Mercedes SUVs may get new nomenclature

Mercedes is planning to change the way its SUV models are named. The move is aimed at centering the nomenclature on its key C-, E- and S-class badges.

Among the changes, which are yet to be officially confirmed, is a renaming of the upcoming second-generation GLK in the international markets, which will wear GLC badges when it is revealed in 2015, according to sources close to the German car maker. The new name, first used on the concept GLC coupé revealed at the Beijing motor show in April, is meant to align the GLK with the C-class in the same way the smaller GLA is tied to the A-class.

Mercedes also plans to abandon the long-established M-class name for an all-new GLE nomenclature when the facelifted version is revealed internationally early next year. As well as appearing on the facelifted version of the M-class, the GLE name is also planned to appear on the production version of the concept GLC Coupe, which will carry the name GLE Coupe into production.

Further up the ladder, the GL is set to receive a new GLS name, positioning it as the S-class of the Mercedes SUV line-up.