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Sedan

Car culture term

Sedan
Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

What is Sedan?

A four-door car body style with a separate trunk and seating for 4-5 passengers. The most common car body style globally.

Sedan (also called saloon in British English) is a four-door car body style with a separate trunk and seating for 4-5 passengers. The body has a distinctive three-box shape: front compartment (engine), middle compartment (passengers), and rear compartment (cargo). The configuration is one of the most successful body styles in automotive history.

Sedans cover the entire automotive market from economy (Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic Sedan, Hyundai Elantra) through compact (BMW 3-Series, Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class) to luxury (Mercedes S-Class, BMW 7-Series, Lexus LS) and sport-luxury (BMW M5, Mercedes-AMG E63). Different markets emphasize different sedan segments. Some markets have shifted toward SUVs and crossovers; others (China, Japan) continue with strong sedan demand.

The sedan format provides a balance of passenger space, cargo capacity, and aerodynamic efficiency. The separate trunk provides theft protection (vs hatchback exposed cargo), the four doors provide rear passenger access, and the typical proportions allow rear-seat passenger space. The format is generally less space-efficient than a hatchback or wagon of similar exterior dimensions but offers other advantages.

Related terms

CoupeWagonHatchback

Frequently asked questions

Are sedans being replaced by SUVs?
In some markets, yes. North American and European sedan sales have declined as crossovers and SUVs have grown. In Asian markets (especially China), sedans remain extremely popular. Manufacturers have reduced sedan offerings in some markets while maintaining strong sedan lineups elsewhere.
What is the difference between sedan and saloon?
Same body style, different regional terminology. Sedan is American; saloon is British. The cars are functionally identical. Other terms exist for similar body styles (limousine for stretched, coupe for two-door, hatchback with rear hatch, wagon for extended cargo).
Why do sedans have separate trunks?
Multiple advantages. Theft protection (cargo not visible from outside). Aerodynamic shape (the abrupt rear creates more drag than a sloping fastback but allows specific aerodynamic optimization). Body rigidity (the closed trunk lid maintains structural integrity). The format also allows clean sedan styling that some buyers prefer over hatchback designs.
Are luxury sedans better than SUVs?
Different priorities. Luxury sedans typically offer better ride quality (lower center of gravity, smoother handling), better fuel economy, and lower visual profile. Luxury SUVs offer better off-road capability, more cargo space, and higher seating position. Many buyers prefer SUVs for capability and visibility; others prefer sedans for refinement.
Why are sport sedans popular with enthusiasts?
Sport sedans (BMW M3, Mercedes-AMG C63, Audi RS3) provide rear-seat passenger space combined with sport coupe performance. The format is more practical than a sport coupe but more focused than a luxury sedan. Sport sedans typically have manual transmission availability (especially historically) and rear-drive layouts that enthusiasts prefer.

Sedan on the blog

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