Mercedes model series overview - interesting facts about the Mercedes model designations

You are looking for a Mercedes series overview? Here you will learn interesting facts about the sales designations, internal Mercedes model designations and their meaning. To begin with, all Mercedes Benz vehicles are distinguished solely by their model designation. After the merger of Benz & Cie. and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft to form Daimler-Benz AG in 1926, a further distinction became necessary. Initially, the internal designation "W" (stands for wagon) and a subsequent combination of numbers is ordered numerically with W 01, W 02 and so on.

Mercedes model series overview - what does the internal model series number mean?

After the Second World War, all Mercedes car models are given an internal model number. On the one hand, this is composed of the following abbreviation of the body style and a three-digit vehicle code. Initially also numerically ordered, it later becomes somewhat unsystematic. For example, the W110 is the successor model to the W120.

W = sedan (wagon)
S = Station wagon (station wagon)
R = Roadster
C = Coupé
A = Autocabriolet (Cabriolet)
V = Extended sedan
F = Chassis
VF= Extended chassis
VV= Pullman-Limousine
X and Z = Special bodies e.g. off-road vehicle, SUV, Shooting Brake, Maybach
T = Tourer
N = Series with alternative drive

Mercedes Benz series - what do the numbers and letters in the sales designation mean?

The sales designation of a Mercedes passenger car usually contains a three-digit number and represents an approximate tenth of the engine capacity measured in cm³. For example, a "Mercedes 200", often called a "200" or "200-Mercedes", has an engine with a displacement of around 2,000 cm³. There are several capital letters for the sales designation, which on the one hand more closely designate the motor and on the other hand the design.

Designation of the motors

D = Diesel engine
E = Injection (gasoline engine with intake manifold injection or gasoline direct injection)
e = Electric drive
h = Hybrid drive
K = Compressor (SSK), in newer models also written out as "compressor
CDI = Common Rail Direct Injection (diesel engine with common rail injection)
CGI = Stratified Charged Gasoline Injection (gasoline engine with gasoline direct injection)
NGD = Natural Gas Drive (drive with compressed natural gas (CNG))
NGT = Natural Gas Technology (drive with compressed natural gas (CNG))

Designation of the types

C = Coupe
T = T-Model (Transport & Tourism, Station Wagon)
L = extended wheelbase
S = S-Class (originally Special Class)
SL = Sport-Light
SLC = Sport Light Coupé
SLK = Sport-Light-Short
SLR = Sports Light Racing
SLS = Sport Light Super

MB series - what do the class designations mean?

From 1993 Daimler-Benz introduces a new model designation. From now on, the car company will divide its models into classes. The first class is the E-Class. Here, first the class, then the engine capacity and finally any additive such as "L" for long version or "D" for diesel are mentioned. Further follow:

Mercedes-Benz A-Class (small car)
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (mid-size, also available as a T-model)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (upper mid-range, also available as a T-model)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (luxury class, also available with extended wheelbase)

The S-Class is an exception here, it was already in use many years before the introduction of the above class designations

Examples for the sales designation

An illustrative example of the sales designation is the Mercedes 300E. This stands for a Mercedes Benz passenger car model with 3.0 liter displacement and fuel injection engine of the model series W 124, a model of the W126 (S-Class) with the same engine is called 300 SE.

A Mercedes W 126 that uses a diesel engine is designated 300 SD. A 300 SEL is a 3.0-liter S-Class (S) vehicle with a fuel-injected engine (E) and extended wheelbase (L).

In contrast to the inner Mercedes model series overview, the sales designation can be used to deduce whether it is a small car, a mid-range car or a luxury model. Also recognizable are the size of the displacement and the design.

Mercedes Model Series - The Diverse and Growing Model Range

The Mercedes model ranges consist of an extensive selection of vehicles that meet different consumer needs and preferences. From sedans to coupes and roadsters to SUVs, there is a model for every taste. Mercedes-Benz is currently expanding its model ranges to include hybrid vehicles. Combining an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, these modern vehicles offer an efficient and low-emission ride. The integration of hybrid technology into the model range demonstrates Mercedes-Benz's commitment to sustainable innovation.

In addition to hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles are also being added to the Mercedes model ranges to meet the increasing demands for environmentally friendly mobility. Each Mercedes model line offers unique features, but all share the Group's commitment to innovative technology, high-quality craftsmanship and a premium driving experience. Whether a compact city car, a luxurious sedan, a powerful SUV, or classic classic car, Mercedes-Benz is sure to have the right model for its customers!