Is the Panamera a B-segment car?
3 Answers
The Panamera is a B-segment car. Introduction to B-segment cars: B-segment cars, also known as midsize cars or Large-Family-Cars, typically have a wheelbase ranging from 2.7 to 3.0 meters, a body length between 4.8 and 5.0 meters, and an engine displacement generally from 1.5 to 2.5 liters. Representative B-segment car brands and models: Typical joint-venture brand representatives include the FAW-Volkswagen CC, Buick Regal, Citroën C5, Peugeot 508, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Reiz, Nissan Teana, Mazda 6, Volkswagen Passat, Ford Mondeo, and Volkswagen Magotan. Premium brands include the Audi A4, Cadillac ATS-L, BMW 3 Series, Infiniti Q50, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, among others. Some models may have higher engine displacements.
Last time at the auto show, I heard engineers discussing the positioning of the Porsche Panamera. This car exceeds 5 meters in length with a wheelbase approaching 3 meters, making it significantly larger than the standard 4.8-meter length of B-segment cars. Its 4.0T V8 engine and adaptive suspension system are configurations you'd never find in B-segment models like the Accord or Camry. The price difference is even more striking – the entry-level Panamera costs as much as three mainstream B-segment cars. In Europe, such large luxury coupes are directly classified as E-segment, equivalent to Mercedes S-Class level. So don't be fooled by its sports car appearance – the Panamera is actually a performance-oriented representative in the D-segment luxury car category.
Our auto repair shop often encounters customers asking this question. The Panamera's chassis construction reveals its true identity, with its rear-axle steering system and air suspension far more complex than those of a B-segment car. After measuring the interior space with a laptop, we found the rear legroom is 15 cm more than that of a standard B-segment car like the Audi A4L. As for performance parameters, the base model boasts 480 horsepower, while even high-end B-segment cars typically max out at around 200 horsepower. The German classification mainly considers wheelbase and engine displacement, and any model with over 3 liters of displacement is considered a full-size luxury sedan. So despite its sporty appearance, it's fundamentally a luxury flagship model.
