How are sedan classes divided?
4 Answers
Sedan classes are divided into six levels: A00, A0, A, B, C, and D. The vehicle classification originates from Volkswagen's grading method for cars in Germany. It is not an authoritative standard but rather a set of reference values initially established by Volkswagen for its platform strategy, which later became widely adopted. A00 class: A00-class passenger vehicles should have a wheelbase between 2 meters and 2.3 meters, with a small engine displacement. A0 class: A0-class passenger vehicles have a wheelbase of 2.3 meters to 2.5 meters and a displacement of 1 liter to 1.5 liters. A class: A-class vehicles have a wheelbase ranging from approximately 2.5 meters to 2.7 meters, with a displacement of about 1.5 liters to 2.0 liters. B class: B-class mid-range passenger vehicles have a wheelbase of about 2.7 meters to 2.9 meters, with a displacement ranging from 1.8 liters to 2.5 liters. C class: C-class premium passenger vehicles have a wheelbase of approximately 2.8 meters to 3.0 meters, with an engine displacement of 2.3 liters to 3.0 liters. D class: D-class luxury passenger vehicles mostly feature a majestic appearance, extremely spacious interiors, and very powerful engines. Their wheelbase is generally greater than 2.8 meters, with a displacement mostly above 3.0 liters.
When buying a car, I noticed that sedan classes are usually categorized by size: A-segment represents the smallest entry-level cars, with a length of around 4 meters or less, short wheelbases, such as compact models like the Volkswagen Polo, which are affordable and ideal for city commuting or new drivers; B-segment refers to compact sedans, with lengths between 4.2-4.5 meters, slightly longer wheelbases, and decent space, suitable for small families' daily use, like the Toyota Corolla; C-segment denotes mid-size sedans, with lengths of 4.6-4.8 meters, even longer wheelbases, comfortable seating, and stable power, such as the Honda Accord, making long drives less tiring; D-segment and above are full-size or luxury sedans, exceeding 5 meters in length and 3 meters in wheelbase, featuring higher prices and premium configurations, like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, exuding a strong business vibe. This classification affects interior space, fuel consumption, and driving experience. SUVs or electric vehicles follow a similar pattern, but sedans emphasize smoother handling. When choosing a car, prioritize needs and budget first—don’t be fooled by appearances.
From my experience, sedan classes are mainly determined by price: economical models like Class A or entry-level Class B, around 100,000 RMB, offer great value for commuting; standard models are Class B or C, in the 150,000-250,000 RMB range like the Volkswagen Magotan, balancing practicality and safety; luxury models start from Class D at 300,000 RMB and above, such as the Audi A6, featuring flagship technology and comfort. Different brands have clear stratification—Toyota and Volkswagen lean practical, while BMW and Mercedes target the premium segment. Market positioning is clear: young people start with fuel-efficient and agile Class A; families upgrade to spacious Class C; business professionals prefer Class D for prestige. Wheelbase and engine power increase with class—Class A has small displacement for fuel efficiency but struggles on hills, while Class D with V6 or above is steady. EVs like Tesla models follow the same pricing logic. Understanding these helps save money and avoid pitfalls.
I've driven various sedans, and the class division directly affects the driving experience: A-segment cars are nimble for city driving but cramped inside; B-segment models like the Honda Civic offer a balanced mix of practicality and fun; C-segment cars such as the Accord provide superior comfort with excellent shock absorption; D-segment luxury sedans like the BMW 5 Series deliver sofa-like quietness. Higher classes typically come with more advanced safety features, including additional airbags and electronic assists. Prices escalate with each tier, offering progressively refined experiences—while B-segment suffices for daily commutes, C-segment excels on long journeys. Wheelbase variations define spatial perception: A-segment's ~2.5m feels restrictive, while D-segment's near-3m creates lounge-like spaciousness. SUVs and hybrid models follow similar hierarchies—choose based on needs rather than chasing prestige.
