While noted some time ago in just-auto.com’s PLDB current and future vehicles database, Daimler has now confirmed changes to the names of many Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
The idea behind the shift is to simplify the naming system especially with so many extra vehicles on the way. A notable change is the phasing out of the M-Class name, with all SUVs becoming part of a ‘G’ family and the final letter linking the vehicle to a sedan or hatchback line. Thus, there is no change for the GLA-Class, as this is already ‘GL’ and ‘A’ (A-Class sized).
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
SUVs (from 2015):
- GLA
- GLC = GL C-Class, formerly GLK
- GLE = GL E-Class, formerly M-Class or ML
- GLE Coupé = GL E-Class Coupé
- GLS = GL S-Class, previously GL
There are no changes for the four-door coupes, these being:
- CLA and CLA Shooting Brake
- CLS and CLS Shooting Brake
Nor will there be any renaming of the core A-, B-, C-, E- and S-Class ranges.
From 2016 onwards, Roadsters will all include ‘SL’ in their names:
- SLC = SL C-Class, formerly SLK
- SL (no change)
As for engines, the system will be as follows (noted on a car’s bootlid):
- c for compressed natural gas (Natural Gas Drive at present)
- d for diesel (BlueTEC and CDI)
- e for electric (PLUG-IN HYBRID, BlueTEC PLUG-IN HYBRID & Electric Drive)
- f for fuel cell (F-CELL)
- h for hybrid (HYBRID and BlueTEC HYBRID)
- 4MATIC (no change)
- petrol engines (no change)
Daimler has further confirmed that in future, the new sub-brand of Mercedes-AMG will gain additional models. For example, the current Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG will become the Mercedes-AMG A 45. Also, Maybach returns but now as a sub-brand on the bootlid of the forthcoming Mercedes-Maybach S 600.
