At ISDA, we frequently emphasize the importance of measuring a driver’s ability to utilize the full capabilities of their vehicle. While driver performance is often the focus, we rarely discuss the equally critical factor—the vehicle’s capability. No matter how skilled a security driver may be, they are ultimately limited by what the vehicle can deliver.

You’re Only as Good as the Vehicle You Drive

In the automotive world, a vehicle’s capability is commonly measured through Lateral Acceleration (LA). This is typically expressed in terms of G-force (G’s) and indicates how well a vehicle can maintain grip during cornering. The higher the LA value, the better the handling and performance characteristics.

Publications like Car and Driver regularly publish these LA numbers. We’ve included a list of LA values for both SUVs and sedans below.

How Vehicle Capability Is Measured

The most common method for determining lateral acceleration is the skid pad test. Car and Driver explains it as follows:

“Maximum Cornering (Skid Pad): Timing the lap of a car on a flat circle—usually 300 feet in diameter—lets us calculate the average lateral acceleration (in G’s). We drive the vehicle in both directions and average the results, reporting them as road holding in G-force. Results range from 0.6 G for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter to 0.93 G for an Audi A8.”

To put these numbers in perspective:

• A Sprinter with 0.6 Gs means it can absorb 60% of its weight pressing against its center of gravity before it begins to slide or tip.
• An Audi A8 with 0.93 Gs can handle 93% under the same conditions.

When we say a person is an “80% driver,” it means they can utilize 80% of a vehicle’s LA—whether it’s 80% of the Sprinter’s 0.6 Gs or the Audi’s 0.93 Gs.

The Limits of Skid Pad Testing

While LA numbers offer a useful benchmark, they only reflect steady-state cornering and not the complete picture of handling. They don’t account for transient responses, such as quick directional changes or vehicle dynamics under braking and acceleration while turning.

There are two key aspects of vehicle handling:

• Cornering – smooth, controlled turns
• Emergency Maneuvering – rapid, evasive actions

Each type places different demands on the vehicle, and performance can vary significantly.

 For more on this topic, check out our podcast:
The Difference Between Handling and Cornering – Episode 166

Measuring LA During Driver Training

Tools like G Meters (searchable online) can measure LA, but the real challenge lies in interpreting the data effectively. Competent instructors should be well-versed in both.

Vehicle Lateral Acceleration Figures

(Data from Car and Driver)

SUVs

• 2025 Bentley Bentayga – 0.83 Gs
• 2025 Lincoln Navigator – 0.75 Gs
• 2025 Jeep Grand Wagoneer – 0.75 Gs
• 2024 Chevrolet Suburban – 0.75 Gs
• 2025 Cadillac Escalade – 0.71 Gs
• 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe – 0.63 Gs
• 2025 Ford Transit – 0.60 Gs
• 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter – 0.60 Gs

Sedans

• 2025 Audi A8 – 0.93 Gs
• 2025 Mercedes-Maybach S-Class – 0.92 Gs
• 2025 BMW 7-Series – 0.89 Gs
• 2025 Mercedes-Benz S-Class – 0.83 Gs

Research Your Vehicle

To explore more about your vehicle’s performance, visit:
https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews
Then, click on “Reviews” at the top of the page to begin your search.

A PDF of Skid Pad Numbers For 2025 Executive Vehicles

https://isdacenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Vehicle-Skid-Pad-Numbers-053025.pdf