D-segment

Renewed Volkswagen Passat outbroke D-segment in 2015, replacing BMW 3 Series as best selling in the segment

D-segment (or large cars) is defined by European Commission^[1] as the fourth segment in European market car classification. It approximately corresponds to Mid-size car and Entry-level luxury car segment in North America, or Large family car or Compact executive car in British English usage.

In Europe, they are mainly offered with sedan version, for which the size is approximately between 4,600 mm (181 in) and 5,000 mm (197 in).

As recently as the 1970s, this sector was dominated by rear-wheel drive saloons and estates, including the Ford Cortina/Taunus, Vauxhall Cavalier/Opel Ascona, Morris Marina and Peugeot 504, although there were a few front-wheel drive hatchbacks available, including the Chrysler Alpine and Renault 16. However, the hatchback bodystyle became more popular in the 1980s, and rear-wheel drive became the mainstay of upmarket offerings like the BMW 3 Series, with the Ford Sierra being the only mainstream model of this size still being produced in Western Europe by the late 1980s.

Since the 1980s, many cars of this size have been available with high performance variants which have a performance more akin to that of a sports car than a family car. Early examples include the Ford Sierra Cosworth, Vauxhall Cavalier GSi and Renault 21 Quadra Turbo.

European Market in 2015

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Kia Optima

The new Ford Mondeo

Renault Fluence

D-segment is the 5th segment in sales in Europe with a 8.6% market share. As well as the C-segment, is shifting to a more luxury scale in Europe, although in early 2015, the generalist Volkswagen Passat took back the lead of the segment, ahead of Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW 3 Series & Audi A4.^[2]

In the segment is generally recognized also the Audi A5, a model with significant sales which is the coupe version of the Audi A4 and sold also in a convertible option. Also, Volkswagen CC is the four-door coupe version of the Volkswagen Passat.

Generalists are currently behind (Opel Insignia leading after VW Passat).

Others models in the segment includes:

See also

References

1. ↑ "REGULATION (EEC) No 4064/89 - MERGER PROCEDURE". Office for Official Publications of the European Communities L-2985 Luxembourg. 
2. ↑ "European car sales analysis February 2015 – models". http://left-lane.com/.