What are Mercedes Benz classes
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Mercedes-Benz: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Car Models
Introduction to Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is one of the world’s largest and most popular vehicle manufacturers, with a history spanning almost a century. The brand is renowned for producing some of the most luxurious road cars alongside commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks. However, this article will primarily focus on their passenger car division, which boasts an extensive lineup of models categorized as “Classes” similar to how BMW categorizes its models as “Series.”
Understanding the Class System
Each Class is prefixed with between one to three letters, for example:
With over two dozen different models available, this Class system helps identify and categorize each individual model within the Mercedes-Benz family hierarchy. The most vital models include the:
These five models constitute the ‘Core models’ in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, which lays the foundation for various other vehicle types sold by the brand, including its highly successful SUVs such as the mid-size GLE-Class and the full-size GLS-Class. Both models share a common monocoque platform with slight modifications.
Popular SUV Models
Among the most famous and expensive SUVs is the G-Class, known colloquially as the G-Wagon. The “G” in GLE, GLS, and G-Class stands for “off-road vehicle,” or “Gelandewagen” in German. Other notable models include:
These crossover SUVs share their underpinnings with the core models, specifically the A-Class hatchback and the C-Class sedan, respectively.
Four-Door Coupes and Roadsters
Next, we have the stunning CLA-Class and CLS-Class, which are part of Mercedes-Benz's category of four-door coupes. The CLA borrows its platform from the A-Class, while the larger CLS shares its underpinnings with the S-Class sedan.
For the final category, Mercedes-Benz offers beautiful Roadsters such as the SLC-Class and SL-Class. The SLC-Class utilizes the C-Class platform, while the SL-Class is built on the S-Class’s underpinnings. The flagship S-Class sedan is termed “Sonderklasse,” translating to “special class” in German, and is recognized as one of the best-selling luxury cars globally, also serving as a benchmark for other luxury vehicles.
Quirks of the Class System
Although the Class system is well-organized, it has its quirks. Historically, the “C” in C-Class (not referring to the sedan) denoted Coupe or Cabriolet. Examples include the former CL-Class Coupe and the CLK-Class Cabriolet. The CL-Class has been replaced by the grand S-Class Coupe, while the CLK was succeeded by the E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet in the mid-2000s.
The only modern-day Mercedes-Benz model that deviates from the Class structure is the X-Class. This pickup truck shares its chassis with the Nissan Navara, but Mercedes-Benz claims it is the world’s first “premium” pickup truck, a statement that can be debated if the GMC Sierra Denali is considered.
