Mercedes-Benz has just announced that they are overhauling the names and nomenclature used to identify their vehicles as they prepare for the launch of 30 models, including 11 all-new vehicles, by 2020. Along with the new models planned, Mercedes said the changes are being made as the company prepares to introduce new body variants and drive systems.
“This results in an increasingly complex situation when it comes to naming the models,” the company said.
The new nameplates will begin to appear next year when Mercedes will launch either redesigned or freshened version of all of its crossovers and SUVs.
“After more than 20 years of continuity involving some of the most recognized and successful product names in the world, we are now making our system of vehicle nomenclature even more understandable,” the company said.
The new nomenclature is a “simpler, more transparent and more logical system for the designations of our model series, with the aim of providing clear orientation for our customers,” Jens Thiemer, head of Mercedes brand marketing communication, said in the statement.
Mercedes will have five core models — A, B, C, E and S.
All crossovers will have a GL in their name “in a tribute to the legendary G class,” the company said.
The letter that follows will indicate the vehicle’s size, similar to the way the company has differentiated its sedans through the years.
- The compact GLA keeps its name and is short for the GL A-class
- The compact GLK will be renamed GLC for the GL C-class
- The midsize M-class becomes the GLE for the GL E-class
- The all-new midsize coupe based on the current ML becomes the GLE coupe
- The full-sized GL becomes the GLS for the GL S-class
- The G will remain the same.
The company’s four-door passenger cars with coupe-like styling will all have CL as the first two letters in their names. The third letter will refer to the size related to the core models.
