Mercedes-Benz has a grand plan for the near future, with no less than 11 all-new models in the pipeline, all of which has no existing predecessor such as the C-Class Cabriolet and GLE Coupe. This presents a new problem – what to name them? To that end, the carmaker has announced an updated naming convention (or nomenclature, if you must) for its entire model range that is simpler and easier to understand.
The new system centres around the five core models – A-, B-, C-, E- and S-Class -which thankfully, are left unchanged. From now on, all SUV models (apart from the G-Class which stays as is) will start with the letters GL, followed by the core model to which it is most closely related. In simpler terms, the A-Class-based SUV is known as the GLA, and the ML, which is technically related to the E-Class, will be rebadged as the GLE.
This convention is carried over to Mercedes-Benz’s roadster range too. The SLK is deemed to be related to the C-Class, and thus will be called the SLC. Like the G-Class, the flagship SL roadster will retain its iconic name – it couldn’t possibly be called the SLS, can it? Mercedes says the name changes will be implemented in 2015, except for the SLK/SLC switch, which will only come into effect in 2016.
At the same time, engine technology-related designations have been given a complete overhaul as well. Starting next year, all diesel models will have a ‘d’ suffix attached to it (i.e., C 200 d instead of C 200 BlueTEC). Likewise, hybrid models will carry an ‘h’ suffix, regardless of whether it has a petrol or diesel (currently badged BlueTEC Hybrid) engine. You can refer to the images above for the full list of changes, and yes, we are confused too.
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Isn’t this yesterday’s news? literally
Why don’t Mercedes is name the model by Ah Pek 1, Ah Pek 2, Pak Cik A, Pak Cik B, Uncle C etc……this is much easier to recognise.
you got no taste at all, most of the latest models of mercedes are suitable for young adults or even youngster too.
keep sleeping brah, keep sleeping.
Proton naming lagi best, core model series:
S – Suprimau
P – Pervert
B – Banana
Finally a much easier to understand model names, especially for the SUVs
Thanks for the heads up, so we will see the C220d match with the 320d hehe
Oh and one more thing I sure wanna see the GLC come here since right hand drive is available now to be able to compete with the X3 and Q5. That segment needs some competition to get the spec list flowing…
What confusing? It’s actually way easier.
Nice streamlining they did there. Now they don’t really have to scratch their heads to come up with new names and we don’t have to scratch ours trying to figure out their model list, except for outliers like the V-class (van class? lol) but those models aren’t exactly as hot as their other cars.
thumbs up for Benz .
s-klasse….s for semi value
S for semi-d. C for condo
so B for bungalow….M for Mansion…
Proton should learn how to name their cars
So… the coming E300 Diesel Bluetec Hybrid will be E300dh or E300hd?
h…..just h. ok?
I am hoping our local boys (proton and perodua) would have such a good naming convention as well. What they have right now are out of this world.
Oh no… not the SLK… it’s supposed to be
‘Sportlich, Leicht und Kurz’ in German…
Mercedes should have a Sesame street episode dedicated to this new alphabets. Elmo, Big Bird and gang will sing A for A-class, B for B-class , so on so forth…
That way it’s easier to learn our ABC of Mercedes =)
Well, if you find this confusing, wait when these letters followed by numbers.
As for me, I lost count (and interest) after CLK. Remember CLC?