What is the wheelbase of a vehicle?

The wheelbase is the distance between the centre of the front wheel and the centre of the rear wheel on the same side of the vehicle, measured in a straight line.

Why it matters:

• Interior space — a longer wheelbase generally means more legroom between the front and rear seats, since the distance between the axles largely determines the cabin's usable length
• Stability and ride comfort — longer wheelbases tend to give a smoother, more stable ride, particularly at higher speeds
• Manoeuvrability — shorter wheelbases generally allow for a tighter turning circle, which is why compact city cars often have noticeably shorter wheelbases than larger saloons or estates

A practical note:

Some models are sold in both standard and "long wheelbase" (LWB) versions — common with vans, MPVs, and some executive saloons — where the extended wheelbase is used purely to add extra interior or cargo space without changing the rest of the car's mechanical layout. If you're comparing two versions of the same model, checking the wheelbase figure (usually listed alongside other dimensions on a vehicle's technical specification) is a quick way to spot whether you're looking at a standard or extended variant.