What Are the Classification Standards for Sedan Levels?
3 Answers
Sedan levels are classified based on wheelbase and engine displacement. Below is a detailed introduction to sedan levels: 1. A-segment cars: Also known as compact cars, smaller cars are referred to as subcompact cars, or A0-segment cars, such as the Vios, Fit, and Polo. Some compact cars now feature extended wheelbases, like the Lavida, Lamando, and Corolla, with wheelbases approximately ranging from 2.4 to 2.6 meters and displacements mostly between 1.0 to 1.5 liters. 2. B-segment cars: Known as midsize cars, examples include the Magotan, Passat, Camry, Accord, BMW 3 Series, and Audi A4, with wheelbases around 2.7 to 2.9 meters and displacements between 1.4 to 2.5 liters. 3. C-segment cars: Referred to as executive cars, with wheelbases around 3 meters and displacements between 2.0 to 3.0 liters. Common C-segment cars include the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. 4. D-segment cars: Known as full-size cars, with wheelbases varying from 3.1 to 3.6 meters and displacements ranging from 2.0 to 6.6 liters. Representative models include the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Lexus LS, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce.
Current sedan classifications are quite interesting, mainly based on hard metrics like wheelbase and vehicle length. Micro cars like the Smart have a wheelbase under 2 meters, subcompact cars such as the Fit have a wheelbase around 2.5 meters, while compact cars like the Civic fall in the 2.7-meter wheelbase range. Midsize cars like the Camry require a wheelbase of over 2.8 meters, and full-size cars such as the Audi A6 exceed 2.9 meters. Luxury models like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class belong to the large car category. Of course, engine displacement is also a classification criterion, though it's less accurate now with the rise of electric vehicles. This classification helps consumers choose cars—smaller cars are more fuel-efficient, while larger ones offer more comfort. Different needs correspond to different classes, and these six categories are the most common in the market.
Car classification is like sizing clothes, mainly determined by several key measurements. Wheelbase is the core indicator - A-segment cars are typically around 2.6 meters, B-segment expands to 2.7-2.9 meters, while C-segment generally exceeds 2.9 meters. Engine displacement used to matter too, with A-segment using under 1.6L and B-segment often 2.0-2.5L. With EVs becoming mainstream, battery power has emerged as a new standard. Interestingly, luxury brands often blur classifications - standard wheelbase 5 Series counts as C-segment, while long-wheelbase versions approach D-segment. When buying, don't just focus on classification; test-driving for actual interior space is more reliable.
