What are B-Class, C-Class, and D-Class Cars?
2 Answers
Currently, the classification of passenger cars worldwide is based on parameters such as engine displacement and wheelbase. A-Class Models: A00-Class Cars: These are the smallest vehicles, with engine displacements below 1L and wheelbases ranging from 2 to 2.2 meters. Common models include the Chery QQ, BMW MINI, and BYD F0. A0-Class Cars: These are commonly referred to as subcompact cars, with engine displacements between 1L and 1.3L and wheelbases from 2.2 to 2.3 meters. A-Class Cars: These are compact cars, with engine displacements between 1.3L and 1.6L and wheelbases from 2.3 to 2.45 meters. Common models include the Nissan Sylphy. B-Class Cars: B-Class Cars are what people often call mid-size sedans, with engine displacements between 1.6L and 2.4L and wheelbases from 2.45 to 2.60 meters. Common models include the Audi A4, Honda Accord, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Toyota Camry. C-Class Cars: These are executive cars, with engine displacements between 2.3L and 3.0L and wheelbases from 2.6 to 2.8 meters. Common models include the BMW 5 Series, Cadillac XTS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6. D-Class Cars: D-Class Cars are luxury vehicles, featuring the largest engine displacements and wheelbases, with displacements above 3.0L and wheelbases no less than 2.8 meters. Common models include the Bentley Mulsanne and Rolls-Royce Phantom.
I've been driving for many years and often get asked this question. Simply put, B-segment cars are small or subcompact cars, such as the Honda Fit or Volkswagen Polo, with a length generally around 4 meters. They are very agile in city driving, easy to park, and have low fuel consumption, making them ideal for singles or young professionals just starting out—perfect for daily commuting. C-segment cars are compact or midsize cars, represented by models like the Toyota Corolla or Hyundai Elantra, with lengths ranging from 4.2 to 4.5 meters. They offer enough space for a family of three and have large trunks for storage, providing balanced performance and hassle-free daily use. D-segment cars are large or executive cars, exceeding 4.5 meters in length, such as the Ford Mondeo or Audi A6. They feature luxurious interiors, high comfort levels, and excellent stability and low noise on highways, making them suitable for business or family long-distance trips. These classifications originate from European standards, categorizing cars based on wheelbase and size. When buying a car, checking the segment helps quickly find the right model—don’t overlook safety features while choosing the appropriate size. By the way, small B-segment cars start at around 100,000 RMB, while D-segment cars typically start at 200,000 to 300,000 RMB.
