Mercedes’ new model nomenclature explained

With 12 brand new models being added to its range by 2020, Mercedes-Benz has decided to streamline its model range, and to that end, has officially announced plans of renaming some of its existing models. We had earlier reported that the move is aimed at basing the nomenclature on its core C, E and S-class badges. In line with this decision, Mercedes will rename four key models and create new model designations.

As per the new nomenclature, the GLK – an Audi Q5-rivalling SUV sold in left-hand-drive markets – will henceforth be called the GLC, reflecting its close mechanical ties with the C-class. The larger ML will now be known as the GLE (the E-class-level SUV), while the upcoming production version of the Mercedes-Benz Concept Coupé SUV will take the name GLE Coupé.

Further up the range, the GL will take on the GLS nomenclature, denoting its upmarket positioning alongside the S-class. This model is even expected to sire a super-luxurious, long-wheelbase Mercedes-Maybach GLS model in the future, to take on the likes of the Bentley Falcon and the Extended Wheelbase Range Rover.

The renaming of the GLK, ML and GL will go into effect in 2015 with the launch of the new or facelifted models. Mercedes’ rugged off-roader, the G-class, however, will retain its name.

The SLK roadster will be renamed SLC when a fourth-generation model makes its debut. Like the G-class, however, Mercedes-Benz has decided to retain the iconic SL name for its larger and more expensive two-seat roadster, rather than adopting the logical SLS name.

“More clarity, more transparency, more consistency. The logic built up on the basis of the core model series will enable our customers to find their way round our growing product portfolio better,” said Jens Thiemer, head of marketing communications.

Thiemer also confirmed the pending arrival of the CLA Shooting Brake, which is planned to make a cameo appearance at the Detroit motor show in January prior to going on sale in international markets in the second quarter of 2015.

Along with the new model names, Mercedes-Benz is also introducing new designations for engine types to rid it of the overly complex suffixes it uses in some markets, including its ‘BlueEfficiency’ and ‘BlueTec Hybrid’ tags. In the future, the boot lids of Mercedes-Benz models will get BMW-like lower case letters indicating the type of engine used: ‘c’ for CNG (previously Natural Gas Drive), ‘d’ for diesel (previously CDI and BlueTec); ‘e’ for electric (previously Plug-in Hybrid, BlueTec Plug-In Hybrid and Electric Drive); ‘f’ for fuel cell (previously F-Cell); ‘h’ for hybrid (previously Hybrid and BlueTec Hybrid). Petrol models will not carry any suffix beyond the number; for example, the new C-class petrol launching in India this month will simply be called C 200.