Coupe vs. Sedan: What’s the Difference?

With a large variety of body styles offered in the BMW lineup, you might find yourself puzzling over the difference between a coupe and a sedan. The simple answer: coupes like the ones in the BMW 2 Series have two doors, and sedans like the BMW 5 Series have four. But there’s more to sedan vs. coupe than just doors. Take a deep dive with BMW of Florence to find out more about the difference between a coupe and a sedan. 

Sedan vs. Coupe: Size 

While the number of doors tends to be the default way people categorize car body styles on Darlington and Sumter streets, the size of the car has more bearing on whether it’s called a coupe or a sedan. A coupe offers a more intimate drive, while a sedan is better equipped for families. Let’s break down the specific areas where you’ll notice the size difference in sedan vs. coupe: 

• Passenger Space: When you drive a sedan you can count on having a bench seat in the second row, along with ample headroom for backseat passengers. Most sedans are spacious enough to have seating for five. With their shorter bodies and curved roofs, coupe models have smaller backseats with less headspace. At most two people can ride in the backseat. Some coupe models only have front seats. 
• Interior Volume: There is an official cutoff for the interior volume that makes the difference in sedan vs. coupe: 33 cubic feet. Anything less than that is a coupe. 
• Cargo Area: Sedans are longer by design so they naturally offer more cargo space. If cargo space is a priority, a coupe may not be the way to go. 

Other Differences Between Coupes and Sedans

Marion coupe drivers were likely attracted to the beautiful styling and sporty handling that’s generally a hallmark of a coupe. Let’s take a look at the role style and performance play in the difference between a coupe and a sedan: 

• Exterior Style: As mentioned above, a coupe tends to have a more curved roof. It’s also shorter than a sedan’s body and roof. This means a coupe will likely have longer doors to compensate for only having two, with longer rear windows. Sedans tend to exhibit luxury styling and the balance of shorter doors. 
• Performance: The smaller size of a coupe lends itself to a sportier performance, thanks to the decreased size and weight. Sedans often compensate for their larger weight and size with additional engine options and suspension upgrades.

Sedan vs. Coupe: Which is for Me?

This is subjective, depending on how you prefer to drive in Florence. If you tend to have more passengers or regularly need more cargo space, a sedan is a better choice. If you want a sporty ride and often drive solo or with one passenger, a coupe might be for you. 

Experience a Coupe and a Sedan with Test Drives at BMW of Florence

Now that you know the difference between coupes and sedans, experience them for yourself with test drives at BMW of Florence. Visit our BMW information hub to learn more about our vehicles, then choose the coupe and the sedan you’d like to test drive.