Once overshadowed by the popularity of SUVs and crossovers, 100% electric sedans are regaining center stage, driven by an increasingly wide range of models.
By dint of incantations, we may have finally been heard. Well, I mean, not us, but all those who are not fans of the SUV format and who also do not want to drive in a shoebox with 120 kilometers of autonomy. And who, incidentally, are not against the idea of driving with a certain style.
For several years, electric SUVs have outrageously dominated the discourse and sales, relegating sedans to the rank of vestiges of a bygone era. While there was a time when the sedan embodied the refinement, elegance and discreet sportiness of a vehicle designed above all for the road. Yet, I don't know if you've noticed, but announcements and other unveilings promising the arrival of electric sedans have been coming thick and fast lately, to the point where it's almost hard to keep up. So, are these just announcements or are they a real trend? And why this sudden renewed interest in a format that some consider has-beens, even old-fashioned and reserved for wealthy boomers? Let's take a closer look.
First of all, a quick reminder of what a sedan is, so that everyone is on the same page, because the concept may seem somewhat nebulous to some, especially at a time when automobile genres tend to mix, between SUV coupes, crossovers and other compacts.
A sedan generally has the main characteristic of a three-volume (or three-body) structure with a fixed roof. "Three volumes" meaning that the vehicle is organized into three distinct spaces, namely the engine compartment at the front, the central passenger compartment and a separate trunk at the rear, unlike an SUV or a two-volume hatchback compact, where the cargo space is part of the passenger compartment. This arrangement allows for a clear separation of the zones, thus promoting improved acoustic and thermal insulation. It must have 4 doors and a trunk and is generally distinguished by a streamlined line designed to improve energy efficiency and ensure increased stability while driving.
SUVs have a bad press and city cars don't do the job for everyone
Between the accusations - not always justified, by the way - of excessive weight, voracious consumption, size incompatible with the city, danger, and the image sent back of a certain arrogance, SUVs are far from pleasing everyone. The problem is that they still please a significant part of motorists, and that in any case this segment is largely in the majority in the general offer.
On the other hand, if the demand goes towards sober, efficient cars that meet daily needs, not everyone can be satisfied with a small car with a 200 kilometer range.
This is where sedans may take their revenge. A trend that was born quietly with the advent of the Tesla Model 3, which completely reshuffled the cards of the automobile industry. This is what we could call the Tesla Model 3 syndrome if we wanted to make sensational headlines (what do you mean I did it?) since with each new presentation we cannot escape the eternal "Tesla Model 3 Killer", including here. Exit the massive lines of SUVs, the new electric sedans focus on fluid silhouettes and durable materials. The Smart #6, designed by Mercedes-Benz, and recently presented, sports a sloping roof and frameless doors, combining sportiness and energy efficiency. The Mazda 6e, inspired by the "Kodo" design, combines a low roofline and cylindrical optics, recalling the brand's DNA while integrating aerodynamic elements. On the premium side, the BMW i7 focuses on assertive luxury, just like its little sisters the i4 and i5, with noble materials and a 31.3-inch 8K rear screen, while the Porsche Taycan retains its GT look while adopting curves optimized for efficiency.
If the revival of uninhibited sedans comes mainly from a Chinese impetus, with among others the BYD Seal and BYD Han, as well as the Xpeng P7, or the Xiaomi SU7, the Japanese and Koreans are not left behind as demonstrated by Sony at the last CES, with its Afeela, and Kia, with this incredible EV4 whose lines have just been officially unveiled.
In fact, sedans tick all the boxes
Interior space, efficiency, sobriety, line, driving pleasure... And what if it was finally sedans that ticked all the boxes of the modern automobile?
One of the major arguments in favor of the return of electric sedans is certainly their aerodynamic profile. By reducing drag, these models optimize their consumption and maximize their autonomy, an essential criterion to convince questioning electromobilists. Furthermore, their ergonomics and redesigned habitability are perfectly suited to the needs of customers looking for comfort and refinement, without compromising on performance.
Because, beyond performance, these electric sedans meet a growing demand for environmental responsibility. The use of recycled materials and the reduction of emissions appeal to customers concerned about their carbon footprint.
But there is also a financial issue, and it is often the first criterion, ahead of environmental motivations, let's not lie to ourselves. In fact, long-term savings also play a key role, because if manufacturers focus their R&D on efficiency, which is much more natural with a sedan than with an SUV, reduced maintenance costs and government incentives make these vehicles financially attractive. The Mazda 6e, for example, relies on cheaper LFP batteries and fast charging to convince.
This probably corresponds to the purchasing power of the target clientele, but we can say that the market is truly becoming a mass market when C-segment models at less than 35,000 to 40,000 euros are available.
So, is this really a trend? Or is the sedan sector – even electric – doomed to remain marginal, with less than 10% market share? The future will tell us if this renaissance of the electric sedan is sustainable. One thing is certain: with an ever richer offer and ever more attractive models, the electric sedan has serious arguments to put forward in the face of the omnipresence of SUVs.
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