SUV, sedan or station wagon? How body types have changed

The five body types

Before we dive into the trends, a quick overview of the categories:

• SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) — high ground clearance, upright seating position, often with all-wheel drive. Dominates new car sales in Norway with models like the Tesla Model Y, Volvo EX30 and BMW iX3.
• Sedan — traditional three-box body with a separate boot. Low and aerodynamic. Examples: Tesla Model 3, BMW i4, Mercedes EQE.
• Hatchback — compact body with a rear tailgate. Practical for city driving. Examples: Volkswagen ID.3, Renault 5, Fiat 500e.
• Station wagon (estate) — long body with a flat roof and large cargo capacity. Traditionally Norway's family choice. Examples: NIO ET5 Touring, and soon the Toyota bZ4X Touring.
• MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) — tall, spacious body focused on passenger space. Example: Volkswagen ID. Buzz.

The SUV revolution

In 2021, six out of ten new cars sold in Norway were SUVs, according to the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV). By 2025 that share has risen further. The reasons are many:

• High seating position provides a better view in traffic and easier entry and exit — especially important for older buyers and families with young children.
• Winter conditions: Higher ground clearance makes SUVs better suited for snow and unploughed roads.
• EV manufacturers are betting on SUVs: The battery pack sits in the floor, giving SUVs a natural advantage — the height conceals the battery without sacrificing cabin space.
• The selection is largest: Far more EV SUVs than sedans or hatchbacks to choose from.

The result is that the SUV segment dominates everything from the compact class (Volvo EX30, Hyundai Kona) to the luxury class (Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes EQS SUV).

The station wagon — really dead?

For decades, the station wagon was Norway's most popular body type. The Volvo V70 and V90 were synonymous with Norwegian family life. But when Volvo announced it would stop selling station wagons in Norway, many were taken aback.

There are signs, however, that the station wagon may enjoy a renaissance — in electric form:

• NIO ET5 Touring is already available as one of very few electric station wagons.
• Toyota bZ4X Touring launches in Europe in spring 2026.
• Skoda has confirmed an electric station wagon with a debut in 2026.
• Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake — the station wagon version of the new CLA — has been confirmed.

The station wagon has one clear advantage over the SUV: lower aerodynamic drag yields longer range from the same battery. For families who prioritise range and cargo space over ground clearance, the station wagon could prove to be the smarter EV choice.

The sedan's quiet comeback

The sedan has long been unpopular in Norway — Norwegians have preferred station wagons and SUVs. But electric sedans have found their audience:

• Tesla Model 3 was for several years the best-selling car in Norway — regardless of powertrain.
• BMW i4 and Audi e-tron GT show that performance sedans work well as EVs.
• BMW i3 Sedan (2026) with 900 km of range demonstrates that aerodynamics is the sedan's trump card.

Sedans typically achieve 10 to 15 percent longer range than a comparable SUV with the same battery, thanks to lower weight and better aerodynamics. For long-distance commuters and those who drive mainly on the motorway, a sedan is often the rational choice.

Hatchback — the city car's domain

Compact hatchbacks are ideal for city driving: easy to park, affordable to insure and cheap to buy. The Volkswagen ID.3, Renault 5 and Fiat 500e are typical examples.

The downside is limited boot space and often shorter range. For families, a hatchback is rarely enough — but for singles, couples and retirees with a second car, it is a practical and affordable solution. With the Renault 5 and Cupra Raval priced under NOK 300,000 in 2026, this segment is more accessible than ever.

The MPV — a niche with potential

MPVs (multi-purpose vehicles) have always been a niche in Norway, but the Volkswagen ID. Buzz has shown that the concept works as an EV. With its retro design, generous space and optional seven seats, it appeals to families who need maximum flexibility.

The selection is limited for now — the ID. Buzz is virtually alone in the segment. But if more manufacturers follow suit, the MPV could become a real alternative to the SUV for larger families.

Which body type is right for you?

Choosing a body type is about your life situation, not just preference:

• Commuting solo? A sedan or hatchback gives you the best range per krone.
• Family with lots of gear? SUV or station wagon — choose based on whether you prioritise ground clearance or cargo space.
• A second city car? Hatchback — affordable, compact, easy to park.
• Large family, many children? MPV or large seven-seat SUV (Kia EV9, Mercedes EQB).
• Lots of long-distance motorway driving? Sedan — the aerodynamics provide noticeably better range.

Use our EV comparison tool and filter by body type to see all models in the category you are interested in.