Oversized Vehicles Overcrowding UK Parking Spaces – Identifying the Main Offenders

Navigating standard-sized parking bays becomes a challenge with luxury vehicles such as those from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Land Rover

While the dimensions of a standard parking space in the UK have remained relatively constant for decades, the trend of cars becoming larger and heavier, often referred to as “autobesity,” raises the question: should our parking facilities also expand to accommodate these changes?

Our research has identified 161 vehicles in our testing, an increase from 129 in 2018, that surpass the length of a standard UK parking bay, which measures 16ft x 8ft (4.8m x 2.4m). Among these, 12 vehicles surpass the limit by over 11.8 inches (30cm).

Additionally, we have discovered 27 vehicles that are so wide that you might encounter difficulty in fully opening the doors when parked within a bay.

Which cars are the longest?

Below, we’ve pointed out three of the most prominent examples in terms of length. These vehicles exceed the average length of a parking space by 13.7 inches (35cm) or more, with the BMW i7 being the most extensive among them, surpassing the charts with an excess of over half a meter.

This not only exposes the vehicles to the risk of costly scratches from neighboring cars but also presents a considerable navigational challenge in numerous UK car parks. These parking facilities were simply not intended to accommodate cars of such extended lengths.

BMW i7 (2022-)

With a length of nearly 5.4 meters, the BMW i7 holds the distinction of being the longest vehicle we’ve examined. This results in an impressive overhang of 59.1cm within the confines of an average UK parking space.

Numerous other vehicles within the more recent BMW lineup will also extend beyond the parking space limits, including models like the X7 (2019-), the 7-series Plug-in Hybrid (2019-2022), and the 8-series Gran Coupe (2019-).

Although the i7 might not be the most suitable choice for maneuvering through compact multistorey car parks, it could cater well to individuals who prioritize spaciousness and comfort. Given its classification as a limousine, this vehicle places a premium on offering ample internal space.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid (2014-2018)

Stretching to 5.25 meters in length, the hybrid edition of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class luxury sedan extends a substantial 44.6cm beyond the confines of a standard parking space. Similar to the BMW i7, this vehicle belongs to the limousine category and is thus meticulously crafted to prioritize enhanced comfort for rear-seat passengers.

This brand has more than one model that exceeds the dimensions of UK parking spaces as well – the Mercedes-Benz EQS, along with both the S-Class (2013-2021) and S-Class (2021-) editions, as well as the GL models, will all result in at least 30cm protruding beyond the designated parking space.

Despite its generous dimensions, the specifications of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Hybrid are undeniably impressive. According to Mercedes, this sedan boasts a fuel economy exceeding 100mpg and CO2 emissions of merely 65g/km, all while maintaining remarkable performance and the brand’s signature opulent features.

Audi A8 (2018-)

Following the trend set by competitors such as the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-series, the latest version of Audi’s A8 also surpasses the length of a standard parking space, extending by a substantial 37.2cm. Its overall measurement spans 5.18 meters from front to rear.

The preceding iteration of the A8 (2010-2018) isn’t too far behind either, measuring 5.15 meters in length (which is 33.5cm longer than a standard parking space). With its combined elongated and wide dimensions, maneuvering into confined areas can be somewhat challenging, although the rear-wheel steering aids in slightly reducing its turning radius.

Which cars are the widest?

We haven’t identified any cars that exceed the width of an average parking space. However, some vehicles can still be too broad, making it difficult to open the doors comfortably when surrounded by neighboring vehicles on both sides. This presupposes that all surrounding parking is executed perfectly as well.

Below, we’ve spotlighted three of the most spacious cars we’ve examined in our testing – all of these models exceed a width of two meters. We’ve classified any vehicle that leaves less than 22cm on each side (44cm in total) as being ‘too wide’.

Our width measurements pertain solely to the body width of the car, meaning that you won’t gain any additional clearance by folding in the wing mirrors.

Land Rover Discovery (2017-)

The Land Rover Discovery boasts an impressive body width of 2.073 meters, leaving a mere 16.35cm of space on each side for door opening. This is just slightly larger than the height of an iPhone 14 Plus.

The latest Land Rover Range Rover takes the second spot, with a width of 2.047 meters, providing you with 17.65cm of space on each side. While more appropriate for off-road adventures, accommodating multiple passengers, and towing substantial loads, the Discovery isn’t the ideal choice for maneuvering in congested urban parking spaces.

Jaguar I-Pace (2018-)

This electric SUV marks Jaguar’s initial foray into the realm of all-electric vehicles, and it also ranks among the broadest cars with a measurement of 2.011 meters. While its width offers ample space for passengers inside, parking it within a parking bay will leave you with a mere 19.45cm on each side to exit.

BMW X5 (2018-)

BMW seemed to embrace the idea that bigger meant better when designing its cars, evident in both their length and width. Among the vehicles we’ve tested, the BMW X5 stands out as one of the widest, measuring 2.004 meters in width. This gives you a mere 19.8cm of space on each side within a parking bay.

Several BMW models are notable for their width, making them a tight fit within a standard parking space. This category encompasses the X5 Plug-in Hybrid (2020-), both editions of the X6 (2014-2019) and (2008-2014), X7, and iX. All of these vehicles provide less than 22cm of clearance on each side.

What you need to know about parking spaces

Accessible and parent-child parking spaces usually offer an additional 1.2 meters of space around the dimensions of a regular parking spot. As the average dimensions of cars continue to increase, particularly with the rising popularity of SUVs and crossovers, certain parking facilities are beginning to implement broader bays and designated pedestrian zones.

According to the British Parking Association (BPA), multistorey car parks face unique challenges when dealing with the increasing sizes of cars, as these structures are not easily adjustable and reconstruction proves to be too expensive. The BPA emphasizes that a well-designed car park should strike the right balance between capacity and efficiency, as overcrowding small bays is clearly counterproductive.