BMW X1 ground clearance or clearance like for any other passenger car is an important factor on our roads. It is the condition of the road surface or its complete absence that makes Russian motorists interested in the clearance of the BMW X1 and the possibility of increasing ground clearance using spacers.
For a start, it's worth honestly saying that real clearance BMW X1 may seriously differ from that declared by the manufacturer. The whole secret is in the method of measurement and the place of measurement of the ground clearance. Therefore, you can find out the real state of affairs only by yourself armed with a tape measure or a ruler. Official clearance BMW X1 different generations are different. Even different modifications have some differences in clearance.
- Clearance BMW X1 E84 since 2009 - 194 mm
- Clearance BMW X1 restyled E84 from 2012 onwards. - 179 mm
- Clearance BMW X1 F48 from 2015 onwards - 183 mm
Some manufacturers go for the trick and declare the size of the ground clearance in an "empty" car, but in real life we have a full trunk of all sorts of things, passengers and the driver. That is, in a loaded car, the clearance will be completely different. Another factor that few people have in mind is the age of the car and the wear and tear of the springs, their “subsidence” from old age. The issue is solved by installing new springs or buying spacers under sagging springs BMW X1... The spacers allow you to compensate for the drop of the springs and add a couple of centimeters of ground clearance. Sometimes even a centimeter in the parking lot at the curb plays an important role.
But do not get carried away with the "lift" of the BMW X1's ground clearance, because the spacers to increase the clearance are focused only on springs. If you do not pay attention to the shock absorbers, the travel of which is often very limited, then self-modernization of the suspension can lead to loss of control and damage to the shock absorbers. In terms of cross-country ability, high ground clearance in our harsh conditions is good, but at high speeds on the track and in corners, there is a serious buildup and additional body roll.
Video demonstrating the driving performance of the BMW X1 on diagonal hanging.
When designing a suspension and choosing the amount of ground clearance, any car manufacturer is looking for a middle ground between handling and cross-country ability. Perhaps the easiest, safest and most unpretentious way to increase clearance is to install wheels with “high” tires. Changing wheels makes it easy to increase the ground clearance by another centimeter. Do not forget that the first generation X1 had rear-wheel drive as the main one, and the front end was connected when necessary. The second generation got the opposite situation. Now the front wheels are driving, and the rear wheels are connected in off-road mode. In this regard, the structural part of the chassis and suspension has changed significantly.
New generation BMW 3 Series in the back of the F30 was shown at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show. The sixth generation of the car is the most popular and mass-produced BMW model. In Russia today they offer the F30 sedan, the Gran Turismo GT hatchback in the F34 body and the F31 Touring station wagon. Cars traditionally have both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of xDrive. A charged BMW M3 sedan is also offered.
The new generation of the BMW 3 Series received a more dynamic and aggressive design. While similar to the previous generation, the car body has increased in size, and the wheelbase has grown, making the car more spacious inside. The front end has undergone major alterations, enlarged and made more textured “nostrils” of the radiator grill. Now this attribute of all BMWs bulges forward noticeably, on the sides in contact with the new head optics. The bumpers were also significantly changed, making them even more aerodynamic. In general, the entire body of the new BMW 3 Series treshki shows a drag coefficient of 0.26 Cx, which is a very good indicator. Further BMW 3 sedan pictures.
Photo BMW 3
BMW 3 salon as always on top, very high-quality assembly, good finishing materials. Seats with pronounced lateral support. All controls, knobs and buttons are nice to handle. The lever of the 8-speed automatic fits perfectly in the hand. The center console has a 6.5-inch touchscreen with iDrive multimedia system. As for the spaciousness of the cabin and the convenience of rear passengers, it is worth noting that the wheelbase of the station wagon and the sedan is the same, but the base of the BMW 3 hatchback is increased by 11 centimeters. That is, in the Gran Turismo, the rear seats are much more spacious.
Photo salon BMW 3
Trunk BMW 3 the sedan is small and holds only 480 liters of volume. But for the station wagon and the GT hatchback, this figure is higher. If the more practical bodies of the three can fold the rear seats, which will increase the loading space by almost three times, then in the sedan, of course, this is not possible. But the sedan has a fairly convenient rear seat back folding mechanism, which allows it to be folded in three parts in a 40/20/40 ratio. Photos of luggage compartment BMW 3 sedan series below.
Photo of the trunk of a BMW 3
Technical characteristics of BMW 3
From a technical point of view, the BMW 3 Series in different bodies not only has a different luggage compartment volume due to the body shape, but also the dimensions and mass characteristics. For example, all three modifications have different wheel tracks, as well as weight. In addition, the hatchback has a larger base. As for the drive, they are mostly rear-wheel drive, but you can get all-wheel drive. In Russia today, all station wagons have an xDrive drive system, GT hatchbacks have both rear and all-wheel drive. As for sedans, here too, buyers are offered a choice of four-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive.
The gearboxes are 6-speed mechanics, or 8-speed automatic. Engines for the Russian market are gasoline 4-cylinder with a working volume of 2 liters and a 6-cylinder 3-liter power unit, supercharged. The diesel engine is a 2-liter turbocharged engine. The base 320i 2.0-liter petrol engine produces 184 hp. the more powerful 328i already has 245 horsepower. The 335i's 3-liter unit produces 306 horses. According to the manufacturer, 2-liter gasoline engines consume an average of 6 to 7 liters. A 3-liter unit eats more than 8 liters in mixed mode, in the city this figure is about 12 liters.
Naturally the most economical is the 2 liter 320d diesel engine (184 hp), which consumes 4.5 liters on the highway, and 6.1 liters in the city. However, it is offered in our country only with a Gran Turismo body. The dynamics and handling of the BMW 3 are the cornerstones of the car's success in the market. So with the 335i engine, acceleration to a hundred is 5.3 seconds. With a diesel engine, this figure is 7.9 seconds. Versions 320i and 328i show the following dynamics of 7.9 and 6.2 seconds to 100 km / h.
Dimensions, weight, volumes, clearance BMW 3
- Sedan / Station Wagon Length - 4624 mm (GT - 4824 mm)
- Sedan / Wagon Width - 1811mm (GT - 1828mm)
- Sedan / Wagon Height - 1429mm (GT - 1508mm)
- Curb weight - from 1460 kg (GT-1615 kg, station wagon - 1665 kg)
- Gross weight - from 1935 kg (GT-2110 kg, station wagon - 2140 kg)
- Base, distance between front and rear axle - 2810 mm (GT-2920 mm)
- Front / rear track - 1543/1583 mm (GT-1541/1586 mm, station wagon - 1531/1572 mm)
- Sedan trunk volume - 480 liters
- Trunk volume BMW 3-series Touring (station wagon) - 495/1500 liters
- Trunk volume of the GT / BMW 3-series Gran Turismo hatchback - 520/1600 liters
- Fuel tank volume - 60 liters
- The size of the sedan / station wagon tires is 205/60 R16 (GT-225/55 R17)
- The size of the rims of the sedan / station wagon - 7J x 16 (GT-8J x 17)
- BMW 3 ground clearance - 140 mm (with all-wheel drive 145 mm, in the GT body - 165 mm)
BMW 3 Video
Video of the test drive of the BMW 335i 3 Series sedan from the journalists of "Avtovestey".
Video of a test drive of the BMW 3 GT hatchback and a review from Avtovestey journalists.
Prices and configurations for BMW 3
- BMW 318i 1.5 l. (135 hp) - 1,599,000 rubles
- BMW 320i 2.0 l. (184 hp) - 1,830,000 rubles
- BMW 320i xDrive M Sport - 2,290,000 rubles
- BMW 330i xDrive 2.0 l. (249 hp) - 2,520,000 rubles
- BMW 340i xDrive 3.0 L (326 hp) - 2,600,000 rubles
- BMW 320d 2.0 l. (190 hp) - 2,050,000 rubles
- BMW 320d xDrive 2.0 L (190 hp) - 2,140,000 rubles
Any equipment will delight the owner of the three-ruble note with advanced options and innovative electronic systems and assistants. This applies not only to driving, but also to safety. Inside, you will find dual-zone climate control, a multimedia system monitor, heated front seats, an on-board computer, armrests, and a lot of useful little things. On the exterior, all configurations have alloy wheels, albeit of different sizes, bi-xenon head optics are equipped with washers. Naturally, there are foglights, rain and light sensors, an emergency warning system for approaching from behind. The top-end versions have the BMW Business satellite anti-theft system, the Professional navigation system and other exclusive features.
The debut of the 6th generation BMW 3-series with the factory index F30 sedan body took place in the fall of 2011 in the homeland of the German company in Munich. The official world premiere of the new Bavarian "troika" BMW3 F30 took place at the 2012 North American Auto Show (Detroit).
Yet auto new items in the D-class:
BMW's 3-series vehicles are the most significant in the range, accounting for more than a third of the German company's sales. For more than 37 years of the history of the third series (the first generation of the E21 appeared in 1975), the car has become the standard of handling, power and style in the class of midsize sedans.
What will the iconic car look like in 2012-2013? Let's get acquainted with the photos and videos of the BMW 3, consider the technical characteristics, dimensions and ground clearance, designate the configuration and cost of the model.
Body parameters
The generation change favorably affected the appearance of the sedan, giving the image a more sporty, bright and energetic look. Compared to the previous generation, the new treshka has added 93 mm in length, the designers have increased the wheelbase by 50 mm.
As a result, overall dimensions of the 6th generation BMW 3 Series F30 sedan are: 4624 mm long, 1811 mm wide, 1430 mm high, with 2810 mm axle spacing (wheelbase).
Ground clearance directly depends on the type of drive, for modifications with a classic rear wheel drive clearance 140 mm, on xDrive models (all-wheel drive) a little more than 145 mm.
Depending on the engine installed and the type of transmission, the curb weight of the car fluctuates between 1400-1600 kg.
Let's start our review with the appearance of the “Bavarian locomotive”. The front part with neat, tapered bi-xenon headlights decorated with branded daytime running light rings, "nostrils" of a false radiator grille, a bumper fairing with pronounced aerodynamic chips, round foglights and stylish metal inserts. The air drag coefficient of the new model is only 0.26 Cx. The hood, with its characteristic hump-shaped punching, swells as if unable to cope with the power emanating from the engines located in the engine compartment.
The profile of the sedan is harmonious and well-cut, has received sharp edges of stampings located on the sidewalls of the body. Even in a static position, the triplet is dynamic.
The feed, although it looks simple and trivial, but in simplicity lies the style and charisma of the car. Beautiful lampshades for taillights with LEDs, a raised bumper, a trunk lid with a subtle spoiler along the edge.
A handsome, energetic, athletic mass of epithets can be picked up for admiration, the car really looks amazing. A beautiful car should stand on no less beautiful wheels, and of course they are present: light-alloy disks with various patterns and sizes R16, R17, R18 and the possibility of installing R19. Accordingly, there is a low-profile rubber - tires standard sizes 205/60 R16, 225/50 R17, 225/40 R18 and 235/35 R19. There is a great variety of tire sizes that fit in the wheel arches, which implies a lot of possible options and combinations.
The buyer is free to choose from a wide "rainbow" of options colors body colors for BMW 3 2012-2013: two non-metallic - Alpine White (white), Black (black) and metallics - Liguid Blue (blue), Mineral Gray (dark gray), Sparkling Bronze (bronze), Mineral White (white) , Orion Silver (dark silver), Glacier Silver (light silver), Imperial Blue (dark blue), Melbourne Red (red), Havanna (mustard), Black Sapphire (black).
Build quality and interior filling
The interior of the new BMW 3-Series Sedan 2012-2013 demonstrates exemplary ergonomics, premium finishing materials, the highest build quality and a rich filling of comfort, safety and entertainment functions. The hero of our review is primarily a car for the driver, and only then - takes care of the passengers. A driver's seat with an optimal profile, striking lateral support and a host of customization options. A leather-braided steering wheel of the ideal size fits nicely in your hands, a dashboard with the usual simple and informative instruments, a compact on-board computer screen. A strict front panel, a center console turned towards the driver, even a tunnel with a dedicated driver's area. All controls are located in the right places, you can operate with buttons, knobs, levers with your eyes closed - intuitively.
In the second row, thanks to the long base, two passengers will comfortably accommodate, the transmission tunnel and the backward protruding ventilation and air conditioning system will noticeably interfere with the third. But to sit together is simply gorgeous and free. The trunk is able to accommodate 480 liters of cargo in its bins; you can fold the separate backrest, significantly increasing the cargo capacity.
Well, the equipment of the new three BMW F30 is comparable to executive sedans: leather interior, electric drive and heated front seats, Start-Stop system and engine start button, 6.5-inch color screen with iDrive system (navigator, internet, auto settings), dual-zone climate -control, multi-steering wheel, rain sensor, all-round vision system, parking assistant, premium music from Harman Kardon and much more. It is a pity that almost all the chips are for an extra charge.
Technical component
The technology, which is in service with the new three-ruble note, is also first-class. In Russia, the car is offered with gasoline and diesel engines, two types of gearboxes - the basic mechanics of 6 manual gearboxes, and as an option for 100,000 rubles - automatic transmission 8, as well as rear or all-wheel drive xDrive. All engines are equipped with a proprietary BMW Twin Power Turbo system (twin turbocharging).
Technical characteristics of motors:
- Diesel BMW 320 d (184 hp) acceleration to 100 km / h in 7.6 seconds and a top speed of 230 km / h. Fuel consumption averages 4.4 liters.
- Gasoline BMW 316i (136 HP) up to a hundred in 8.9 seconds at 210 km / h top speed and 5.9 liters of average fuel consumption.
- BMW 320i (BMW 320i xDrive) 2.0 (184 hp) - dynamics up to 100 km / h in 7.3 seconds with the maximum achievable 236 (232 km / h), average gasoline consumption 6.1 (6.8) liters per 100 km.
- BMW 328i (BMW 328i xDrive) from 2.0 (245 hp) spurt to a hundred takes 5.9 (5.7) seconds and a maximum speed of 250 km / h. The average "appetite" of the engine is 6.4 (6.9) liters.
- The BMW 335i (BMW 335i xDrive) with 3.0 (306 hp) shoots up to 100 km / h in 5.5 seconds and the electronics will not allow accelerating faster than 250 km / h, while the manufacturer promises an average fuel consumption of 7.9 (8.2) liters.
In real operating conditions, the average fuel consumption of gasoline versions does not fall below 8-9 liters, and with a 3-liter engine it does not fall below 11-12 liters.
Test drive: the car has phenomenal handling thanks to the balanced chassis and the correct steering settings (switchable variable electric power steering). A set of ABS, DBC and DSC as safety systems. Thanks to the variable settings of the characteristics of the engine, suspension, steering, gearbox, throttle valve, the driver is free to choose between the "obedient lamb" - soft and comfortable or the "evil predator" - fast and aggressive. The new sedan BMW 3-series F30 2012-2013 has many faces and this makes it even more desirable, but the price "bites".
How much does the BMW troika cost? In Russia, the sale of a new BMW 3 6 generation starts at a price of 1.250 thousand rubles for a modest BMW 316i. And the cost for which you can buy a decent "stuffed" car rises to 2,000 thousand rubles for a BMW 335i xDrive. Prices are given for basic configurations, in fact, the list of options is quite long, and their high cost is also striking. To personalize the exterior and interior of your Troika, there are three different design packages: Modern Line, Sport Line and Luxury Line.
An example of a very low 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 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 ground 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, on the E60 they are not, 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's 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, on his wheelbarrow I know for sure, 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 to 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 for this car that they have developed and delivered exactly those that are at the time of purchase.
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 :)))
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. The ground clearance is especially 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. To begin with, let's still 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, sports cars have the smallest ground clearance. Due to the low ground clearance, manufacturers strive to minimize the aerodynamic air resistance of the car in order to increase the dynamic characteristics of the 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 use in areas with bad 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 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 passenger cars 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 if you install plastic protection, the car will lose 10-15 mm ground clearance. So in the best case, the car will have 150 mm of ground clearance.
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 in any case will 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)
The Mercedes-Benz E-class sedan in the back of the W212, popular in Russia, 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, the 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 more popular 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 safely subtracted 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 low for Russian winter roads.
8) BMW 3-series F30
Ground clearance specification: 140 mm
Real ground clearance: 120 mm
The BMW 3-series, once popular in Russia, has been losing ground in the car market for several years. 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 a low ground clearance, which causes inconvenience even in summer when traveling out of town. The fact is that according to the technical characteristics, the ground 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, each owner is equipped with an engine crankcase protection, which eats up another 15 mm of ground clearance. As a result, BMW's ground 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 driving conditions. 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 have 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 a 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 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 the 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 winter.
4) BMW 6-series
Ground clearance specification: 124 mm
Real ground clearance: 109 mm
Another car of the Bavarian company, which got into our rating of vehicles 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 fuel economy and ease of parking on narrow streets. But few people know that buying a 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 not the 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.
