What is the ground clearance of the LaCrosse?
3 Answers
The ground clearance of the LaCrosse is 140mm. Design considerations for ground clearance: The design of the minimum ground clearance must account for the passability of loading platforms during transportation and ensure that the car does not scrape when driving close to ordinary curb edges. If the vehicle is intended for sale in a specific country or region, local road conditions must also be considered. Relevant information about ground clearance: Generally, the minimum ground clearance for sedans ranges between 110mm and 150mm. For sedans, a larger ground clearance (exceeding 130mm) provides relatively better passability but poorer high-speed stability, while a smaller ground clearance (below 110mm) offers better high-speed stability but poorer passability.
I've driven several generations of the Buick LaCrosse, and the ground clearance typically varies between 135 to 145 millimeters, depending on the year and trim level. For example, the base model might be around 130 mm. This lower height design helps reduce the car's center of gravity, making it more stable during high-speed cornering with less body roll, and also improves fuel efficiency due to reduced air resistance. It handles city speed bumps quite smoothly, but you'll need to slow down for larger potholes to avoid scraping the undercarriage, which could cause serious damage. I recommend regularly checking tire pressure and the suspension system to maintain proper height and prevent excessive wear. In practice, it feels quite reliable, especially during long-distance driving, offering comfortable handling—neither too high nor too low, suitable for various road conditions, though it's not meant for off-roading.
As a family car, I chose the Buick LaCrosse with a ground clearance of about 138mm. This height is perfectly fine for daily city driving, handling puddles or small bumps without issues. When driving to suburban areas with poor road conditions, I need to slow down carefully to avoid scraping the undercarriage components and damaging the car. Although it's lower than an SUV, it offers better stability and doesn't slip on highways during rainy days. During maintenance, I often remind the mechanic to check if the height is normal to prevent tire wear from affecting the clearance and compromising driving safety. Overall, it's a well-balanced design that maintains the elegance of a sedan while being practical.
