Motorenklasse

Motorenklasse refers to a classification system for engines, primarily used in the context of vehicle registration and taxation in Germany. This system categorizes engines based on their cylinder capacity, or displacement, which is the total volume swept by all the pistons in an engine. The specific thresholds for each class are determined by German law and are subject to change.

Vehicles are assigned to a particular Motorenklasse based on their engine's capacity. This classification then directly influences the amount of vehicle tax (Kfz-Steuer) levied on the owner. Generally, engines with larger cylinder capacities fall into higher Motorenklassen and therefore incur higher tax liabilities. The system is designed to link taxation to the potential environmental impact and fuel consumption associated with different engine sizes, although modern engine technology can sometimes complicate this direct correlation.

Understanding the Motorenklasse is crucial for vehicle owners in Germany when calculating their annual tax obligations. The exact capacity brackets and corresponding tax rates are detailed in official government publications and are regularly updated. This classification system plays a significant role in the economic considerations of owning and operating a vehicle in Germany.