Cars of the "F" segment are also called representative or higher. This category includes luxury cars. However, it is worth knowing that the term “luxury” refers, first of all, to a marketing classification rather than a technological one. Cars fall into the luxury class, as a rule, at a price without taking into account the dimensions, power of the propulsion system or any other parameters.
The creation of class "F" cars does not imply adherence to the principles of technological convenience, but indicators of subjective criteria that add luxury to the car. Different firms have different visions regarding the instances of this segment.
Vehicles of the presented category must have the best technical characteristics, impressive dynamics, style and modernity in the "appearance", comfort. All these parameters add up to the general appearance of the presented model and lead to the formation of its "status", which becomes the main indicator for the consumer.
In different states, the category "F" fall into various cars. For example, in European countries and in America, this segment can include cars with any type of body (from a sedan to an SUV). Sizes are also not subject to strict restrictions. Ultimately, this state of affairs led to a conflict between "premium" and "luxury" cars. If some time ago the difference in cost was significant, in this moment the price of a car of the “E” segment may exceed the cost of the car executive class.
Each era of auto production and sales has had its premium models, which are distinguished by their unsurpassed design style and high rates technological level. Then such cars were also considered "luxury". However, some manufacturers have become true established creators of luxury cars. For example, German marks BMW and Mercedes. In America, in the late nineties, Lincoln and Cadillac took the lead in the F segment.
A number of other brands were artificially created by concerns that produced mass-produced cars in order to produce luxury cars with a new name. A prime example would be Lexus, which is owned by Toyota.
In the late nineties, the recognized leaders of the premium class emerged in American sales, they were Lincoln and Cadillac. However, they soon began to be replaced by European and Japanese counterparts. Now the Germans and Japanese are quite successful in this segment. The Korean Hyundai, which released the Equus model, is also pulling up to them. However, the brand itself is not very well known in terms of “luxury”, so it has not yet been possible to attract a wealthy consumer. Now the leading position in the presented segment is occupied by the German brand BMW.
In the 2000s, the popularity of luxury models declined. This is due to the global financial crisis. However, the final collapse did not occur, because. according to marketers, ownership, even with unstable financial position"luxury" car refers the owner to a special "elite category".
It should be noted that also during this period the appearance of well-known manufacturers proposals for models that are modern, economical and comfortable, which especially fueled interest in cars in this segment.
What about our country? We have a number of class “F” criteria that are more strict and lack such freedoms as in other states. In our country, cars of this type are called “executive class” and this is a body in the form of a four-door sedan. There is also a limitation regarding the length. It must exceed five meters.
If you just look at the existing European classification cars, the most pronounced of them will be middle class, its representatives occupy three separate categories - C (lower middle), D - just middle, and also the highest middle - E. The extreme groups in this list look very curious - C includes transitional models from the lower classes, and E - if not premium cars, then those that come close to them.
In fact, in any of the existing classes, perhaps except for A (mini) and F (premium), the situation is quite similar - cars belonging to the representatives of their segment are gradually moving towards vehicles of a higher level during the modernization carried out by manufacturers. As a rule, this is accompanied by an increase in size, engine power and comfort level.
This situation is typical for the E class. Initially, the cars related to it, in accordance with the existing classification, were considered average, or because of the predilection of businessmen for them - business class. This is a rather difficult segment in terms of assessing the characteristics of the machines included in it. Firstly, the business class can already be considered a passenger class, because. their main purpose is to deliver a passenger to back seat from point a to point c.
Secondly, for cars of the E class, the demonstration of the position of its owner begins to have, if not paramount, then quite a significant value. Executive transport serves primarily as a calling card, indicating the position of the owner. That is why they are so big and luxurious. If in many cases for representatives of the middle class a car serves as a working tool, providing sufficient mobility, then luxury ones will be an unaffordable luxury for them.
That is why cars, for example, business class, in addition to their direct functions, also play the role of a representative car. Probably, in order to avoid misunderstandings, it is worth digressing a little from general reasoning and returning to the beginning, we need to understand what the differences between the E and F classes are.
Or maybe they are relatives?
As already mentioned, the classification defines a certain niche for E-class cars - the highest average. The next in order will be representatives of the F class. If we compare them purely externally, we get quite interesting data.
- width over 1.7 m;
- length up to 4.9 m;
- motor - over 2.4 liters.
- width over 1.7 m;
- length over 4.9 m;
- engine over 2.5 liters.
Thus, for class E, a somewhat ambiguous situation develops. On the one hand, it is the top of class C, on the other hand, cars whose characteristics are at the upper limit of the established range can be considered not only as cars that meet the requirements of a business class, but also as an executive car.
Moreover, in segment F there is a division into two independent species– F1 ( serial cars) and F2 (exclusive, luxury, hand-built). Of course, as luxury cars, those who need a car of a representative class will not use a car from category E, but the reverse situation is quite possible. The fact is that the cost of cars belonging to class F is quite high, so not everyone can afford to purchase cars from this segment.
But cars from the more affordable segment E, which at the same time are vehicle business class is a perfectly reasonable option from any point of view. Moreover, most often such cars are bought by successful firms for a certain circle of workers.
It should also be noted that there are no strict rules and regulations in the current classification. Its boundaries are rather conditional and blurred, there are no clearly established definitions, and therefore it is quite possible to some extent to merge, to merge the concepts of representative and business cars. In addition to the above, it is worth considering another factor - the brand of a representative car.
Executive car. What does it represent?
We must immediately repeat that for class F cars there is a division into two types - serial and elite cars. Such a division was laid down from the very beginning, the brand of the car itself testifies to this. It's not even about the price, equipping cars with all kinds of electronics or the level of comfort created.
Brands such as Mercedes, Audi or BMW speak for themselves. They are powerful, reliable and comfortable cars. For models of the corresponding classes, such as luxury or premium, use special materials for finishing, ranging from rare woods, leather and ending with special grades of metal and plastic. But these are brands. stock cars produced by the thousands. If they are suitable for business cars, and sometimes even with excess, then as elite, premium class - not quite.
What is the main difference between an elite, or as it can be called, premium class car, from any other, even if it is a business car with a luxury finish? There are several of them and you can start their consideration with the fact that, first of all, this is a sedan. large, with powerful motor and automatic transmission, providing high smoothness and comfort for the passenger in the back seat, which has a strict, solid appearance. Already with all its appearance, as if to say that such cars are not for boys and girls, but for respectable people who have managed not only to earn big money, but also to reach a certain position.
In this regard, the brands of well-known car manufacturers such as Audi, Mercedes or VMV meet the requirements. Even purely superficially listed brands, for example, mercedes benz S class, make the desired impression. The list of cars, as well as brands of car manufacturers of this class, can be continued, they are great for the role of business and, to some extent, luxury cars, but these are mass-produced cars.
luxury cars
It is worth touching on such a segment in class F as hand-built cars. Some brands are famous, for example, Bentley, as well as Rolls-Royce or Maybach. It is rather difficult to attribute these brands even to the premium class, they can be defined as status cars, although there is no such concept in the current classification. Kings, presidents, sheikhs, magnates - these are the brands for whom such brands are available, such people separate themselves from those who drive a Mercedes or a BMW. Suffice it to say that the Maybach price (pictured below) starts at six hundred thousand euros.
Such cars are made piece by piece, within a few weeks each, for any part used in the assembly, a special attitude. It should be noted that in questions interior decoration materials used for this, a special approach is maintained, everything is done taking into account personal wishes. In fact, it turns out a unique, one-of-a-kind car.
But what about the classification?
Now, returning to the current classification, we can say that groups F and E, despite their relative similarity, also have significant differences. Everything said earlier about business cars, the similarity between E and F is true. We've been comparing the best representatives mid-segment E and lower premium class models.
Moreover, rising to the level of a sheikh is unrealistic, but using a business car, the same Mercedes E class, in some cases as an executive car is possible without much damage to your own reputation.
Cars that are classified as a premium class are quite numerous and in themselves can belong to different groups of cars, which in no way excludes the possibility of using them as a representative car.
TOP 10 premium cars
First of all, I would like to note that the premium class has special character and individualism. It is not very rich in a variety of models, but each of them is unique. The premium class is rather capricious. Only those cars that have certain parameters get into it. The length of the car must be over 5000mm and its width over 1800mm. Also, the car must be four- or five-seater. The premium class is one of the richest in the truest sense of the word. The cost of each car varies from 2.5 million to 13 million rubles.
Consider the most popular models that are in great demand all over the world. It's stupid to start a list of "top" cars without the legendary German troika.
Mercedes S class.
This guy has chic style and really tough temper. Behind his "elegant suit" is power, which only give freedom and it will show his whole character. The Mercedes S-klass has a rich history. Almost all cars brand Mercedes the S lines were overwhelmingly popular and wildly successful. Exquisite interior trim, many options that are provided for a client who prefers to ride in the back. At the moment, the car is produced with engines from 3.0 to 5.5 liters. Also, separate versions of the S63 and S65 are very popular, the restyling of which is made in the style of tuning. atelier AMG and Pullman limousines with extended body and wheelbase.
BMW 7-series.
Where without the legendary "nostrils" concern BMW. Their seven have exclusivity, both in the exterior and in the interior. The first car of the 7th series from BMW rolled off the assembly line in 1977 in the body of the E23. And since that time German quality”Won great success and a new BMW line was launched, which to this day does not lose its relevance. Series 7 in the new F01 body causes an emotional explosion. The car combines 2 qualities that cannot be combined by all other manufacturers. This is impudence, a disturbing look and at the same time a “guy” in an exclusive suit with a tie. The luxury and style of the interior of the BMW 7-series cannot be taken away. Distinctive feature in that with the subsequent renewal of the line, the interior is radically changing. A car for real leaders with an iron character and a daring disposition. The car is produced with petrol and diesel versions engines from 3.0 to 6.0 liters. More recent configurations are equipped with 8-speed automatic transmissions.
Audi A8.
Another representative of the "German elite", which has its own unique appearance, has excellent characteristics, and is the youngest of the "German trio". The car was first introduced in 1994. The advantage of the Audi A8 was that the model immediately came with all-wheel drive(quattro) and an aluminum alloy body. In the new Audi versions A8 differs in interior from all its predecessors. The car is "stuffed" with a huge amount of electronics, trimmed with high-quality leather and having large dimensions, new Audi A8 is a big competitor to its German "brothers". The car is produced with 4 versions of diesel and gasoline engines from 3.0 to 6.3 liters. The car uses an 8-speed tiptronic.
Lexus LS
Japanese answer to German traditions. Lexus LS new generation tickled the nerves German manufacturers because its popularity is rapidly gaining momentum. The Japanese brought to the world of automotive modern style"Hi-Tech", which touched new Lexus LS. High-tech interior trim with high-quality materials, reliable car electronics. The new LS comes in 16 trim levels, giving more opportunity the client to choose a car for himself. Also a pleasant fact is the price of the car. In the maximum configuration, it costs 6.1 million rubles, which is an order of magnitude cheaper than its "German counterparts", and the quality of the car is at the highest level.
Volkswagen Phaeton
The car is more suitable for calm, purposeful and reliable people who manage their affairs impeccably. All this compares to the Volkswagen Phaeton because the car has a classic design. He resembles a "diligent guy" without showing any emotions, but this model has a huge plus - it's German quality in relation to the price. The maximum equipment of the car will cost the client 3.9 million rubles. Phaeton is produced in 4 basic configurations With petrol versions engines, from 3.6 to 4.2 liters.
Hyundai Equus.
In 2009, Korean automakers also “opened their doors” to the premium class, presenting to the whole world the embodiment of the new masterpiece Hyundai Equus. The car has 2 basic configurations with engines from 3.8 to 4.6 liters. The interior of the car is finished at the highest level, but without unnecessary lotions. It is equipped with excellent multimedia system. But apart from the equipment new Hyundai Equus high-tech engines, all two configurations are available with high-quality 9 step boxes machine.
Jaguar XJ
British style is like a separate art. New Jaguar The XJ stands out from the rest of the premium class. Flowing Jaguar-inspired exterior lines, ride comfort and interior comfort give the XJ a unique and sophisticated feel. In our time, true aristocrats ride on such "carriages". The car is not even close to the interior of its competitors. Every detail of the interior is invested with a particle of the soul of the engineer who worked on the Jaguar XJ. The car is produced in 13 basic trim levels. Equipped with 3 and 5 liter petrol and diesel engines.
Bentley Continental Flying Spur
UK representative. The oldest of all premium cars. Words are redundant here. The build quality of the car is simply the highest, because everything is done by hand. Bentley Continental Flying Spur is like getting into a completely different world, full of mysteries and beauty. Some details of the interior of the car are reminiscent of the 20th century of the last century. Species of wood that are specially grown to decorate the interior of the cabin. All these details give the Bentley the quality and beauty that many dream of. You can rely on this "guy" 100%.
Maserati Quattroporte.
Accounted worldwide famous company Maserati has five generations of the Quattroporte. The most refined and popular model produced since 2003. Quattroporte means "four doors" in Italian. According to its dimensions, the car was listed in the premium class. Maserati Quattroporte is unique and inimitable. These characteristics emphasized the design studio Pininfarina, headquartered in Italy.
Porsche Panamera.
Probably one of the most fast cars premium class. Machine started in mass production in 2009. The new Porsche Panamera just sold out in seconds. Although the price is quite decent. All Porsche style. Huge front bumper, large front optics and convex wheel arches. All these details give new Porsche Panamera sports style. The interior is incomparable. Qualitatively fitted torpedo with leather, wood inserts the highest level. As always in tradition, Porsche presents customers with a huge number of leather colors to choose from, including a unique dark Blue colour. The car is produced in 11 basic trim levels with gasoline and diesel engines from 3.0 to 4.8 liters. The Panamera is also available with a 3.0-liter engine.
The segment of the premium car market, unfortunately, is not large. This feature is characterized by the fact that this class has a rigid framework and parameters under which this or that car should fit. There's only room here for exclusive models that are pleasing to the eye. This is a kind of museum of the auto industry.
The Russian car market is still in place, but many mass brands are showing sales growth this year. Despite the emerging stabilization of demand, manufacturers of premium cars are reducing sales in our country, although they have always been more resistant to crisis phenomena. Thus, according to the results of the first two months of 2017, the car sales curve as a whole went into the minus zone by 4.5%, while in the premium segment the drop was almost 2.5 times more significant. During the reporting period, the Russians bought 18.2 thousand foreign premium cars, which is 10.5% lower than a year ago. As a result, their market share dropped from 10.5% to 9.8%, according to the Association. European business(AEB). According to market participants, taking into account that were offered in the first months of the coming year, some buyers preferred to purchase a mass foreign car in " full stuffing"than a premium car in the minimum configuration.
According to Aleksey Potapov, Director of the Sales Department of AvtoSpetsCentre Group of Companies, of course, it is not worth talking about a shift in demand for the mass market, but premium versions of mass-segment cars are gaining a certain popularity. The expert explains the decrease in sales of premium cars by the general increase in prices in the car market, however, in the premium segment, the same 5–7% are already quite tangible amounts. Model upgrades lead to significant growth average cost cars: new versions are more technologically advanced and modern, moreover, they are equipped, so they are much more expensive than their predecessors. In addition, at the beginning of the year premium brands there were some difficulties with the availability of certain models and trim levels, which have now been eliminated.
As Pavel Filippov, head of the sales department of the AC "Belyayevo" of the Avtorus Group of Companies, notes, the premium segment car market has sagged less than the average in past years. This is due, among other things, to the fact that the increase in car prices did not occur at once, but gradually and in combination with strong dumping due to initially overpriced plans.
“Often, some premium-class models overlapped in price with mid-range models, which in turn led to a redistribution of the client flow in favor of the former. In addition, due to the strong and sharp devaluation of the ruble, there was a strong drop in the foreign exchange value of premium cars and a large number of sold cars went abroad. For now, the ruble has appreciated slightly, premium car prices have risen, and the skew has disappeared. Now, against the backdrop of a decrease in the overall purchasing power, the opposite situation can be traced - the transition of the client flow to the mass segment, which, in general, is natural, ”says Pavel Filippov.
But Panavto does not see a change in demand in favor of cars in maximum trim levels and class below. The sales statistics of this Mercedes-Benz dealer show that the preferences of buyers in terms of categories and configurations of cars have remained the same.
Russia cut quotas
Nevertheless, the Stuttgart brand, although it remains the undisputed leader premium segment in the Russian car market, sales of cars with a three-beam star on the radiator grill are falling: by 23%, to 5.1 thousand units in January-February 2017. The remaining representatives of the German trio - BMW and Audi - sold 4.1 thousand (-11%) and 2.3 thousand cars (-14%), respectively. Demand for SUVs Land Rover fell by 19% - they were chosen by 1.1 thousand people Russian buyers. Porsche car about 400 pieces were sold - 45% less than a year earlier.
Sales of premium cars in Russia (AEB data)
| Brand | January February | ||
| 2017 | 2016 | Change,% | |
| mercedes benz | 5067 | 6539 | -23 |
| bmw | 4142 | 4669 | -11 |
| Lexus | 2794 | 2536 | 10 |
| Audi | 2285 | 2655 | -14 |
| Land Rover | 1115 | 1381 | -19 |
| Infiniti | 941 | 669 | 41 |
| Volvo | 427 | 360 | 19 |
| Porsche | 392 | 719 | -45 |
| Jaguar | 342 | 101 | 239 |
| Jeep | 222 | 223 | 0 |
| Cadillac | 190 | 138 | 38 |
| Mini | 173 | 174 | -1 |
| smart | 50 | 24 | 108 |
| Genesis | 16 | 0 | - |
| Chrysler | 0 | 8 | |
| Alfa Romeo | 0 | 6 | |
| Acura | - | 80 | - |
| Total | 18 156 | 20 282 | -10,5 |
| Market share | 9,8% | 10,5% | |
Based on the first two months of the year, it is impossible to draw a conclusion about general market trends: a significant part of premium models is supplied from abroad, and the delivery time can be up to three to four months or more, says Vladimir Miroshnikov, Rolf Development Director. In addition, quotas allocated for Russia are a limiting factor in premium sales.
Eg, Volvo factories today are overloaded with orders, and in the current economic realities than ours. Therefore, in the face of a shortage of production, it is difficult for the Russian office of Volvo to obtain a sufficient quota of cars for Russia to cover the existing demand. Significantly, last year swedish brand could be implemented in our country more by 2-3 thousand cars, which, in fact, were not enough for a positive result at the end of the year. However, in 2017, the company expects an increase in the quota, despite the existing production restrictions, and, accordingly, an increase in sales, which will be partly facilitated by the launch of the flagship S90 sedan and station wagon. off-road V90 Cross Country.
Dumping no longer saves
According to Pavel Filippov, sales growth in the premium segment should not be expected in the coming years, and the only way to maintain the profitability of the dealer network is to reduce sales volumes and create an artificial deficit, returning to the sales volumes of 2006-2007. “Now the demand for this segment is much lower than the supply, and dumping is, in fact, the only, albeit artificial, way to maintain volumes. But as the practice of the first two months shows, this method no longer brings the desired results, ”the expert states.
However, some premium brands have started this year quite well, showing strong sales growth on Russian market. First of all, this Japanese Lexus, which last year entered the top three leaders in the premium segment in our country and in 2017 is only strengthening its position. According to the results of January-February Russian dealers brands increased sales by 10% to 2.8 thousand vehicles, and the growth drivers were RX and NX crossovers. Its "compatriots" from Infiniti sold more than 940 cars in two months of this year, which is 41% more than last year. Most wanted the Russians use updated crossover QX50, QX70 SUV, and Q50 sedan. Swedish Volvo has recorded about 430 cars sold in Russia (+19%), and the main box office of the brand is made by the XC90 SUV and XC60 crossover. The best dynamics sales shows british jaguar, the sale of 340 cars of which provided a 3.4-fold increase. This was largely facilitated by the launch last year of the Jaguar XF business sedan of the new generation, the appearance sports SUV Jaguar F-Pace, as well as the start of sales of the all-wheel drive modification Jaguar XE.
“Lexus makes its entire sales volume on three models, two of which are new, whose style appealed to buyers. Infiniti sales are low on their own, and could help them. At Volvo, the main volume-forming model is the XC60, which, despite its advanced age, remains very favorable in terms of price / quality ratio and is now even more affordable than some competitors from the mass segments. Jaguar is sold in very small quantities, and due to a single new F-Pace model, the sales volume can increase significantly,” Pavel Filippov comments.
