What is the approximate maximum body width?
2 Answers
The maximum body width is generally no wider than 2.55 meters, while the width of family cars typically does not exceed 1.8 meters. Generally, the widest point of a car is at the front wheel arches. Body width refers to the distance between two planes parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal symmetrical plane, touching the fixed protruding parts on both sides of the vehicle (excluding rearview mirrors, side marker lights, turn signals, flexible fenders, and the deformed part of the tire in contact with the ground). Width mainly affects seating space and maneuverability. For passenger vehicles, if three seats are to be arranged side by side with sufficient width, the body width generally needs to reach 1.8m. An overly wide body reduces convenience for urban driving and parking, so for passenger vehicles, a width of 2m is a recognized upper limit. Vehicles approaching or exceeding 2m in width are often difficult to drive. For vehicles with non-folding exterior rearview mirrors, the width listed in specifications usually includes the extended mirrors, which is why some European passenger vehicles have listed widths close to or even exceeding 2m.
From my over ten years of driving experience, the maximum vehicle width is around 2.5 meters. For example, some large SUVs or luxury cars like the Mercedes-Benz GLS are about 2 meters wide, while customized versions such as the Ford F-150 with added components can reach 2.3 meters. However, the real extremes are those vintage cars like the 1958 Cadillac Eldorado, which had a width of 2.37 meters. Wider cars feel more stable to drive, especially on highways where the suspension performs better and reduces the feeling of floating. But in the city, it becomes a headache—every time you park, you have to be extra careful to avoid scratching other cars. Moreover, there are legal restrictions on overly wide vehicles in most countries, typically not exceeding 2.6 meters, as they pose higher accident risks. I recommend choosing a car within 2 meters in width for practicality, so you don’t end up circling the block endlessly looking for a parking spot.
