With the meteoric rise of SUVs, do saloons even stand a chance?

20 or so years ago, if you were driving a company car, it would likely have been a saloon of some description. Likely from Europe. But with the growing trend of SUVs not seeming to slow down at all, do saloons even have a future?

We’re already seeing a reduction in their more practical counterpart – the humble estate. But with saloons offering lighter weight and more focused driving dynamics, why are they no longer being pursued? Lexus, the utterly brilliant brand it is has built some fantastic saloons, just look at the Lexus IS F. However, they currently offer two saloons available to buy. The good but not great ES300h and the super niche LS500h.

Lexus IS F Saloon
The death of sports saloons?

Previously the choices extended to the smaller IS and larger GS but these have seemingly disappeared. Their primary focus is on SUVs because they make the most money for them. The parent company, Toyota, only offer one saloon – the hydrogen powered Mirai.

Stray towards Europe though and you’re more likely to be able to buy the quintessential 3 box style car. Mercedes, BMW and Audi all offer saloons across most of their range. But take a look at their EV choices and you’ll notice a limited amount of them. It should be noted that I’m not talking about ‘Sport Backs’ in this article because they are not conventional saloons.

Mercedes produce the EQS and EQE electric saloon, but then also produce five electric SUVs. Clearly the priority lies with market changes, which is completely understandable. Buyers don’t seem to want saloons anymore and are only after SUVs.

Subaru WRX STi Saloon
Subaru no longer offers any saloons in the UK with the departure of the WRX STi

The world is moving towards an all-electric future and that isn’t looking to change. Legislation is in place to ensure that happens and we just have to sit and watch it happen. We’re seeing a change in the automotive landscape to one where SUVs completely dominate and if that’s what the vast majority of buyers want, that’s what they’ll get.

As the industry prepares to go EV, they’re going to focus on the best selling products because EVs are hellishly expensive to make. Unfortunately, along with wagons, it seems that we’re destined to lose saloons as well.

So, do saloons have a future?

Ultimately it seems unlikely that we will have a wealth of choice that we once did. The current Porsche-exclusive electric car is the saloon and wagon variant of the Taycan. But, they’re also working to get the all-electric Cayenne and Macan ready for market.

In short, SUVs are once again flavour of the month. Do you think saloons will survive the current changes?