Whether you love Mercedes-Benz vehicles for their performance, luxury, or timeless style, you've probably noticed that their models follow a predictable, if somewhat mysterious, naming convention. If you've ever wondered how Mercedes-Benz names their vehicles, read on—the team at Fletcher Jones Automotive Group has compiled this explainer to help you make sense of the model names and numbers in our new vehicle lineup.
Mercedes-Benz has six core models that will always show up in a model name—though the B Class is not available in North America. That leaves five core models of various sizes and capabilities, which we'll discuss below.
To modify these core model letters and provide more information to San Diego drivers, Mercedes-Benz adds prefixes depending on the vehicle's build style:
GL: SUV models like GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, and GLS
CL: Four-door coupes, including the CLA and CLS
SL: Roadster vehicles like the SL Roadster
EQ: Mercedes-Benz All-Electric vehicles, including the EQB, EQE, and EQS sedans and SUVs
The core model names designating sedans and coupes in the Mercedes-Benz lineup are A, C, E, and S:
A-Class: A subcompact luxury sedan or hatchback
C-Class: A compact luxury sedan, coupe, or cabriolet
E-Class: A midsize luxury sedan, coupe, or cabriolet
S-Class: A full-size luxury sedan, coupe, or cabriolet
As you can see, each model increases in size, power, and features, from the A-Class to the top-of-the-line S-Class.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class, also known as the G-Wagen, is a masterclass in design, power, and off-roading fun. It proved so successful that Mercedes-Benz named all the SUVs they built afterward with GL, in tribute to this flagship SUV:
G-Class: Mercedes-Benz's flagship luxury off-road SUV
Finally, you might see the letters AMG® gracing the names of some models in our lineup. AMG stands for Aufecht, Melcher, and Großaspach—the two engineers Aufecht and Melcher who designed the legendary engine that bears their name, and the birth city of Aufecht, Großaspach. If you see AMG® in a Mercedes-Benz name, you can trust that it will provide heart-pounding performance on every Orange County trip.
No matter what you're looking for, there's a Mercedes-Benz model that fits your lifestyle perfectly. Peruse our new vehicle inventory to find the one you love, then contact our team to set up a test drive.
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