Mercedes Launches Two Divisions And Revises Its Model Names
For years, the logic underlying Mercedes-Benz model naming was fairly easy to understand. Then came a profusion of new models that complicated things, but it was mainly the process of reducing engine capacities in recent years that has generated the most confusion.
Whereas in the past, the model name indicated the engine capacity – ML350 for 3.5 litres – the recent engine changes and the switch to turbocharging have presented a difficult choice for the factory: change model names to reflect the reduced capacity, or keep the same names in order not to appear to be reducing engine size. Marketing rules, so the decision was made to keep the model names. For example, the AMG E 63 should have become the E 55 because its new 5.5 litre turbo engine replaced a 6.2 litre V8, but that did not happen. Eventually, confusion reigned, and the manufacturer decided to set things straight.
Mercedes-AMG
First, a Mercedes-AMG division was set up to take care of all the high-performance models. No more “Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG” or “Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG”; they now belong to a new family and will be called the Mercedes-AMG C 63 and the Mercedes-AMG SL 63. All clear now? The new entity will nevertheless remain a part of the Mercedes-Benz family, but will enjoy greater independence and will now go on to develop new models that are purely AMG, like the new 2016 GT.
Mercedes-Maybach
Mercedes is also back in the ultimate luxury market, and for the second time in a few years, the Maybach brand is being revived. As with AMG, Karl Benz’s name drops from view, and a new entity is being set up: Mercedes-Maybach. It will be responsible for the German maker’s most prestigious offerings, and the Mercedes-Maybach S600, introduced this week, will be the first to bear the name.
Classes
For the rest of the standard Mercedes-Benz range, there are a few changes. The cars are not greatly affected: the B, C, E and S classes remain, and the two four-door coupes, the CLA and the CLS, retain their CL identifier. All SUVs will now be dubbed GL, followed by a letter indicating their relationship to the car classes. For example, the GLK will become the GLC (corresponding to the C Class), the ML will become the GLE (for E Class) and the posh GL will become the GLS, as the SUV cousin of the S Class. In the end, everything does in fact become simpler.
Finally, there will be additional indicators in model names that refer to engine type. Diesels will lose the BlueTec tag, replaced by a simple letter “d”, hybrids will have an “h”, hydrogen fuel cell models will have an “f”, and electric-only vehicles will have an “e”.