The fundamental shape and passenger configuration of a vehicle exterior, dictating the number of doors, roofline, and cargo area layout. Automakers often build multiple configurations on a single shared platform, ranging from sedans and coupes to wagons and hatchbacks.
Heard on the job
We need to order the specific quarter glass for the wagon bodystyle, because the sedan glass has a different curve.
Also heard as
- body style
Related terms
Platform
The shared underlying architecture and mechanical components used across multiple vehicle models.
Coupe
A passenger car with a fixed roof, two doors, and a sloping rear profile.
Station wagon
A passenger car body style featuring a roofline extended to the rear of the vehicle to maximize cargo space.
Shooting brake
A sleek, two-door luxury car with a station wagon rear roofline.