Is the Buick Excelle's chassis lower than other cars?
3 Answers
The chassis of the Buick Excelle is actually higher compared to general sedans. Below is relevant information about this model: 1. Exterior: The new Excelle inherits Buick's "dynamic and fluid" design language, drawing inspiration from classic elements of the Riviera concept car. It features a new winged chrome grille, winged LED automatic sensing headlights, winged LED taillights, dual-peak body character lines, extra-wide field of view exterior rearview mirrors, and 16-inch dual five-spoke luxury two-tone aluminum alloy wheels. 2. Powertrain: The new Buick Excelle offers two drivetrain options: a 1.3T dual-port fuel injection turbocharged engine paired with a 6-speed DSS intelligent dual-clutch transmission, and a 1.0T dual-port fuel injection turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed DCG intelligent dual-clutch transmission.
I've been driving a Buick Excelle for almost three years and noticed that its ground clearance is indeed much lower than that of SUVs. For example, while a Haval H6 can handle big potholes, the Excelle has to crawl over them slowly to avoid scraping the undercarriage. However, it's perfectly adequate for city roads, offering stable and steady handling without feeling floaty during turns. Once, when I went on a countryside trip, I had to slow down to navigate small ditches and bumps. Later, I looked it up and found that the Excelle's ground clearance is typically around 140-150mm, which is average for compact sedans and similar to models like the Corolla. When I changed tires, I opted for slightly larger ones, gaining a few millimeters, but it still can't compare to an SUV. During routine maintenance, the mechanic reminded me to check the suspension system more often, as worn shock absorbers can also affect the height. I think the Excelle's lower ground clearance is a design choice prioritizing handling and fuel efficiency. If you frequently drive on rough roads, it's better to opt for a model with higher ground clearance for peace of mind, rather than constantly worrying about scraping the undercarriage.
As a car enthusiast, I often participate in car club activities and have discussed the chassis design of the Buick Excelle. Its ground clearance is around 140mm, which is close to the standard value for compact sedans—not particularly low. For example, it's slightly higher than the Toyota Camry but significantly lower than SUVs like the Honda CR-V with 190mm. The chassis tuning leans towards sporty handling, featuring shorter suspension springs that provide quick road response and stable cornering. However, the reduced cushioning makes it prone to scraping the undercarriage when going over speed bumps or rough roads. It's recommended to regularly maintain and check tire pressure and suspension component wear, as insufficient tire pressure can lead to a drop in height. Upgrading to larger tires or installing lift kits can help mitigate the issue, but changes in handling should be considered. Overall, the chassis height is moderate, sufficient for city driving, but extra caution is needed on poor roads to avoid unnecessary damage.