Vehicles with low ground clearance are susceptible to underbody dents and damage and are less practical when driving across rough terrain and snow-covered roads.
Many luxury cars have a low ground clearance as it helps with stability and handling although there are many on the market that offer slightly more elevation.
In this article, we’ve outlined the best luxury cars in today’s market with good ground clearance.
Table of Contents
1. Audi A4
The A4 is a compact luxury sedan produced by renowned German manufacturer Audi since the mid-1990s.
While available in both station wagon and sedan body styles, the latter is arguably the more popular pick although less suited for rugged terrain.
Depending on the trim level, the A4 has a ground clearance between 4 inches and 6.5 inches.
While the minimum ground clearance of the A4 is way below average for a typical sedan, the 6.5-inch maximum ground clearance is one of the best attainable measurements for a luxury car.
If you are looking for a well-rounded vehicle that pitches a perfect balance of performance, luxury, and comfort, then the A4 is definitely worth considering.
2. Lexus RC
The RC, manufactured by Toyota’s luxury division – Lexus, is a sports coupe that is praised for its sharp design, high-performance engine options, and numerous entertainment and safety features.
One of the better assets of the RC is its distinct engines, starting with the 2-liter four-cylinder engine for the entry-level models and ending with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine that packs quite the punch.
The RC has a ground clearance measurement of 5.3 inches, which is better than an average luxury car.
Take note that this ground clearance measurement is just the stock measurement.
If you plan on modifying your RC, such as changing the tires or tuning the suspension, ground clearance could increase or decrease.
3. Infiniti Q50
The Q50 is produced by the Nissan-owned luxury automaker Infiniti and was first introduced in the early 2010s.
The vehicle’s handsome styling and fastback roofline make it stand out in quite a competitive segment.
Depending on model year, trim level, and add-on packages, the Q50’s ground clearance falls between 4.8 inches and 5.3 inches.
The Q50 can also come in various powertrain types. There is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine option, a V6 engine option, a rear-wheel-drive system, and an all-wheel-drive system.
It may not be as popular as the other models on this list, but it is definitely worth considering if you want a high-performance, upscale sedan that is slightly higher off the ground.
4. Acura ILX
The ILX is a product of the upscale Acura, owned by the more widely known vehicle manufacturer Honda.
This model has all the bells and whistles needed to provide an upscale driving experience as well as above-average front-seat legroom.
The ground clearance of the ILX falls somewhere between 4.4 inches and 6.2 inches, depending on the trim level and add-ons included.
The sport-tuned suspension of the ILX is one of its highlights as it delivers a comfortable ride without sacrificing its responsive handling and precise steering.
Whether you get the first-ever ILX – the 2013 model year, or one of the more recent ones, you will have a reasonable amount of ground clearance.
5. Infiniti Q60
While there are many similarities to be said of the Q50 and Q60, both have clear distinctions worth mentioning.
First, the Q60 is a luxury coupe, which means that it is fitted with only 2 passenger doors, as opposed to a sedan’s 4-door setup.
Second, the Q60 has a bolder, more aggressive design, as seen in its steep windshield, sculpted hood, and sharper roofline.
Finally, the Q60 has more variety in terms of powertrains, as it notably includes a hybrid option for those looking for environmentally-friendly vehicles.
In terms of ground clearance, the Q60 ranges from 4.9 inches to 5.3 inches, which is pretty good for a luxury car.
If you are in the market for sportier handling, sharper design, and more powerful engine options, then the Q60 is the ideal candidate.
6. Genesis G80
The G80 is a luxury sedan manufactured by Hyundai’s own luxury division, Genesis.
It has an upscale, sophisticated interior and exterior, a wide range of advanced technology features, and a whole array of standard safety features.
The ground clearance of the G80 is pretty good. Depending on the trim level selected, measurement falls between 5.1 inches and 5.5 inches.
If you are in need of a unique option in a highly competitive market that is just as reliable and quite affordable (relative to its segment), then the G80 would be worth thinking about.
7. Audi A6
Another entry from the prestigious German automaker Audi, the A6 is a luxury sedan that is considered by many to be a great vehicle, and there are several reasons why.
It comes in various engine configurations, such as a 2-liter four-cylinder engine (for entry-level trims), a 3-liter V6 engine for the higher-end variants, and a hybrid powertrain option.
Some variants of the A6 have below-average ground clearance at only 4.2 inches but certain trim levels can offer up to 5.5 inches, which is better than an average sedan.
A lot of awesome technology features are also available, including an enriched touchscreen infotainment system, a premium sound system, and a lot of driver assistance features such as lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
If you want to get a luxury sedan from a tested and proven vehicle manufacturer, then the A6 is a worthy choice.
8. Lexus ES
The ES is the second luxury car on this list from world-renowned Japanese automaker Lexus.
Comfort, performance, and technology are at the forefront of the vehicle’s design and engineering.
The ES offers one of the better ground clearance measurements on this list, with a total of 6.1 inches.
This may change depending on modifications made to the vehicle.
Resale value for Lexus models is also top-notch, as most well-maintained models, despite being dated, can still hold their value.
9. Volvo S90
Volvo’s premier luxury offering is the S90, which is a unique option that looks far more expensive than it is.
The S90 possesses an elegant, handsome exterior and a professional, upscale interior.
The S90 has about 6 inches of ground clearance.
It is also one of the few luxury sedans that has a supercharged engine option.
As opposed to the traditional turbocharged engine, a supercharged engine provides more raw power to the vehicle as the mechanism that boosts performance is powered by the engine itself (as opposed to the turbocharger’s exhaust fan dynamics).
10. Jaguar XF
The XF is a luxury sedan manufactured by British car manufacturer Jaguar and was first offered in North America as a 2009 model year.
It is powered by a 2-liter four-cylinder engine. Depending on trim level selected, horsepower ranges from 246 to 296.
Ground clearance of the XF would also depend on the trim level chosen and can range from a measly 4.1 inches to an above-average 5.3 inches.
This measurement can also be improved by lifting the suspension, installing larger tires, integrating off-road modifications, or adding wheel spacers.
11. Genesis G90
The G90 is a luxury sedan from South Korean automaker Genesis.
It possesses great build quality, futuristic looks and a generous helping of standard luxury features.
The ground clearance of the G90 is 5.1 inches which is not bad for a luxury car.
The warranty terms of the G90 are comprehensive. The most notable aspect is its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which is one of the best internationally.
12. BMW 3 Series
The 3 Series is more than a luxury sedan. It is a flagship vehicle that represents the best qualities of BMW – quality, reliability, performance, and style.
The handling is refined and polished, the interior was designed to be modern and sophisticated, and the engine options are all powerful and relatively fuel efficient.
One of the more underrated aspects of the 3 Series is its ground clearance. The ground clearance of a stock 3 Series is 5.7 inches, significantly better than most of the luxury sedans in today’s market.
13. Lexus IS
With head-turning looks, the IS looks like a sedan from the future.
It’s been praised for its well-appointed cabin and ergonomic front seats.
The suspension of this model is also top-notch as it handles bumpy roads with ease.
In terms of ground clearance, the IS provides approximately 4.7 inches, which is not the best on this list but is still a good figure for a luxury car.
Take away the vehicle’s lack of rear-seat space, and you have yourself a great-looking, great-performing luxury sedan.
14. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Last but definitely not the least is the S-Class model from the classic German automaker Mercedes-Benz.
It is considered to be one of the most luxurious vehicles on the market, owing to its advanced technology features, multiple safety and driver assist features, and exceptional engine and transmission performance.
The S-Class has a stock ground clearance measurement of 5.1 inches, which is just about the same as a typical Toyota Corolla.
This model oozes style and sophistication. If you want to impress, then this is a vehicle that should be heavily considered.
