# What's the "3, 5, 7" of major car brands? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 28, 2019, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353 "2019-02-28T22:43:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![JakeRS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/3ab097/32.png) [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2019, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/1 "2019-02-28T22:43:43Z")
Many car brands and brands in general have several classes of their products, which I call the 3, 5, 7, BMW for example has the 3, 5 and 7 series of it’s cars, named upon level of luxury, engine power, size,etc. , the 3 is a entry level luxury car, 5 is a executive, larger than the 3 series and the 7 series if the flagship, there’s others as well, but these are the main ones. The 3, 5, 7 is also used by Intel and AMD for their processors with the Intel/AMD Ryzen 3 being good enough, 5 being mid level and 7 being the high end. With Audi, I believe it’s A4 - 3, A6 - 5 and A8 - 7 In the world of Mercedes this would be what? I am pretty certain that the Mercedes C class is the “3”, but what about 5 and 7? Also, what about other car brands like Ford, VW, Peugeot, Fiat,etc? ---
**Author:** ![Littleman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ccd318/32.png) [@Littleman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Littleman)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2019, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/2 "2019-02-28T23:00:13Z")
Ford, Mercury, Lincoln Chevy, Buick, Cadillac Or Chevy then GMC Honda, Acura (Honda also have trim levels ex,lx) Toyota, Lexus ( Toyota also has trim levels L, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE.) Mercedes doesn’t go this way it’s K" Kompressor “C” Coupe “S” Sedan “E” Einspritzer (fuel injection) “G” Gelaendewagen (off-road vehicle) or Grand “D” Diesel “T” Turbo or Tourer “S” Sport “L” Leicht (Light weight) “CLS” coupe leicht sport “SL” Sport Leicht ( sport light) “SLK” Sport Light Kompressor Mercedes then started to designate cars by class A,E, C, R, M, G. These Class letters do not appear to have any particular meaning. ---
**Author:** ![74westy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/74westy/32/3950_2.png) [@74westy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/74westy)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2019, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/3 "2019-02-28T23:07:41Z")
Biscayne \< Bel Air \< Impala ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2019, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/4 "2019-02-28T23:56:32Z")
> [@JakeRS](#): > > In the world of Mercedes this would be what? At the most basic for recent sedans C is the least expensive, E is the executive (middle) class and S is the Special class. But it is not as firm as BMW since some of the C and E cars might share a body and differ mainly in engine and trim levels. BMW does not do that. And there were even numbered BMW series that were high end coupes: 6 and 8 series. Plus BMW lists the engine sizes, a 3.5 in the model name meant 3.5 liters. Mercedes does that also, an S550 is a 5.5 liter S class. There are numerous modifying letters for both manufacturers. Dennis ---
**Author:** ![UCBearcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/77aa72/32.png) [@UCBearcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UCBearcats)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/5 "2019-03-01T00:56:16Z")
> [@Littleman](#): > > Ford, Mercury, Lincoln > > Chevy, Buick, Cadillac > Or Chevy then GMC > > Honda, Acura (Honda also have trim levels ex,lx) > > Toyota, Lexus ( Toyota also has trim levels L, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE.) > > Mercedes doesn’t go this way it’s > K" Kompressor “C” Coupe “S” Sedan “E” Einspritzer (fuel injection) “G” Gelaendewagen (off-road vehicle) or Grand “D” Diesel “T” Turbo or Tourer “S” Sport “L” Leicht (Light weight) “CLS” coupe leicht sport “SL” Sport Leicht ( sport light) “SLK” Sport Light Kompressor Mercedes then started to designate cars by class A,E, C, R, M, G. These Class letters do not appear to have any particular meaning. Mercury has not been made since 2010. ---
**Author:** ![Littleman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ccd318/32.png) [@Littleman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Littleman)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/6 "2019-03-01T01:04:39Z")
Buick is on its way out too. ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/7 "2019-03-01T01:11:48Z")
> [@mixdenny](#): > > At the most basic for recent sedans C is the least expensive, E is the executive (middle) class and S is the Special class. But it is not as firm as BMW since some of the C and E cars might share a body and differ mainly in engine and trim levels. > > BMW does not do that. And there were even numbered BMW series that were high end coupes: 6 and 8 series. Plus BMW lists the engine sizes, a 3.5 in the model name meant 3.5 liters. Mercedes does that also, an S550 is a 5.5 liter S class. > > There are numerous modifying letters for both manufacturers. > > Dennis It used to be that way with BMW, where the 335 was a 3.5-liter, but not anymore. For example, the 330i is a 2.0 liter. Higher numbers generally correspond to more features, power, etc. within the series. With options though, that isn’t a strict rule. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/8 "2019-03-01T01:12:42Z")
Mazda follows a similar, general naming strategy, with higher numbers generally denoting bigger / more expensive vehicles. Coupes / Sedans: - Mazda 2 (In the U.S., I think it was only ever sold as a Scion) - Mazda 3 - Mazda 6 In the past, the 3 was the 323 (and the Protege), and the 6 was the 626. At one point in that era, they also had a 929. Crossovers / SUVs: - CX-3 - CX-5 - CX-9 ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/9 "2019-03-01T01:42:16Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > It used to be that way with BMW, where the 335 was a 3.5-liter, but not anymore. For example, the 330i is a 2.0 liter. Higher numbers generally correspond to more features, power, etc. within the series. With options though, that isn’t a strict rule. They busted that system a while ago. My 335i (2006ish) had a 3.0 liter engine. ---
**Author:** ![sps49sd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9a28c/32.png) [@sps49sd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sps49sd)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/10 "2019-03-01T04:03:43Z")
> [@Littleman](#): > > Buick is on its way out too. I thought Buick sold too well in China to end? ---
**Author:** ![Littleman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ccd318/32.png) [@Littleman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Littleman)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/11 "2019-03-01T04:26:04Z")
> [@sps49sd](#): > > I thought Buick sold too well in China to end? Even there they aren’t sold as Buicks. Which gm has announced they will begin doing here as well. Which was the first step to eliminating Olds. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/12 "2019-03-01T05:47:38Z")
> [@echoreply](#): > > It used to be that way with BMW, where the 335 was a 3.5-liter, but not anymore. For example, the 330i is a 2.0 liter. Higher numbers generally correspond to more features, power, etc. within the series. With options though, that isn’t a strict rule. Yes, what the numbers seem to mean these days is where the car would have been positioned if it were a non supercharged model. Dennis ---
**Author:** ![thelurkinghorror](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7c8e57/32.png) [@thelurkinghorror](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thelurkinghorror)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/13 "2019-03-01T07:48:04Z")
Many manufacturers do this, though I’m not clear if OP is asking about just luxury cars? Generally a subcompact, compact, midsize, and fullsize sedan. > [@Littleman](#): > > Toyota, Lexus ( Toyota also has trim levels L, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE.) Some of these luxury marques aren’t even that clear. Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX are basically the same vehicle and a similar price, with mostly trivial differences. Only $1065 apart. > [@kenobi\_65](#): > > - Mazda 2 (In the U.S., I think it was only ever sold as a Scion) > - Mazda 3 > - Mazda 6 Mazda2 was sold in the US until 2014 I think. Can verify with Wayback Machine. They need to bring back Mazdaspeed3 etc. > [@Littleman](#): > > Even there they aren’t sold as Buicks. Which gm has announced they will begin doing here as well. Which was the first step to eliminating Olds. Citation needed. I can’t read Chinese, but a scan of the Wikipedia page suggests they use Buick for at least some of the models? GMC is basically a pixel shift of Chevrolet and that make is doing great. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/14 "2019-03-01T11:39:03Z")
For VW the basic lineup has been Up! - micro Polo - mini Golf - mid-size Passat - big With various hatch, coupe and estate versions therein but recently the proliferation of SUV’s has muddied the waters somewhat. ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/15 "2019-03-01T12:47:39Z")
> [@Littleman](#): > > Even there they aren’t sold as Buicks. Which gm has announced they will begin doing here as well. Which was the first step to eliminating Olds. Buicks in China are sold as Buicks. ---
**Author:** ![kferr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/71e660/32.png) [@kferr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kferr)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 1:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/16 "2019-03-01T13:03:12Z")
In Europe BMW has all the digits from 1 to 8 covered for cars, plus X1 through X7 for SUVs, i3, i8, and Z4. As mentioned above, the 2nd and 3rd digits don’t relate to engine size any more. The 116d, 118d, 120d (what I used to have) and 123d all had 2 litre diesel engines but all had different levels of tuning and trim. ---
**Author:** ![FoieGrasIsEvil](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foiegrasisevil/32/16638_2.png) [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/17 "2019-03-01T13:04:05Z")
> [@Balthisar](#): > > Buicks in China are sold as Buicks. There are even Buicks being made in China and exported to the USA as a Buick, like the Envision. The Buick Encore is sold in the US as a Buick and is made solely in South Korea. ---
**Author:** ![Corry\_El](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ecae2f/32.png) [@Corry\_El](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Corry_El)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/18 "2019-03-01T16:14:44Z")
> [@kferr](#): > > In Europe BMW has all the digits from 1 to 8 covered for cars, plus X1 through X7 for SUVs, i3, i8, and Z4. As mentioned above, the 2nd and 3rd digits don’t relate to engine size any more. The 116d, 118d, 120d (what I used to have) and 123d all had 2 litre diesel engines but all had different levels of tuning and trim. It’s true in the US also with the exception that 1 series cars are no longer offered. It’s really not 3, 5, 7 anymore. Even among non-SUV’s the 4 series heavily outnumbers the 7 just looking around in this BMW-heavy area of the US. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/19 "2019-03-01T16:35:45Z")
> [@thelurkinghorror](#): > > Mazda2 was sold in the US until 2014 I think. That sounds about right. I still see Mazda2s and you can find some at used car sites. There’s also a Mazda 5 that was retired around the same time. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2019, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353/20 "2019-03-01T16:37:20Z")
Nissan basically goes like this (from cheapest to most expensive): Versa Sentra Altima Maxima Honda has this lineup: Civic Insight Accord Ford has the: Fiesta Focus Fusion Taurus [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-3-5-7-of-major-car-brands/830353.md?page=2)