Black side skirt
ExtérieurAverage price
300€ - 1500€
The black side skirt is a body panel located on the lower part of a vehicle's sides, between the front and rear wheel arches. Once a simple protective part, it has become a true styling asset. Generally made of robust plastic, its black color—whether matte, textured, or piano black—serves a dual purpose. On the one hand, it effectively protects the paint of the doors and fenders against stone chips, road salt, and minor daily impacts, which are particularly exposed areas. On the other hand, the black side skirt plays a major aesthetic role. It creates a striking contrast effect, especially on light-colored bodies, and visually lowers the vehicle's stance, giving it a more sporty and grounded road presence. This equipment is very often included in sport trims (such as S-Line, M Sport, GT Line) or in specific styling packs like the "Black Pack" or "Night Package". It then harmonizes with other black elements such as mirror caps, window surrounds, or the rear diffuser, for a cohesive and dynamic design.
Benefits
- ✓Enhances the vehicle's sporty and dynamic character.
- ✓Protects the lower bodywork against chips and scratches.
- ✓Creates a visual contrast that slims the car's silhouette.
- ✓Facilitates maintenance by being less susceptible to minor damage than paint.
Learn more
The black side skirt: much more than just plastic
The side skirt, also known as the rocker panel, is the part that trims the lowest part of the bodywork, running along the flank between the wheels. When finished in black, it transcends its purely utilitarian function to become a design element in its own right. Whether on a city car, an SUV, or a sports sedan, the black side skirt radically alters the visual perception of the vehicle, adding a touch of sophistication and aggressiveness.
A dual role: aesthetics and protection
The main asset of the black side skirt is its versatility. Visually, it has the effect of lowering the car's perceived center of gravity. By creating a strong shadow line at the base of the vehicle, it gives the illusion that the car is closer to the ground, more "planted". This effect is particularly sought after on sport-oriented models. Furthermore, the contrast between the black and the body paint accentuates the vehicle's lines and slims its silhouette.
On a practical level, it is a genuine shield. This area is constantly bombarded by road debris: gravel, sand, mud, winter salt, etc. A black plastic side skirt (often mass-pigmented) is much more durable and less expensive to replace than repairing paint on a metal component. It absorbs minor daily impacts, such as door dings in a parking lot or scraping against a curb, thereby preserving the integrity of the main bodywork.
Different finishes for different styles
The term "black side skirt" encompasses several distinct finishes:
- Textured matte black: This is the most common finish on SUVs and crossovers. Its raw, rugged look evokes adventure and offers excellent scratch resistance.
- Gloss black (or piano black): Very popular in "black packs" or premium sports trims (AMG Line, S-Line), it offers an elegant, high-end appearance. It pairs perfectly with other gloss black details such as the grille or mirror caps.
- Carbon fiber: Reserved for ultra-high-performance vehicles or available as an aftermarket accessory, this ultra-lightweight, technical finish emphasizes exclusivity and motorsport heritage.
The key element of styling packs
Automakers have fully grasped the importance of this component. Today, it is rare to see an isolated black side skirt; it is most often part of a cohesive package. In a sports pack, it will be paired with a more aggressive front bumper and a rear diffuser. In a black pack, it complements a suite of black elements that replace the original chrome trim for a more understated and menacing look. On rugged vehicles, it combines with wheel arch extensions to reinforce the off-road stance. The black side skirt is therefore a centerpiece that helps define and strengthen a vehicle's character, brilliantly combining functionality with assertive design.
Finitions équipées
57 finition(s) proposent cet équipement
Infiniti Infiniti FX
QX70 3.0d S (QX70 evolution) (2014-2017)
Infiniti Infiniti QX30
Sport AWD (1st generation) (2016-2019)
Jaguar Jaguar F-Pace
300 Sport (1st generation) (2019-2020)
Jaguar Jaguar F-Pace
R-Dynamic Black (2nd generation) (2022-2025)
Jaguar Jaguar I-Pace
R-Dynamic S (Phase 2) (2021-2024)
Jaguar Jaguar XE
300 Sport (1st generation / transition) (2018-2020)
Jeep Jeep Gladiator
Night Eagle (JT, selected markets) (2021-2025)
Mazda Mazda 2
Homura (Mazda2 Hybrid) (2023-2026)
Mercedes-Benz Mercedes Classe C
Night Edition (W205) (2016-2020)
Mercedes-Benz Mercedes Classe V
Night Edition (V-Class W447) (2020-2024)
Mercedes-Benz Mercedes GLE
AMG Line Night Package (2nd generation W167) (2020-2026)
Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz EQE
AMG Line (1st generation) (2022-2026)
Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz R-Klasse
Avantgarde Long (LWB) (1st and only W251 generation) (2010-2013)
Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz T-Klasse
Progressive Long (1st generation W420) (2022-2026)
Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz X-Klasse
Progressive with Style package (1st and only W470 generation) (2018-2020)
Nissan Nissan Note
Black Edition (1st generation) (2012-2013)
Nissan Nissan Z
370Z Black Edition (1st generation Z34) (2015-2018)
Opel Opel Mokka
Black Edition (Mokka X) (2017-2019)
Opel Opel Zafira
GS Line (Zafira Life) (2022-2026)
Peugeot Peugeot RCZ
Asphalt (1st generation) (2012-2013)
Associated equipment
Fender Flares
Fender flares, also known as wheel arch extensions, are body parts attached around the wheel arches of a vehicle. Their main function is to increase the width of the bodywork in order to cover wider tires and wheels that would otherwise protrude from the original fenders. This modification meets a dual requirement: legal and functional. From a legal standpoint, most road regulations prohibit wheels from protruding past the bodywork for safety reasons, to prevent the projection of debris (gravel, water, mud) onto other road users. From a functional standpoint, they effectively protect the vehicle's paint and sides against these same projections. Beyond their practical role, fender flares are a highly popular aesthetic customization element. They give the vehicle a more rugged, aggressive, and sporty look, reminiscent of racing cars or off-road prepped 4x4s. Available in a variety of materials such as ABS plastic, polyurethane, or carbon fiber, and in styles ranging from discreet (OEM-style) to very pronounced (bolt-on style with exposed rivets), they allow for extensive customization that radically transforms the vehicle's silhouette.
Sport Package
The Sport Package is an option or trim level offered by many automakers, designed to give a vehicle a more dynamic look and feel without necessarily incorporating the most powerful engines. It is an ideal compromise for drivers who want the aesthetics of a high-performance model while retaining a standard engine, which is more economical to purchase and operate. Typically, a Sport Package includes exterior cosmetic modifications such as more aggressive front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a trunk spoiler, and larger-diameter alloy wheels. The interior is not left out, featuring sport seats offering better lateral support, a flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum pedal caps, and specific decorative trim (carbon fiber, brushed aluminum). Technically, the package may also include a slightly lowered and stiffer sport suspension to improve handling and reduce body roll. Sometimes, an enhanced exhaust note completes the package. The name of this package varies by brand (S-Line at Audi, M Sport at BMW, R-Line at Volkswagen), but the principle remains the same: to offer an extra touch of soul and visual and dynamic character.
Black Pack
The Black Pack, also known under various commercial names such as 'Night Package', 'Shadow Line' or 'Black Styling Package', is an increasingly popular aesthetic customization option in the automotive world. This package consists of replacing most, if not all, of the body elements usually finished in chrome, aluminum, or body color with black finishes, most often in glossy black or sometimes in matte black. The parts typically involved include the grille, mirror caps, window surrounds, roof rails, badges and monograms, as well as bumper inserts or exhaust tips. The wheels may also be included in the package or offered as an option. The main objective of the Black Pack is to give the vehicle a sportier, more aggressive, and modern look. It creates a striking contrast, particularly on light-colored bodies, and unifies the design for a more understated and premium appearance. Offered by the majority of manufacturers, from mainstream to the most premium brands, this pack has become a must-have for motorists wishing to stand out and assert their car's character without resorting to deeper modifications.
Rear diffuser
The rear diffuser is a body component located under the rear bumper of a vehicle. Directly inspired by motorsport, its primary role is aerodynamic. It is designed to accelerate the airflow passing underneath the car, thereby creating a low-pressure zone. This phenomenon generates downforce that presses the car to the ground, significantly improving stability and grip at high speeds, especially in corners. The vertical fins, known as 'strakes', help channel this air and minimize turbulence. Beyond its primary function, the rear diffuser has become an essential styling element on sporty vehicles. It gives the rear end a more aggressive and technical appearance, often seamlessly integrating the exhaust tips. Made of plastic on production models or carbon fiber on high-performance cars for weight savings and increased rigidity, the diffuser is the perfect synthesis of performance engineering and automotive design. It transforms the rear of a vehicle from a simple body termination into a functional area that actively works to improve handling.