Why is the letter "S" so often used in car names?

Letter «S»** in car names is not just an accident, but part of a marketing strategy or technical tradition. Many manufacturers associate it with the words Sport (sport), Speed (speed), Special (special) or Sedan (sedan). For example, BMW M5 has a modification Competition Package with index S, and Mercedes-AMG uses a letter to represent its most powerful versions (e.g. S 63 AMG).

But not all cars with “S” are sports cars. The list also includes budget sedans (Skoda Superb), and practical crossovers (Subaru Forester), and even electric cars (Tesla Model S). This letter has become a universal tool for brands to differentiate a model from its competitors. In this article we will look at all categories of cars with the letter “S”** - from mass to exclusive, and we will also give advice on what to look for when purchasing.

Fun fact: In some countries, the letter “S” is avoided in names due to superstition (for example, in Japan it is associated with the word “death”). However, this rule does not work in the auto industry—dozens of successful models prove this.

Let's make a rating of cars that are most often searched for with the letter "S". The selection criterion is popularity in the secondary market, the number of sales of new cars and the frequency of queries in search engines.

  • 🚗 Skoda Superb is the flagship of the Czech brand, combining interior space and European quality.
  • 🏁 Subaru WRX STI — a legendary rally sedan with a turbo engine and all-wheel drive.
  • ⚡ Tesla Model S — a premium electric car with a record acceleration to 100 km/h in 2.1 seconds (in the Plaid version).
  • 🛣️ SsangYong Rexton - Korean frame SUV with reliable suspension.
  • 💨 Porsche 911 Carrera S - a sports car with a 450-horsepower engine.
  • 🏙️ Suzuki SX4 — a compact crossover for the city with a ground clearance of 180 mm.
  • 🔥 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 - American muscle car with a compressor V8.
  • 🌍 Toyota Sequoia - a large SUV for the family with a hybrid power plant.
  • 💎 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II - a luxury sedan with hand assembly.
  • 🚙 Smart Fortwo — a city microcar for parking in tight yards.

This list includes: budget options (for example, Suzuki SX4 from 1.2 million rubles), and premium models (for example, Rolls-Royce for 20+ million). The choice depends on the purpose: suitable for the city Smart, off-road - SsangYong, and for highways - Porsche or Tesla.

📊Which car with the letter "S" do you like best?
Skoda Superb
Tesla Model S
Subaru WRX STI
Porsche 911 S
Other

Sports cars and “charged” versions: what does the letter “S” in the name mean?

In the world of sports cars, the letter «S»** often means improved modification base model. For example:

  • 🔧 U BMW index S in the title (M5 Competition Package S) means an additional 25 hp. and improved suspension.
  • ⚡ U Mercedes-AMG S 63 - This is the top version with a biturbo V8 and acceleration to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds.
  • 🏎️U Audi S-Line — a package of external and internal improvements (but not always related to power).

However, there are exceptions. For example, Nissan Skyline GT-R in some generations there was a version Spec-S, where "S" stood for Special, but not necessarily more powerful. And Porsche 911 the letter "S" historically stood for Sportomatic - semi-automatic transmission (in the 1960s–70s).

Model What does "S" stand for? Differences from the basic version
BMW M5 Competition Package S Sport (improved) +25 hp, rigid suspension, ceramic brakes
Mercedes-AMG S 63 Top version in the line V8 4.0 biturbo (612 hp), 4Matic+ all-wheel drive
Audi S3 Sportback (body + power) 2.0 TFSI (300 hp), xenon, sports seats
Porsche 911 S (1960s) Sportomatic Semi-automatic gearbox, soft settings

Important: not all “S” versions are really faster than the basic ones. Sometimes it's just a marketing ploy to increase prices. For example, Audi A4 and Audi S4 differ by 100+ hp, and Volkswagen Golf and Golf GTI (where “S” is absent) - only 50 hp. Always check the specifications before purchasing.

How to distinguish a real “S” version from a fake?

On the secondary market, scammers can re-stick "S" badges on regular models. Check:

1. VIN code (must match the documentation for the “S” version).

2. Engine power (in PTS and diagnostic scanner).

3. Interior details (sports seats, steering wheel, pedals are usually different for “S” versions).

4. Availability of original spare parts (for example, brake calipers with the "S" logo).

Budget cars with the letter “S”: what to choose for the city?

If you need an inexpensive and practical car, among the models with the letter “S” there are several decent options:

  • 💰 Skoda Slavia - sedan based Volkswagen Virtus, price from 1.5 million rubles. Pros: spacious trunk (521 l), reliable 1.5 TSI.
  • 🚶 Suzuki S-Presso — microcrossover for the city (clearance 180 mm), cost from 900 thousand rubles.
  • 🔌 Smart EQ Fortwo — electric car for short trips (power reserve 160 km), price from 1.8 million.
  • 🛡️ SsangYong Tivoli — Korean crossover with a 7-year warranty, from 1.7 million rubles.

When choosing a budget car with the letter “S”, pay attention to:

  1. Cost of ownership: y Suzuki and Skoda cheap maintenance, but Smart - expensive charging and insurance.
  2. Reliability: SsangYong gives the longest warranty, but spare parts may take longer to deliver than European brands.
  3. Secondary market: Skoda Superb and Subaru Forester They hold resale prices better.

View history by VIN (accidents, mileage)

Check the availability of original spare parts (especially for “charged” versions)

Find out the cost of insurance (it is higher for sports cars and electric vehicles)

Test multimedia (Korean brands often have glitches)

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SUVs and crossovers with the letter “S”: comparison of characteristics

Among all-wheel drive cars with the letter “S” the leaders are:

  • 🏔️ Subaru Forester - the legendary Japanese crossover with symmetrical all-wheel drive. Ground clearance 220 mm, price from 2.5 million.
  • 🌲 SsangYong Rexton - frame SUV with reduction gear, from 3.2 million.
  • 🏜️ Toyota Sequoia - large American SUV with a hybrid V6 (437 hp), from 6 million.
  • 🚙 Suzuki Jimny Sierra - compact off-road SUV, from 2.1 million.

To compare the key parameters, let's create a table:

Model Ground clearance (mm) Drive type Fuel consumption (l/100 km) Price (from, million rubles)
Subaru Forester 220 Full (symmetrical) 8.1 2.5
SsangYong Rexton 208 Full (Part-Time) 10.5 3.2
Toyota Sequoia Hybrid 220 Full (AWD) 7.8 (hybrid) 6.0
Suzuki Jimny Sierra 210 Full (Manual) 9.0 2.1

⚠️ Attention: U SsangYong Rexton and Suzuki Jimny no automatic transmission in basic configurations. If you are used to an automatic transmission, check this point with your dealer. Also Jimny very small trunk (85 l) - for long trips this is critical.

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If you choose between Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4 (which does not have the letter "S"), please note: Forester better geometric cross-country ability (approach/departure angles), but RAV4 - hybrid version with lower consumption.

Electric cars with the letter "S": Tesla Model S and alternatives

The most famous electric car with the letter “S” is Tesla Model S. But there are other options on the market:

  • ⚡ Tesla Model S — a flagship with a power reserve of up to 652 km (Long Range version). Acceleration to 100 km/h in 3.1 s.
  • 🔋 BYD Seal - Chinese sedan with battery Blade (power reserve 550 km), price from 3.5 million.
  • 🚗 Polestar 2 - Swedish electric car with a minimalist design, from 4.2 million.
  • 💡 Lucid Air Sapphire - luxury sedan with 1234 hp, from 15 million.

When choosing an electric vehicle with the letter “S”, consider:

  1. Infrastructure: Tesla has its own network of superchargers, and for BYD or Polestar An adapter may be required.
  2. Cost of ownership: y Tesla cheaper maintenance (no traditional maintenance), but more expensive insurance.
  3. Software: Tesla regularly releases updates over the air, and for Chinese brands this may be limited.

⚠️ Attention: U Tesla Model S no traditional ignition key — a smartphone or key fob card is used instead. If your phone dies, you may not be able to open the car! Always keep a spare card in your wallet.

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If you are buying used Tesla Model S, be sure to check the battery history through the service TeslaFi or an official report. Battery degradation after 100,000 km can reach 15–20%.

When registering a car with the letter “S” (especially if it is a sports car or a powerful version), there are several legal issues:

  1. Transport tax: for cars more powerful than 250 hp. the rate increases. For example, in Moscow for Mercedes-AMG S 63 (612 hp) the tax will be ~150,000 rub/year.
  2. OSAGO: insurance for sports cars is 30–50% more expensive. For example, Ford Mustang Shelby will cost 30–40 thousand rubles/year versus 10–15 thousand for Skoda Superb.
  3. Customs restrictions: if you are importing Mercedes S-Class or Porsche over 3 years old, a declaration and payment of a recycling fee will be required.
  4. Ecological class: many "S" versions (eg Audi S6) have engines Euro 5, which from 2023 cannot be registered in some regions (for example, in Moscow).

⚠️ Attention: If you buy used sports car with the letter "S"** (for example, BMW M5 or Nissan GT-R), check it for traffic police restrictions on the site traffic police.rf. Often such cars end up in pawns or with unpaid fines.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about cars with the letter “S”

🔍 Why do some cars have the letter “S” at the end of their name (for example, Lexus IS), and for others - at the beginning (Skoda)?

It depends on the traditions of the brand:

  • U Japanese stamps (Toyota, Lexus, Subaru) "S" often appears at the end and denotes Sport or Sedan.
  • U European (Skoda, SsangYong) - at the beginning, as part of the model name.
  • U German premium brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) “S” can be at the beginning or at the end, depending on the line.
💰 What is the cheapest car with the letter “S” on the Russian market?

For 2026 this is Suzuki S-Presso (from 900 thousand rubles) or used Smart Fortwo (from 500 thousand rubles). But please note that Smart is a microcar with a short range (if electric) and high cost of spare parts.

⚡ Is it possible to put gas on cars with the letter “S” (for example, Skoda Superb or Subaru Forester)?

Technically yes, but there are some nuances:

  • U turbocharged engines (for example, Skoda Superb 2.0 TSI) installation of gas equipment reduces the life of the turbine.
  • U Subaru with opposed engines (Forester, WRX) gas cylinders take the place of the spare tire.
  • For hybrids (for example, Toyota Sequoia) HBO is not certified.

Please check before installation dealer warranty — many refuse the warranty when installing LPG.

🔧 Which cars with the letter “S” are the most reliable?

By rating J.D. Power and reviews from owners, top 5 reliable models:

  1. Subaru Forester — symmetrical all-wheel drive and boxer engine with a service life of 300+ thousand km.
  2. Toyota Sequoia Hybrid — hybrid system with a 10-year battery warranty.
  3. Skoda Superb - Czech build quality and cheap service.
  4. Suzuki SX4 - simple design and low cost of spare parts.
  5. Porsche 911 S — despite their sporty nature, engines and gearboxes last a long time with proper care.
📄 Is it necessary to prepare special documents for sports cars with the letter “S” (for example, Ford Mustang Shelby)?

Yes, for cars more powerful than 250 hp. In Russia there are additional rules:

  • Mandatory medical certificate for management (when replacing rights).
  • Required increased MTPL insurance policy (power factor higher).
  • In some regions (for example, Moscow) there are traffic restrictions in the center for cars with power over 250 hp.

Also note that for Ford Mustang Shelby (and other American muscle cars) may be required certificate of conformity during customs clearance.