Mechanical strength of the Moskvich M90 exceeds its luxury body design

The Moskvich M90 presents a stark contradiction between its visual identity and its mechanical capabilities. Designed as a luxury urban crossover with long overhangs and extensive chrome trim, the vehicle's outward appearance suggests a fragility unsuitable for anything beyond paved city streets. However, off-road testing reveals a technical core that operates independently of its styling. The primary limitation of the M90 is its geometry. With a ground clearance of 160 mm and modest approach angles, the body is highly susceptible to grounding. Installing a metal skid plate to protect the underbody further reduces this clearance, forcing the driver to navigate rough terrain at walking speeds to avoid structural damage. Despite these physical constraints, the drivetrain components perform reliably under stress. The combination of a 200-horsepower engine and a 9-speed ZF automatic transmission proves durable; tests showed no signs of transmission overheating or fluid degradation during heavy loads. The all-wheel-drive coupling engages the rear axle without lag, which is the only way the vehicle can compensate for its low clearance.