A body kit for an EV, SUV or older car?
A body kit isn’t just for sporty hatchbacks and saloons. A front splitter, side splitters and a diffuser can also give character to an electric car, a large SUV or a car that’s a few years old with higher mileage. There’s just one condition: the parts have to be designed for the specific model and chosen with a feel for its proportions. In this article, we show you what to look out for in each of these cases.
01 A body kit for an electric car
Does a body kit suit an EV?
Yes. Our range includes, among others, a front splitter, side splitters and rear side splitters for the Tesla Model 3, a front splitter and a central rear splitter with diffuser for the Tesla Model Y, as well as a Street Pro front splitter, flaps and a diffuser add-on for the Cupra Born. Each of these parts was created from a 3D scan of a real car – exactly the same way as our parts for combustion cars.
Before you order, use our product search to check whether we have parts for your model and version. If your EV isn’t in our range yet, you can submit it for a new project.

Does a body kit affect range and cooling?
Front splitters, side splitters and diffusers are mounted on the lower edges of the bumpers and sills, so they don’t cover the factory air intakes. In everyday driving, you shouldn’t expect a noticeable change in range – these are primarily styling parts, not a change to the car’s construction.
If your car has sensors, radar or a camera in the lower part of the bumper, read the product description before you buy and make sure the part is compatible with your version. You’ll find more on this in our article “How do you know a splitter will fit?”.
Why are EVs so smooth – and how do you give them character?
Electric cars are designed for the lowest possible air resistance, because range depends on it. They also don’t need big grilles to cool a combustion engine. The result is smooth, minimalist bodywork that often looks modern but lacks bite.
A body kit gives them what they’re missing: clear, sporty lines. A front splitter makes the front look lower, side splitters lengthen the silhouette, and a rear diffuser gives the rear a more technical, race-inspired character. Gloss black works especially well on EVs, contrasting with the smooth bodywork and emphasising its lines.

02 A body kit for an SUV
Do a splitter and side splitters make sense on an SUV?
Yes – and more and more SUV owners are choosing them. Our range includes, among others, splitters for the BMW X5 with M Sport package (F15 and G05 generations), a prepreg carbon splitter for the BMW X5 M, parts for the Audi Q8 and SQ8 S line, and for the Porsche Cayenne. Large SUVs have a massive front and high body lines, so a well-chosen body kit can make the car look lower and give it a sporty lightness.
Will a splitter on an SUV get in the way when leaving the tarmac or on a high kerb?
SUVs have more ground clearance than regular cars, so scraping happens less often. Remember, though, that a splitter sits below the factory bumper line and usually lowers the front by about 3–5 cm. If you drive onto gravel roads, high kerbs or steep ramps, do it slowly and at an angle. An SUV with a body kit is still primarily a car for the tarmac – not for off-roading. You’ll find more practical tips in our article “Splitters for everyday driving – practical tips”.

Which parts transform a large SUV the most?
On an SUV, the front and rear make the biggest difference. A front splitter makes the car look lower and wider, while a rear diffuser or rear add-ons complete the silhouette from behind – the view other drivers see most often. side splitters help visually “trim” the tall side profile, and a spoiler cap adds a sporty accent at the end of the roof.
The most important rule with an SUV is proportion. A massive body needs parts that enhance it, not overwhelm it. That’s why it’s worth going for a cohesive set from one line and in one finish – a Maxton Set, for example – rather than random parts of different sizes.

03 A body kit for an older car
Is it worth tuning an older car?
Absolutely. Models such as the BMW 3 Series E46 or F30, the Volkswagen Golf 6 and the Audi A4 B7 are still very popular, and their owners often want to refresh their car’s look rather than replace it. Older generations have another advantage: the choice of parts is usually very wide. For the facelifted Golf 7 R and R-Line, for example, we offer several versions of the front splitter, and for the BMW F30 there are separate parts for the M Sport and Sport Line versions.

Does Maxton still make parts for older generations?
Yes. If a part is in our range, we make it on an ongoing basis – every order goes straight into production, whether it’s for a new model or a car that’s more than ten years old. Before you buy, just check the exact version of your car carefully: older cars are more likely to have bumpers replaced after accident repairs or aftermarket replicas, which parts designed from a scan of the original bumper may not fit.
A body kit as a refresh for a high-mileage car
A body kit is one of the simplest ways to make a car you’ve owned for years look fresh again. A new front splitter, side splitters and a diffuser can change how a car is perceived more than many more expensive modifications. It’s an especially good option if you like your car, know its history and aren’t planning to replace it any time soon.
Remember, though, that a body kit changes the look, not the mechanical condition. You’ll get the best result by combining new parts with well-kept paintwork – before fitting a body kit, it’s worth giving the car a thorough wash and even a polish. If you’re wondering where to start, take a look at our guide “Visual tuning from scratch – where to start”.
04 Frequently asked questions
Does Maxton Design make body kits for electric cars?
Yes. Our range includes parts for the Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y and Cupra Born, among others. You can check whether we have parts for your specific model using the product search on our website.
Will a body kit reduce an EV’s range?
Front splitters, side splitters and diffusers are primarily styling parts mounted on the lower edges of the bodywork. In everyday driving, you shouldn’t expect a noticeable change in range.
Will a splitter scrape on an SUV?
SUVs have more ground clearance, so it happens less often than with regular cars. A splitter does lower the front by about 3–5 cm, though, so it’s worth driving slowly and at an angle on steep ramps and high kerbs.
Does Maxton make parts for older cars, e.g. the BMW E90 or Golf 7?
Yes. If a part is in our range, we make it on an ongoing basis once it’s ordered, regardless of the model’s age.
Is a body kit worth it on a high-mileage car?
Yes, if you want to refresh the look of a car you plan to keep. A body kit changes the look, not the mechanical condition – it works best on a well-maintained car.

05 Summary
A body kit isn’t just for sporty compacts. It gives EVs the character their smooth bodywork lacks, helps large SUVs look lower and slimmer, and gives older cars a second life without changing the car. In every case, the rule is the same: choose parts designed for your model and version, match them in one style and finish, and the result will look as if it came straight from the factory.

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