even for a micro-car is very, very small. That is why the owners of the Audi A1 Sportback try not to go on the road in Russia in the winter.
4) BMW 6-series
Ground clearance specification: 124 mm
Real ground clearance: 109 mm
Another car of the Bavarian company that got into our rating Vehicle with the smallest ground clearance. We are talking about the 6-series, which the engineers have made very low for the sake of handling. As a result, when loading the car and installing the factory engine protection, the vehicle's ground clearance is only 109 mm. So there is no question of any 124 mm ground clearance. Given that the wheelbase of this model is large enough, the low ground clearance of 109 mm can bring its owner big problems on the winter road.
3) Renault Clio (fourth generation hatchback)
Ground clearance specification: 120 mm
Real ground clearance: 100 mm
What do you expect from a small city car? Of course the fuel economy and ease of parking on narrow streets. But few people know that buying Renault Clio owners will face a problem that is associated with a small ground clearance of only 120 mm (according to the official specification. At first glance, the clearance is actually small, but critical.
But this parameter in the technical specifications refers to an empty car without passengers and luggage, as well as without crankcase protection. If the owner installs an engine protection on the car and goes on a trip with passengers and luggage, then the vehicle's ground clearance will be approximately 100 mm. Can you imagine how difficult it will be to operate a car in winter, even in a large city.
2) Mercedes-Benz CLA-class (C117)
Ground clearance specification: 117 mm
Real ground clearance: 99 mm
Since the appearance of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-class in the back of the C117 on the Russian market, this car has become popular mainly among young people who have not thought about low ground clearance. But after a few years, most young car enthusiasts realized that this model was not designed for winter operating conditions.
The fact is that according to the manufacturer's specifications, the Mercedes-Benz CLA-class has a ground clearance of only 117 mm, which is very little. It's not a sports car. Moreover, after installing the engine protection and when loading the car, only 99 mm remains of the ground clearance. As a result, most owners of this model prefer to use the car in winter only from time to time. Don't believe me. Read a few pages on the forum dedicated to this model, and you will see some negative reviews about the winter operation of the car.
1) Volkswagen Polo (fourth generation) Restyling
Ground clearance specification: 110 mm
Real ground clearance: 95 mm
Traditionally all Volkswagen cars have a good ground clearance, which really allows them to be operated in Russia even in winter without any problems. But just not Volkswagen polo, which was produced from 2005 to 2009. This model was very low.
For example, the vehicle's ground clearance was only 110 mm. Since this indicator was calculated by the manufacturer with an empty car and without engine crankcase protection, we can say with confidence that in reality the clearance will be no more than 95 mm. Can you imagine, only 9.5 cm !!! For a small city car. Note that this is not a sports car. So if you are going to buy a VW Polo and expect to drive it all year round, then in the winter, prepare a cable, a shovel and money to dig up the car in every yard.
Sedan BMW 5 Series in the back of F10 (restyled in 2013) is offered on the domestic market in 8 modifications.
BMW 520i and BMW 528i
Both petrol versions are powered by a 2.0-liter N20 B20 four-cylinder in-line engine. In the first case, it produces a power of 184 hp. (270 Nm), in the second - 245 hp. (350 Nm).
BMW 535i
The modification is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline "six" with the index N55 B30 - the initial engine of the N55 series. Direct injection and dual supercharging allow the unit to generate 306 hp of thrust. and 400 Nm. BMW 535i accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 5.6 seconds.
BMW 550i
The most powerful and fastest version of the model, driven by the 4.4-liter "turbo eight" N63 B44. The engine has a maximum power of 450 hp. and a peak torque of 650 Nm. All-wheel drive BMW 550i xDrive demonstrates "hurricane" dynamics, reaching 100 km / h in 4.4 seconds after the start. The fuel consumption of the car does not exceed 9.2 liters per “hundred”.
Diesel modifications:
- BMW 520d - B47 D20 engine, 2.0 liters, four cylinders, 190 HP, 400 Nm;
- BMW 525d - N47 D20 engine, 2.0 liters, four cylinders, 218 hp, 450 Nm;
- BMW 530d - N57 D30 engine, 3.0 liters, six cylinders in a row, 258 hp, 560 Nm;
- BMW M550d - N57 D30 engine, 3.0 liters, six cylinders in a row, 381 hp, 740 Nm.
The top-of-the-line diesel four-door BMW M550d XDrive with the M Performance Package is equipped with a sporty suspension. It works in conjunction with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel producing 381 hp. at a torque of 740 Nm, and the system all-wheel drive... The modification accelerates to 100 km / h in 4.7 seconds, which is only slightly inferior to the BMW 550i with a 450-horsepower V8. At the same time, the fuel consumption of the BMW M 550d is quite moderate - 6.2 liters per 100 km in the combined cycle.
Full technical characteristics of the BMW 5 Series in the back of the F10
| Parameter | BMW 520i | BMW 528i | BMW 535i | BMW 550i | BMW 520d | BMW 525d | BMW 530d | BMW M550d |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | ||||||||
| engine's type | petrol | diesel | ||||||
| Injection type | direct | |||||||
| Pressurization | Yes | |||||||
| Number of cylinders | 4 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 6 | |||
| Arrangement of cylinders | inline | V-shaped | inline | |||||
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 | |||||||
| Volume, cubic meters cm. | 1997 | 2979 | 4395 | 1995 | 2993 | |||
| Cylinder diameter / piston stroke, mm | 84.0 x 90.1 | 84.0 x 89.6 | 89.0 x 88.3 | 84.0 x 90.0 | ||||
| Power, h.p. (at rpm) | 184 (5000-6250) | 245 (5000-6500) | 306 (5800-6000) | 450 (5500-6000) | 190 (4000) | 218 (4400) | 258 (4000) | 381 (4000-4400) |
| Torque, N * m (at rpm) | 270 (1250-4500) | 350 (1250-4800) | 400 (1200-5000) | 650 (2000-4500) | 400 (1750-2500) | 450 (1500-2500) | 560 (1500-3000) | 740 (2000-3000) |
| Transmission | ||||||||
| Drive unit | rear | full | rear | full | ||||
| Transmission | 8АКПП | |||||||
| Suspension | ||||||||
| Front suspension type | independent multi-link | |||||||
| Rear suspension type | independent multi-link | |||||||
| Brake system | ||||||||
| Front brakes | ventilated disc | |||||||
| Rear brakes | ventilated disc | |||||||
| Steering | ||||||||
| Amplifier type | electric | |||||||
| Tires | ||||||||
| Tire size | 225/55 R17 / 245/45 R18 | |||||||
| Disk size | 8.0Jx17 / 8.0Jx18 | |||||||
| Fuel | ||||||||
| Fuel type | AI-95 | DT | ||||||
| Environmental class | Euro 6 | |||||||
| Tank volume, l | 70 | |||||||
| Fuel consumption | ||||||||
| Urban cycle, l / 100 km | 8.1 | 8.4 | 10.5 | 12.7 | 5.2 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 7.5 |
| Country cycle, l / 100 km | 4.7 | 5.2 | 5.9 | 7.1 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 5.4 |
| Combined cycle, l / 100 km | 6.0 | 6.4 | 7.6 | 9.2 | 4.5 | 5.1 | 5.4 | 6.2 |
| dimensions | ||||||||
| Number of seats | 5 | |||||||
| Number of doors | 4 | |||||||
| Length, mm | 4907 | |||||||
| Width, mm | 1860 | |||||||
| Height, mm | 1464 | |||||||
| Wheelbase, mm | 2968 | |||||||
| Front wheel track, mm | 1600 | |||||||
| Rear wheel track, mm | 1627 | |||||||
| Front overhang, mm | 832 | |||||||
| Rear overhang, mm | 1107 | |||||||
| Trunk volume (min / max), l | 520 | |||||||
| Ground clearance (clearance), mm | 141 | |||||||
| Weight | ||||||||
| Curb (min / max), kg | 1690 | 1785 | 1840 | 1955 | 1705 | 1840 | 1885 | 1955 |
| Full, kg | 2225 | 2310 | 2365 | 2480 | 2240 | 2365 | 2410 | 2460 |
| Dynamic characteristics | ||||||||
| Maximum speed, km / h | 233 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 231 | 240 | 250 | 250 |
| Acceleration time to 100 km / h, s | 7.9 | 6.3 | 5.6 | 4.4 | 7.9 | 7.0 | 5.7 | 4.7 |
The compact SUV "BMW X1", the clearance of which is not afraid of domestic roads, entered serial production in 2009. Not so long ago, the model was restyled. For Russian market the car is assembled in Kaliningrad from component parts manufactured in Leipzig. The crossover has become legendary modification manufactured in India, China, Mexico. The station wagon of the third series became the basic platform for creating a car.
Description
The clearance of "BMW X1" is almost 200 millimeters, the front suspension is reinforced, such as "MacPherson", the rear analogue is an independent multi-link assembly. On sale there is an all-wheel drive version and a model with only rear wheel drive... Among the motors are gasoline and diesel options... In the first case, the "engine" with four cylinders and a volume of two liters, develops a power of about 150 Horse power... This is the version for RWD models.
All-wheel drive SUVs are equipped with a three-liter six-cylinder engine. Its capacity is 258 "horses". On updated cars of the specified brand, they are mounted power units with four cylinders and a power rating of 245 horsepower. There are three engines in the diesel version. All have a working volume of two liters. Differences in power (hp) - 184/204/218. By design diesel motors are identical, but differ in turbocharging systems and performance.
Appearance
Let's take a closer look at the second generation BMW X1, whose ground clearance has remained unchanged. The frontal part of the crossover was equipped with a modern radiator grill, "angelic" squinted light elements, wide air ducts along the edges of the bumper and an aluminum central bumper. Additional aggressiveness is given by large false radiator holes and a massive bumper with an air intake.
The similarity with the X3 modification is observed in the presence of "fog lights" under the main headlights and their configuration. The auto profile is typical for German manufacturer what are the benefits. The stylistic feature, developed over decades, has been perfected almost to perfection. Other differences include:
- enlarged wheel arches;
- the original "fin" mounted on the roof;
- elegant, clear, impetuous lines of the body;
- smooth transitions.
Standard equipment includes wheel disks 17 inches. By order, for a fee, analogs of 18 or 19 inches can be mounted. The profile is distinguished by a smoothly flowing roof line, with a transition to the ascending outline of window, doorways and wheel arches. The rear of the SUV is equipped with LEDs, the original tailgate. Rear bumper made traditionally in the German style. The exhaust unit is made without any special innovations, the usual chrome-plated tailpipes with 12 possible options painting.
Salon equipment
The clearance "BMW X1" is not the only advantage of a car in its class. The salon seems to be intended for long reflections and unhurried conversation. It is worth noting that along with a decrease in the wheelbase, the space for passengers in the back row has become six centimeters more. This is largely due to the availability of optional combination seats. The installation of the base sofa was made practically as in the second series.
Immediately you need to pay attention to the separation of the front and rear line of the seats. The center console is turned towards the driver, ergonomics are at the highest level. The modern multimedia system is conveniently located, the control of this unit is thought out, does not distract from the road. The diagonal of the display as standard is 6.5 inches, it is raised to the level windshield.
Interior decoration
Among the differences from its predecessor in the interior design, the appearance of a rectangular screen is noted on-board computer between the tachometer and the speedometer. Dashboard framed by soft plastic of a spongy configuration. The system of climate control and music settings has changed. Also, the engine start button, the shape of the heating air inlets, the arrangement of the space near the gear shift unit have been updated. As a result, the driver's seat and the interior as a whole became more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
The central tunnel of the car is not burdened with many keys, they were replaced by a sensitive joystick. The compartment for small things is camouflaged with a neat curtain, located near the gearshift lever. Additional equipment:
- adaptive and two-zone climate control;
- the option of storing the positions of the seats;
- automatic functionality of headlights and wipers;
- rear parking sensors;
- electric drive of the fifth door.
Peculiarities
What is the clearance of the "BMW X1"? The answer to this question is given above. And what else can please the owner's SUV, we will consider further. Depending on the basic package, the exterior and interior of the car is made in different color palettes. The equipment of the car includes intelligent systems that are responsible for connecting to the Internet, controlling fuel consumption, optimizing driving modes, and the like.
The back sofa will comfortably accommodate only a couple of adults. The central tunnel protrudes slightly, is equipped with air ducts and compartments for small things. The speakers are installed higher than their predecessor (slightly below the shoulder). The front passenger seat has become more comfortable, specialists have also thought of an improved fastening for a highchair. In general, all equipment pleases with quality and functionality, taking into account the fact that all necessary elements adjustable and shifted.
"BMW X1": technical characteristics
The vehicle's ground clearance is 194 mm. Other parameters:
- length / width / height - 4.45 / 1.79 / 1.54 m;
- full / equipped weight - 1.99 / 1.5 t;
- wheel track front / rear - 1.5 / 1.52 m;
- the capacity of the luggage compartment with the rear row of seats folded down - 1350 liters;
- fuel tank volume - 63 l;
- average fuel consumption per 100 km - 6.4 liters.
Transmission and suspension assembly
The BMW X1 is impressive. However, the transmission of this crossover is no worse. The machine is equipped with mechanical box for six modes or eight-speed "automatic". They are aggregated with an improved all-wheel drive transmission unit with a special multi-plate clutch. Electronic system directional stability transmits tractive effort to the front wheels under normal conditions, in emergency situations the thrust is completely transferred to the rear axle.
The clearance of the "BMW X1" (see the photo of the car in the review) is due to the reliable front suspension in the form of MacPherson struts. The unit is equipped with aluminum and steel elements that have received electrical shock absorber adjustments. At the rear is a multi-link design with spaced shock absorbers and spring parts. The adjustable stiffness allows you to distribute the mass along the axles in an optimal ratio (50/50).
Other systems
The steering has hardly changed. An electric amplifier with variable parameters is provided here. The braking system is a ventilated disc structure on all wheels.
The safety of the car should be highlighted separately. This includes modernized system xDrive. It smoothly distributes the power of the motor between the front and rear wheels, depending on the conditions and driving style. On testing, the model showed the highest level of safety (5 stars). This was made possible thanks to suspension assemblies made of high-strength steel, the presence of front and rear parking sensors, front and side airbags, inflatable curtains for the first and rear rows of seats, rear visibility cameras. Auto "BMW X1", the characteristics and ground clearance of which are indicated above, one hundred percent meets the notorious German quality, one of the best in the world.
An example of a very low ground clearance on the E60, this would not be desirable.
Good day! Interested, in fact, the question - what is the clearance on the E60? Is it possible to increase it somehow?
For my work, I sometimes have to travel around the countryside, i.e. out of town. And there the roads are very bad, kalei and that's all. And I don't even want to cling to the ground with the bottom, any garden beds; and in winter he sits down on a snowball and calls a tow truck.
An example of high ground clearance on the E60. In my opinion, he is here about 16 centimeters, which is what I need.
I think the optimal ground clearance for me would be under 16 cm... And not high, and not low. Although if it can be increased, then it would suit under 14 cm.
So, to summarize:
- What is the clearance in centimeters?
- Can I increase it?
- If possible, how to do it most competently?
otherwise HE will stop you:
- Evgeniy
Ground clearance for E60 on all modifications (520, 525, 530) the same for our roads scanty - 120 mm.
The options for increasing ground clearance are completely different.
- Some craftsmen independently make spacers for springs,
- others buy rubber soft ready-made ones at the car market,
- still others use rigid Touring springs.
All this clearly affects the car's handling and wear. There are a lot of opinions. Personally, I think that the most competent solution to this issue. is the so-called kit for bad roads, that is, special adapters.
But here is another problem, they are not on the E60, you can try to install from the E39. But it will never rise up to 16 cm, up to 14 cm is possible. In short, it is better not to drive such a car on country roads at all (this is also my opinion))))))
- Volodya
Good afternoon.
A friend has a BMW 5 E60, and his suspension clearance is 14 cm, he drives home after work out of town, where the roads leave much to be desired. I know he solved his clearance problem by replaced the spring and shock absorbers... Spacers, I know for sure on his wheelbarrow, are not produced. So he replaced the spring from the Turing body.
But many masters do not recommend overestimating on these models, since the shock absorber rod is higher and breakdowns are possible. So this is a very delicate undertaking, and about the spacers, if you really feel like it, you can turn to a metalworking plant for good specialists who, according to the drawings, may be able to make them.
- Natalia
On the BMW 5 E60, the ground clearance is 14.5 cm... This causes difficulties when overcoming, for example, a speed bump or curb. There are several ways to increase the ground clearance, such as, for example, changing the shock absorbers, springs, you can also put discs and tires with a larger diameter than your factory installed ones.
The latter method, by the way, is more gentle and inexpensive, and does not require changes to the design of your car.
- Aksed
You can try to put the springs new and ordinary amas, not sports ones.
I have heard that some cut rubber sags. This raises the body a little, but the springs get stiffer. and the rear supports fail faster. Since the shock absorber rod rises, breakdowns are likely.
I advise you to put front and rear adapters from 39 and everything should be fine.
- Andrey
You can try replacing the factory tires and wheels with others. They will help to some extent resolve the clearance problem. However, there are some subtleties here. The fact is that changing tires and wheels is a very controversial activity. After all, it is not in vain that for this car they developed and delivered exactly those that are worth when buying.
Yes, you will solve one problem, but:
- the result will be, but not what you expect. Do not expect that by replacing the disks, your rubber will gain such a value with which you can drive like an SUV))) Yes, it will be a little better.
- such a change would entail other problems. It is widespread and logical: the hard drive of the car and the heaviness in driving in general!
The second option is to improve depreciation! Again, this will not solve the clearance problem. Yes, it will be a little easier to drive on rough country roads, but you will not gain the height itself.
My advice is to choose a car according to your needs. If you need trips out of town, then you need to choose a car with the calculation of these frequent trips! For the city and for the countryside, cars should be different .. Well, you understand this without me :)))
