Different Classes of Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is an automobile manufacturer with strong brand identification and fan following across the world. Of many things that stand out for this make, the unique nomenclature used to identify its vehicles piques the interest of many enthusiasts. The nomenclature used by Mercedes is simple, a single alphabet used to divide vehicles into different classes. However, these letters stand for a term or word that defines and distinguishes that class. 

Let’s discuss the Mercedes-Benz nomenclature, its usage and its significance in the market. 

How Mercedes-Benz Name Their Cars

Mercedes models are segmented into three different sub-brands. 

Mercedes-Benz is the most common sub-brand and is used for passenger cars. Mercedes-AMG is used for high-performance cars and Mercedes-Maybach is for ultra-luxury models. Here are the complete details of Mercedes’ nomenclature.

Mercedes-Benz Core Classes

The core classes of Mercedes-Benz are represented by a single alphabet. These alphabets denote a specific set of features and car body types released under that class. 

• A-Class: Mercedes launches subcompact luxury hatchbacks and sedans under the banner of A-Class. The alphabet ‘A’ stands for ‘Advanced’ provided by this model series. 
• B-Class: The ‘B’ of B-Class stands for ‘Baby’. Mercedes launched Multi-Purpose-Vehicle (MPV) cars in this class. These vehicles are well-suited family cars with modern safety features.  
• C-Class: The C-Class offers a luxurious series of saloons, estates and coupes. Hence, the ‘C’ represents the ‘Compact Executive’ class of vehicles. 
• E-Class: The ‘E’ represents the ‘Executive’ range of the vehicles. Saloon, coupe and cabriolet are the major car body types of the E-Class.  
• G-Class: This class is famous for rolling off SUVs equipped with off-roading features. The ‘G’ stands for ‘Gelandewagen’ which means cross country vehicle. 
• M-Class: The M-Class is an exclusive range of Mercedes-Benz SUVs. The ‘M’ speaks for the mid-size SUVs of this class. The ‘M’ class was later renamed as GLE-Class. 
• S-Class: The ‘S’ stands for ‘Special’ in the Mercedes-Benz nomenclature. The history of the S-Class reflects that this class is known for offering ultra-luxury features to users. 
• X-Class: The X was used by Mercedes-Benz to represent the minitruck series of the brand. 

Further Division of Nomenclature

The aforementioned nomenclature is used for highlighting Mercedes-Benz model differences. Within these classes, there are different nomenclatures used to further classify vehicles. This is often named on the basis of car body type, or engine specification. 

• CL: The CL represents the 4-door coupe whereas an additional last letter is included to represent the class. For instance: CLS represents the 4-door coupe of E-Class.  
• GLA: The GLA subclass includes subcompact SUVs of the G-Class. Whereas, the GLA and GLB represent compact luxury crossover and compact luxury SUVs respectively. 
• SL: The SL speaks for the vehicles used for ‘Grand Tourers’. These vehicles are preferred for a comfortable long journey. The SLC subclass contains Mercedes-Benz roadsters. 
• GT and GT4: The subclass ‘GT’ is often confused with the G-Class. However, this subclass represents sports cars and sports sedans known for their higher engine torque and agility.
• EQC and EQV: The subclass of EQC and EQV are the latest addition to the Mercedes-Benz nomenclature. It denotes electric cars launched by Mercedes.  

New Addition in the Mercedes-Benz Nomenclature

The automotive industry is gradually shifting towards the usage of alternative fuels. Therefore, different types of engine variants are available within the same models. To resolve this issue, Mercedes has revised its nomenclature. 

The company will use lowercase letters to represent the type of fuel or engine used in the vehicle. The letter ‘d’ stands for diesel engine and ‘h’ for plug-in hybrid cars. Whereas for electric cars ‘e’ will be used and for fuel-cell cars ‘f’ will be included with the standard nomenclature of the vehicle.

This was all about how Mercedes-Benz names their cars. The model series of Mercedes is known for the quality and luxury they provide to its users. Moreover, the higher ride quality and efficient engines increase the overall performance of the vehicles.  If you are interested in driving Mercedes vehicles, browse through these used Mercedes-Benz for sale in the UAE and upgrade your old vehicle. 

Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more information on popular makes, their history and legacy.