Compare COE Categories

Select up to 5 categories and a time range to compare side by side.

Data sourced from LTA · Updated after each bidding round

Categories
Time Range

Statistics (1Y)

Metric Cat A Cat B
Latest Price S$118,000 S$121,000
Minimum S$98,124 S$105,001
Maximum S$128,105 S$141,000
Average S$109,011 S$121,582
Std Deviation S$7,657 S$8,729
% Change +20.26% +3.71%

Understanding COE Category Differences

Singapore's COE system divides vehicles into five categories. Categories A and B split passenger cars by engine size — the 1,600cc / 97kW threshold determines which pool you bid in, and prices between the two can differ by tens of thousands of dollars. Category C covers goods vehicles and buses, Category D is for motorcycles, and Category E is an open category usable for any vehicle type.

Comparing categories side by side reveals important patterns. When the spread between Cat A and Cat B widens, it often signals strong demand for larger or luxury vehicles. When it narrows, the market is softening uniformly. The bid advisor analyses these signals automatically.

If you are deciding which category affects your purchase, check your vehicle's engine capacity and power output against the thresholds. For a full explanation of categories and how bidding works, see our complete guide to COE.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Category A and Category B?
Category A covers cars with engine capacity up to 1,600cc and power up to 97kW (130bhp). Category B covers cars exceeding either threshold. In practice, this means most compact and mid-size cars fall under Cat A, while larger sedans, SUVs, and performance cars require a Cat B COE.
Why does Category E (Open) exist?
Category E is an open category that can be used for any vehicle type. It allows buyers who cannot secure a COE in their specific category to bid in a broader pool. Cat E typically trades at a premium above Cat A but near or above Cat B, since it attracts demand from all vehicle types.
Which COE category do SUVs and crossovers fall under?
Most popular crossovers and compact SUVs with engines at or below 1,600cc and 97kW fall under Category A. Larger SUVs with bigger engines are Category B. Check your specific model's engine capacity and power output to determine the correct category.
Why is there sometimes a large price gap between categories?
The spread between categories reflects differences in supply and demand. When luxury car demand is strong, Cat B rises faster than Cat A. Conversely, during economic downturns, the spread often narrows as demand softens across all segments. Track this on the trends page.

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