The new nomenclature has been made to simplify the product lineup for the future as close to 30 new models will be added to the Mercedes portfolio by 2020.
With growing models and a new sub-segments emerging, it has certainly become difficult to keep track of the existing model range from a lot of manufacturers. Apparently, manufacturers too are finding it difficult to do the same and in the process have rather simplified its naming scheme for the current and upcoming models that not only offer better differentiation, but will also allow future expansion if new models are added. While Audi was the first to resort the new nomenclature technique earlier this year, it is now their rival Mercedes-Benz that has revealed its new nomenclature for the entire model range as well as the engines.
The move witnesses a major revision of names to some new as well as established models, but was necessary as Mercedes plans to expand its current product range with 30 new models globally that will be added to the lineup by 2020 with at least 11 models expected to be completely new. For different body styles, variants and powertrains, the new move simplifies the process and will certainly be easier than the existing nomenclature. Formulated around the 5 core model series namely A, B, C, E and S, the model designation will be an acronym made of one and three upper case letters, while the third letter will indicate the relationship with the model series. Simplifying the process, here is how the model range will be christened.
GL-Class SUVs – In the case of SUVs, all models will now carry the ‘GL’ letters to the name with the letter G being a tribute to the legendary G-Class, while the letter L is the link between the model designations that makes it easy to remember and pronounce. As a result, the next generation GLK will now be called GLC (based on the C-Class), while the ML-Class has been changed to GLE (for the E-Class). The grandiose GL SUV has now been renamed GLS (for the S-Class). Mercedes has already started using this new naming technique with the GLA class (based on the A-Class) this year. While the other models get the name changes, the flagship and iconic G-Class will retain its existing name. The company will continue to use the ‘4MATIC’ moniker for its All-Wheel Drive versions.
CL-Class 4-Door Coupes – All four-door coupes will follow the new nomenclature and will have the first two letters CL added to their name as seen on the CLA and the CLS models. This also extends to the different variants of these models including the CLA Shooting Brake and CLS Shooting Brake versions.
SL-Class Roadsters – All Roadsters in Mercedes’ lineup will now be christened with the ‘SL’ letters starting from 2016, deriving their lineage from the flagship SL roadster. Therefore, the SLK has now been christened to SLC (for the C-Class), whereas the SL Roadster continues with existing name and does not get an additional third letter in the end.
Engines – With a multitude of powertrains on offer, Mercedes has downsized the engine naming scheme that will feature on the boot-lid or tail gate of the vehicle. The nomenclature uses lower-case letters for engine designation; so, ‘c’ stands for ‘Compressed Natural Gas’, while ‘d’ stands for ‘diesel’ which replaces the BlueTEC or CDI monikers seen on the current range.
The electric vehicles get the ‘e’ badge instead of PLUG-IN HYBRID, BlueTEC PLUG-IN HYBRID and Electric Drive; while ‘f’ stands for fuel cell instead of the F-Cell seen currently. For the hybrid versions, the models get a simple ‘h’ replacing the terms HYBRID and BlueTEC HYBRID seen currently. The company has not revealed a special suffix for the petrol models though.
