Cars with an extended hood are not just a tribute to retro style or a symbol of luxury. This body layout affects weight distribution, controllability and even passive safety. In 2026, the long hood remains relevant for both premium sedans and sports coupes, despite the trend towards compact crossovers. But why do manufacturers keep this design, and which models should you consider buying?
In this article we will look at technical features cars with a long hood, their pros and cons, and also provide a rating of the best models on the market - from affordable Toyota Crown to legendary Bentley Continental GT. We will pay special attention to issues operation, repairs and choice such a car so that you can make an informed decision.
It is worth noting that an elongated hood is often associated with rear-wheel drive layout and powerful motors. This is no coincidence: this design allows the heavy engine to be optimally positioned, improving the balance of the car. However, the design also has a downside - for example, limited space for the pedestrian zone in case of an accident, which affects European crash tests.
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What is a long hood and why is it needed?
Under long hood refers to the front part of the body, which protrudes significantly beyond the windshield. Traditionally this design was used to accommodate inline 6-cylinder or V8-engines, but today it often becomes a stylistic decision. For example, in Mercedes-Benz S-Class the hood is extended not so much for technical needs, but to create the image of a “prestigious car”.
From a technical point of view, a long hood offers several advantages:
- 🔧 Better engine cooling - more space for radiators and air ducts.
- 🚗 Optimal weight balance (50:50 or 48:52) for rear-wheel drive vehicles.
- 🛡️ Additional crumple zone in case of a frontal impact (although this is a controversial point - see the section on safety).
- 🎨 Recognizable design, which makes the car stand out from crossovers.
However, there are also disadvantages. For example, cars with a long hood are 12–15% worse at maneuvering in urban conditions due to the increased turning radius. In addition, when parking, the “nose” of the car often protrudes beyond the dimensions of the parking space, which can lead to scratches.
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Top 5 cars with long hoods in 2026
We have selected models that combine style, reliability and relevance on the market. The rating takes into account both new cars and time-tested models from the secondary market.
| Model | Body type | Engine (basic version) | Price (from), RUB million | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolls-Royce Ghost | Sedan | 6.75 L V12 (571 hp) | 25 | “Silent” hood with active sound insulation, manual assembly |
| Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223) | Sedan | 3.0 L I6 (435 hp, hybrid) | 12 | Adaptive suspension Magic Body Control, hood with pedestrian protection |
| Lexus LC 500 | Coupe | 5.0 L V8 (477 hp) | 8.5 | Unique design with a “sharp” hood, naturally aspirated engine |
| Jaguar XJ (X351) | Sedan | 3.0 L V6 (340 hp, turbo) | 4.2 (used) | Aluminum body, classic British style |
| Toyota Crown | Sedan | 2.5 L I4 (340 hp, hybrid) | 5.8 | Modern interpretation of retro style, front-wheel drive |
Please note: Toyota Crown - the only model on the list with front wheel drive, which proves that a long hood today is not always associated with a rear-wheel drive layout. But Rolls-Royce Ghost remains a standard: its hood is not only long, but also equipped with a system Active Hood, which rises when hitting a pedestrian, reducing the severity of injuries.
Upon purchase Jaguar XJ used, be sure to check the condition of the aluminum body - repairs are 30–40% more expensive than steel analogues.
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Security: myths and reality
Many people believe that a long hood automatically makes the car safer. In fact, this is not entirely true. Yes, the additional space in front of the cabin increases deformation zone, but modern crash tests (e.g. Euro NCAP) other factors are taken into account:
- 🚨 Pedestrian protection - A high hood can aggravate injuries in a collision.
- 🛑 Visibility - for some models (for example, Bentley Mulsanne) the hood blocks the view of the nearest 2–3 meters in front of the car.
- 🔄 Electronics - type systems
PreSafe(y Mercedes) is often more important than the physical length of the hood.
⚠️ Attention: Cars with a long hood and V8/V12-engines often receive lower ratings in pedestrian protection tests. For example, Rolls-Royce Phantom in 2023 received only 65% according to this criterion in Euro NCAP.
On the other hand, such machines are usually equipped active security systems:
- Automatic braking when a pedestrian is detected (AEB).
- Lifting the hood in the event of a collision (like Volvo S90).
- 360° cameras for improved visibility of blind spots.
A long hood in itself does not guarantee safety. More important is the complex of systems: passive protection + active electronics.
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Pros and cons of operation
If you are considering buying a car with a long hood, consider the following nuances:
Benefits
- 💺 Driver comfort — the engine is moved forward, so there is less noise and vibration in the cabin.
- 🛣️ Stability at high speeds thanks to optimal weight distribution.
- 🔥 Room for tuning — under a long hood it is easier to place turbines, intercoolers or even electric motors (as in hybrids).
Disadvantages
- 🅿️ Difficulties with parking — it takes getting used to the dimensions (especially in cramped yards).
- 💰 Expensive repairs — the hood is often made of aluminum or carbon fiber.
- 🌡️ Overheating in traffic jams - despite the larger space, some models (for example, Maserati Quattroporte) are prone to overheating when idling for a long time.
Fun fact: the owners Lexus LC 500 note that a long hood helps feel the dimensions more accurately at speed, but interferes with maneuvering. But at Toyota Crown Thanks to front-wheel drive, the turning radius is smaller than that of rear-wheel drive counterparts.
How to check an aftermarket hood?
Pay special attention to:
- Traces of repair (uneven gaps, different paint colors).
- The condition of the hood hinges and shock absorbers (they often break when closed incorrectly).
- The presence of original sound insulation (it is removed during tuning).
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How to choose a car with a long hood: checklist
If you decide to buy such a car, follow this algorithm:
Define your goal (style, comfort, sport)
Check accident history (especially frontal impacts)
Estimate the cost of insurance (for premium models it is 20–30% higher)
Test visibility in a parking lot
Check availability of spare parts (for rare models like Maybach)-->
Please note drive type:
- Rear wheel drive (for example, BMW 8 Series) is a classic of the genre, but can be slippery in winter.
- Four-wheel drive (Audi A7) - more versatile, but heavier.
- Front wheel drive (Toyota Crown) - rare, but cheaper to maintain.
Also note that on some models the hood opens against the direction of travel (like McLaren), which is inconvenient in the rain. And Porsche 911 the engine is in the back, but the hood in front is still long - this is a matter of design, not technical necessity.
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series with mileage check the operation of the system Active Hood. Its repair costs 150–200 thousand rubles.
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Tuning and modifications: what can be done to the hood?
The long hood is a field for experimentation. Here are the popular tuning areas:
- 🔥 Ventilation ducts — improve cooling (relevant for Nissan GT-R or Dodge Challenger).
- 🎨 Carbon parts — a carbon fiber hood reduces weight by 30–40 kg (but is fragile when impacted).
- 🔊 Acoustic insulation - in premium cars (such as Bentley) factory sound insulation weighs up to 20 kg.
- 💡 LED backlight - popular with owners Lexus LC and Audi A7.
However, there are also pitfalls. For example, replacing a standard hood with a carbon one can:
- Lead to loss of warranty (if the car is under warranty).
- Worse passive safety (carbon does not always deform predictably upon impact).
- Increase insurance cost (modified parts are considered a risk).
Advice: if you are planning tuning, start with vinyl wrap hood - it is cheaper (from 15 thousand rubles) and reversible. And here is the installation hood scoop (air intake) will require re-registration with the traffic police if the appearance changes.
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Legal nuances: what you need to know?
In Russia there are no direct restrictions on the length of the hood, but there are indirect requirements that should be taken into account:
- Vehicle dimensions — if the hood is extended due to tuning, the total length of the car should not exceed 12 m (for passenger cars).
- Lighting devices — when replacing the hood, the headlights or turn signals must not be covered (fine under Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code - 500 ₽).
- Technical inspection - if the hood is modified, they may require
declaration of changes made.
Interesting case: in 2023 the owner Cadillac Escalade in Moscow received a fine for a “non-standard hood”, although in fact it was a factory version with an option Sport Package. The reason is that the inspector considered that the air intakes “change the design.” To avoid such situations, keep documents for the car indicating all options.
⚠️ Attention: If you are purchasing a long hood car from the US or Japan, please check for compliance lighting devices Russian GOST. For example, at Toyota Crown The Japanese version of the headlights do not meet our standards - they will have to be changed.
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FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cars with long hoods
Is it possible to install a long hood on a regular car?
Theoretically yes, but it will require:
- Frame modifications (for safety).
- Changes to the PTS (as a “design change”).
- Electronics settings (for example, parking sensors).
The cost of such tuning starts from 500 thousand rubles, and legalization will take 2–3 months.
What cars with a long hood are the most reliable?
According to statistics of repair services, the leaders are:
- Lexus LC 500 (naturally aspirated V8 without turbines).
- Toyota Crown (hybrid system with a resource of 300+ thousand km).
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class (but only with engines M256 or OM656).
But Jaguar XJ with engines
AJ-V8 known for problems with the timing chain after 150 thousand km.
Is it difficult to park a car with a long hood?
The first 1-2 weeks - yes. Tips for adaptation:
- Use 360-degree cameras (required for Rolls-Royce or Bentley).
- Practice in a vacant lot with cones.
- Please note that some models (eg Maserati Ghibli) the hood blocks the view of the curbs.
What is the fuel consumption of cars with a long hood?
Depends on the engine:
- Toyota Crown Hybrid: 5.5–6.2 l/100 km.
- Mercedes S500 (V8): 12–14 l/100 km.
- Bentley Continental GT (W12): 16–18 l/100 km.
Hybrids and turbo engines (
I4) are more economical, but less dynamic.
Is it possible to drive a car with a long hood in winter?
Yes, but there are nuances:
- For rear-wheel drive models (for example, BMW 8 Series) it is better to use in winter winter tires with studs or premium Velcro.
- A long hood can accumulate snow, blocking the air intakes - check them before driving.
- U Lexus LC 500 low ground clearance (120 mm), so on unclean roads there is a risk of damaging the front spoiler.