What Car? Q&A - Which 4x4s don't lean too much?

Q: Could you please advise me on what type of vehicle I should buy to replace my Range Rover Vogue? My husband loves the car but I’m not keen on the way the car leans while cornering. However, I do like the all-round vision you have in a higher vehicle. Are there any 4x4 vehicles which don’t lean as much as the Range Rover?
Pauline Dale

A: Off-roaders have a habit of leaning while cornering due to their high centre of gravity, coupled with the long-travel suspension required for driving over rough terrain. This was particularly evident on early 4x4s before manufacturers managed to introduce electronic systems to help.

Land Rover was one of the first to tackle this with its ACE (active cornering enhancement) system. Fitted to the Discovery, this counteracted body lean in corners and helped the vehicle to handle more like a traditional estate car.

Some modern 4x4s combine air suspension systems, giving a smoother ride, with electrically controlled suspension to reduce body roll. These include the current Range Rover, the Land Rover Discovery, Porsche Cayenne and new Mercedes M-Class, although they cost extra on some of these models. Due to the complexity of such systems, they tend to be available only on prestige, and more expensive, brands.

If you’re looking for an off-roader that drives well on the road we rate both the BMW X5 and the new Mercedes M-Class. For less money we’d also consider the Nissan X-Trail, which delivers a decent drive with a higher seating position.