Tall drivers: Expert gives tips on what "giants" should pay attention to

Created: 09/05/2022, 07:00

By: Sebastian Oppenheimer

Tall people often have trouble finding a comfortable and safe seating position in the car.

An expert explains what to look out for when buying a car.

Especially people who drive a lot and for a long time know a thing or two about it: At some point it usually hurts in the back - even if you are not on a wooden stool, as a contemporary from North Rhine-Westphalia actually did recently.

In addition to a seat that is as ergonomically shaped as possible, the correct setting of the chairs helps.

Extremely tall people have very special problems in the vehicle - in some models it is difficult for them to squeeze themselves behind the wheel at all.

For "giants" it is therefore advisable to consider a few things when buying a car.

If nothing suitable can be found, only a very special solution will help in the end.

Tall people often find it difficult to find a suitable seating position in the car.

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Tall drivers: Expert gives tips on what "giants" should pay attention to

First of all, it is important to note that big is not the same as big, as Thomas Schuster, motor vehicle expert at the KÜS expert organization, knows.

Because some people have a particularly long upper body and therefore need a car with a lot of headroom.

According to the expert, there should be at least a fist's width between the crown and the headliner, otherwise dangerous contact can occur in the event of an accident.

When choosing the vehicle, a model with a height-adjustable driver's seat is recommended.

In the case of giant seats, a sunroof is not a good idea - because the mechanics are very bulky in the direction of the interior, so that headroom is further restricted.

Tall people should also check whether the headrest can be adjusted high enough, as the expert explains.

Its upper end must end with the head so that it can develop its protective effect in the event of a rear-end collision. 

Cars for tall people: The steering wheel and seats should offer as many adjustment options as possible

According to Schuster, if you have an average upper body length but long legs, you should be able to adjust the seat so that you can reach the pedals without bumping into the steering wheel or dashboard.

The steering wheel must also be easy to grip.

The more adjustment options the seats and valance offer, the better. 

In general, a surprising number of passenger car models can now be adapted to larger drivers.

Even at just under two meters, you can also fit in various small car models.

Above two meters, however, it definitely gets tight when driving.

In this case, you have the best chance of finding a suitable vehicle in a business or luxury class limousine.

Or in an SUV.

This does not necessarily have to be a particularly large model, the interior height and the flexibility of the seats are decisive, according to Schuster.

Tall people also have space in many vans, but the range of new vehicles in this class is now very small. 

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Tall drivers: In an emergency, only a special solution can help

If, despite everything, you cannot find a suitable model on the market, a seat rail extension will help.

Some manufacturers offer these ex works, but usually you will have to hire a retrofitter.

In addition, a tailor-made seat with a lowered seat from the car upholstery shop can provide a few centimeters of extra space, as the KÜS expert knows.

However, the changes must be approved by an examiner for motor vehicle traffic if a general operating permit (ABE) is not already available.