Photo: Daimler AG/ Image Edited by autoevolution
If we had gotten a penny for each time that someone has become confused in recent years with the model designation at Mercedes-Benz, we would probably have a disgustingly large amount of pennies.
We are not only talking the ways in which the Stuttgart bean counters have somewhat recently decided to market the difference between more than two car variants – such as a model with a two-liter engine that comes in various stages of power – but also about how Mercedes-Benz's own internal code names for every car model they manufacture.
Back in the day, almost every model wearing a three-pointed star had a name that consisted of one, two or even three letters and a three digit number to it.
This made identifying cars rather easily, as both the letters and the numbers actually stood for something, but during the last couple of decades the nomenclature has changed as dramatically as the Mercedes-Benz model lineup.
For example, the numbers always translated into the engine's displacement, with models like the C 180 having a 1.8-liter engine, as opposed to the E 500, which had to make ends meet with a 5.0-liter V8.
Even though most Mercedes-Benz cars in the current range are also identified by numbers and letters, not all of them stand for the same things that they used to in the past.
With the advent of turbocharging on a large scale - Mercedes-Benz only has four naturally-aspirated engines left in its lineup – certain engines became available with various outputs for different car models, and in the interest of cost reduction the Germans decided to benefit from this.
How to name a car that largely has the same engine but with different power outputs depending on version, you ask? Simple, just think of the current nomenclature as being filled with symbols – or avatars, of you like - not something that should be taken for granted.
For example, the current Mercedes-Benz C 180 no longer has a 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated engine, but a turbocharged 1.6-liter with a power output that resembles that of the N/A 1.8-liter. The Mercedes-Benz E 500 doesn't have a five-liter engine anymore, but a twin-turbocharged 4.7 liter V8 with the power output that a N/A 5.0-liter would be capable of.
To go even deeper in this rather strange maze of names, AMG models only use two numbers instead of three, but the basic facts remain the same. For example, the bonkers A 45 AMG has a turbocharged two-liter four-cylinder that Mercedes-Benz believes has a similar power output with a 4.5-liter V8, hence the “45” in its name.
The internal naming scheme is even more confusing for most people and it has pretty much pushed us to create the following guide, which we think that will come in handy for some Mercedes-Benz aficionados out there.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
As the compact model is the smallest car in the lineup, it was only natural that Mercedes-Benz baptized it with the first letter of the alphabet. The current generation is internally code named W176, with the “W” signifying that we are talking about a four or five door passenger car.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Following in the footsteps of its little brother as far as its naming procedure is concerned, the B-Class compact MPV is the second smallest car in the lineup. The current model's internal code name is W246.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
This is where the internal code name procedure becomes a bit more complicated. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is internally named W205, while the recently-unveiled C-Class T-Modell (Touring Modell, Estate or Wagon, depending on country) is code named S205, with Mercedes-Benz using “S” followed by three numbers to signify the station wagon variant of any given model.
So far, only in China we can find the C-Class Long, which is internally codenamed V205, as Mercedes-Benz uses the letter “V” followed by three numbers to symbolize a variant of the model with a slightly longer wheelbase.
In a couple of years, the C-Class model range will expand though, with the upcoming C-Class Coupe to receive the C205 internal code name (“C” obviously stands for coupe), while the C-Class Cabriolet will get the A205 moniker internally, as Mercedes-Benz uses the letter “A” followed by three numbers to symbolize the convertible version of any given model.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Just like the C-Class will do in the future, the current generation of the larger Mercedes-Benz E-Class consists of more than one model. The current E-Class sedan is named W212 internally, while its station wagon variant gets the S212 moniker.
Just like the C-Class Long, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Long is only manufactured for China, where it gets its own internal codename in the form of the V212.
The E-Class Coupe, on the other hand, isn't codenamed C212 as it would be logical for some people, but C207. This is because it is based more on the previous generation of the C-Class (W204) platform than on the car which shares part of its name, so it has its own special code name.
We find the same story with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio, which is internally named A207 and not A212, despite also sporting the E-Class badge.
It is also worth mentioning that a few decades ago, “E” used to stand for “einspritzung”, which is German for “injection”.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The “S” in S-Class originally came from “Sonder Klasse”, which is German for “Special Class”, since the big luxury sedan has always been the cherry on top in the Mercedes-Benz model range.
Just like its smaller brothers, the current Mercedes-Benz S-Class will consist an entire family of models with various body types.
The short wheelbase S-Class and when talking in general about the current generation is internally codenamed W222, while the S-Class Long is sporting the V222 moniker for obvious reasons.
Its gorgeous coupe brother, the S-Class Coupe, is codenamed C217, while its future convertible variant will have the A217 internal codename.
What about the upcoming S-Class Maybach and S-Class Pullman, you ask? Well, here it gets a bit trickier, as both will essentially be S-Class models with longer wheelbases, and the V222 codename is already taken.
Traditionally, Pullman models with extra-long wheelbases have been codenamed VF-something internally, meaning that the future S-Class Pullman will referred inside Mercedes-Benz as the VF222.
The S-Class Maybach, which is set to be unveiled later this year, will follow a weirder codename convention, as Mercedes-Benz sees it as a crossover between the Pullman and the regular S-Class. With that being said, internal code names for crossovers at Mercedes-Benz begin with “X”, so the S-Class Maybach will be the X222.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Based on the Mercedes-Benz MFA (Modular Front-wheel drive Architecture) platform, just like the A-Class, B-Class and the GLA, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is marketed as a four-door coupe – which kind of makes it appropriate for it to sport the C117 internal code name. Yeah, we find it a bit odd as well.
Mercedes-Benz CLS
Just like its smaller brother, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is marketed as a four-door coupe, which makes its internal code name C218. The CLS Shooting Brake, on the other hand, is a crossover in Mercedes-Benz-speak, so it sports the X218 internal moniker.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
With a history spanning three and a half decades of continuous production and counting, the legendary Gelandewagen is called W463 internally, while the decadent G 63 AMG 6x6 should sport the X463 code name, albeit it is unconfirmed.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Now at its third generation, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class is code named W166, sharing it platform and part of its internal moniker with the seven-seat GL-Class.
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Even though it is built on a stretched Mercedes-Benz M-Class architecture, the GL-Class is not seen as the same type of car as its smaller brother by the Stuttgart brand. With that being said, the GL-Class is internally code named X166, just like a crossover.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
The smallest and also youngest member of the Mercedes-Benz crossover/SUV lineup, the GLA is based on the highly-successful MFA (Modular Front-wheel drive Architecture) platform. It is known internally as the X156.
Mercedes-Benz GLK
Based on the previous generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class platform (W204), the GLK is nearing the end of its production, with an all-new model to take its place in 2015. Because of that, the current model is code named X204.
Mercedes-Benz SLK
The third generation of the smallest roadster in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the SLK is still faithful to the element that the car actually introduced on a large scale, the retractable hard top. Its internal code name is R172, with the “R” obviously coming from “roadster”.
Mercedes-Benz SL
Sporting the longest-running and uninterrupted name plate in the Mercedes-Benz range, the SL Roadster is just like SLK, both a coupe and a roadster. Its internal code name is R231.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
With just a few months until it goes out of production, the SLS AMG is seen by many as the modern Gullwing. As it was developed as a sports coupe from the beginning, it is known internally as the C197.
In the end, you should probably return to this naming guide from time to time, as we plan to update it as soon as new Mercedes-Benz models appear and others go out of production. With that being said, you can now consider yourself an expert into the way in which the three-pointed star manufacturer calls all its current passenger cars internally.
Back in the day, almost every model wearing a three-pointed star had a name that consisted of one, two or even three letters and a three digit number to it.
This made identifying cars rather easily, as both the letters and the numbers actually stood for something, but during the last couple of decades the nomenclature has changed as dramatically as the Mercedes-Benz model lineup.
For example, the numbers always translated into the engine's displacement, with models like the C 180 having a 1.8-liter engine, as opposed to the E 500, which had to make ends meet with a 5.0-liter V8.
Even though most Mercedes-Benz cars in the current range are also identified by numbers and letters, not all of them stand for the same things that they used to in the past.
With the advent of turbocharging on a large scale - Mercedes-Benz only has four naturally-aspirated engines left in its lineup – certain engines became available with various outputs for different car models, and in the interest of cost reduction the Germans decided to benefit from this.
How to name a car that largely has the same engine but with different power outputs depending on version, you ask? Simple, just think of the current nomenclature as being filled with symbols – or avatars, of you like - not something that should be taken for granted.
For example, the current Mercedes-Benz C 180 no longer has a 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated engine, but a turbocharged 1.6-liter with a power output that resembles that of the N/A 1.8-liter. The Mercedes-Benz E 500 doesn't have a five-liter engine anymore, but a twin-turbocharged 4.7 liter V8 with the power output that a N/A 5.0-liter would be capable of.
To go even deeper in this rather strange maze of names, AMG models only use two numbers instead of three, but the basic facts remain the same. For example, the bonkers A 45 AMG has a turbocharged two-liter four-cylinder that Mercedes-Benz believes has a similar power output with a 4.5-liter V8, hence the “45” in its name.
The internal naming scheme is even more confusing for most people and it has pretty much pushed us to create the following guide, which we think that will come in handy for some Mercedes-Benz aficionados out there.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
As the compact model is the smallest car in the lineup, it was only natural that Mercedes-Benz baptized it with the first letter of the alphabet. The current generation is internally code named W176, with the “W” signifying that we are talking about a four or five door passenger car.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Following in the footsteps of its little brother as far as its naming procedure is concerned, the B-Class compact MPV is the second smallest car in the lineup. The current model's internal code name is W246.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
This is where the internal code name procedure becomes a bit more complicated. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is internally named W205, while the recently-unveiled C-Class T-Modell (Touring Modell, Estate or Wagon, depending on country) is code named S205, with Mercedes-Benz using “S” followed by three numbers to signify the station wagon variant of any given model.
So far, only in China we can find the C-Class Long, which is internally codenamed V205, as Mercedes-Benz uses the letter “V” followed by three numbers to symbolize a variant of the model with a slightly longer wheelbase.
In a couple of years, the C-Class model range will expand though, with the upcoming C-Class Coupe to receive the C205 internal code name (“C” obviously stands for coupe), while the C-Class Cabriolet will get the A205 moniker internally, as Mercedes-Benz uses the letter “A” followed by three numbers to symbolize the convertible version of any given model.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Just like the C-Class will do in the future, the current generation of the larger Mercedes-Benz E-Class consists of more than one model. The current E-Class sedan is named W212 internally, while its station wagon variant gets the S212 moniker.
Just like the C-Class Long, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Long is only manufactured for China, where it gets its own internal codename in the form of the V212.
The E-Class Coupe, on the other hand, isn't codenamed C212 as it would be logical for some people, but C207. This is because it is based more on the previous generation of the C-Class (W204) platform than on the car which shares part of its name, so it has its own special code name.
We find the same story with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio, which is internally named A207 and not A212, despite also sporting the E-Class badge.
It is also worth mentioning that a few decades ago, “E” used to stand for “einspritzung”, which is German for “injection”.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The “S” in S-Class originally came from “Sonder Klasse”, which is German for “Special Class”, since the big luxury sedan has always been the cherry on top in the Mercedes-Benz model range.
Just like its smaller brothers, the current Mercedes-Benz S-Class will consist an entire family of models with various body types.
The short wheelbase S-Class and when talking in general about the current generation is internally codenamed W222, while the S-Class Long is sporting the V222 moniker for obvious reasons.
Its gorgeous coupe brother, the S-Class Coupe, is codenamed C217, while its future convertible variant will have the A217 internal codename.
What about the upcoming S-Class Maybach and S-Class Pullman, you ask? Well, here it gets a bit trickier, as both will essentially be S-Class models with longer wheelbases, and the V222 codename is already taken.
Traditionally, Pullman models with extra-long wheelbases have been codenamed VF-something internally, meaning that the future S-Class Pullman will referred inside Mercedes-Benz as the VF222.
The S-Class Maybach, which is set to be unveiled later this year, will follow a weirder codename convention, as Mercedes-Benz sees it as a crossover between the Pullman and the regular S-Class. With that being said, internal code names for crossovers at Mercedes-Benz begin with “X”, so the S-Class Maybach will be the X222.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Based on the Mercedes-Benz MFA (Modular Front-wheel drive Architecture) platform, just like the A-Class, B-Class and the GLA, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is marketed as a four-door coupe – which kind of makes it appropriate for it to sport the C117 internal code name. Yeah, we find it a bit odd as well.
Mercedes-Benz CLS
Just like its smaller brother, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is marketed as a four-door coupe, which makes its internal code name C218. The CLS Shooting Brake, on the other hand, is a crossover in Mercedes-Benz-speak, so it sports the X218 internal moniker.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
With a history spanning three and a half decades of continuous production and counting, the legendary Gelandewagen is called W463 internally, while the decadent G 63 AMG 6x6 should sport the X463 code name, albeit it is unconfirmed.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Now at its third generation, the Mercedes-Benz M-Class is code named W166, sharing it platform and part of its internal moniker with the seven-seat GL-Class.
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Even though it is built on a stretched Mercedes-Benz M-Class architecture, the GL-Class is not seen as the same type of car as its smaller brother by the Stuttgart brand. With that being said, the GL-Class is internally code named X166, just like a crossover.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
The smallest and also youngest member of the Mercedes-Benz crossover/SUV lineup, the GLA is based on the highly-successful MFA (Modular Front-wheel drive Architecture) platform. It is known internally as the X156.
Mercedes-Benz GLK
Based on the previous generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class platform (W204), the GLK is nearing the end of its production, with an all-new model to take its place in 2015. Because of that, the current model is code named X204.
Mercedes-Benz SLK
The third generation of the smallest roadster in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the SLK is still faithful to the element that the car actually introduced on a large scale, the retractable hard top. Its internal code name is R172, with the “R” obviously coming from “roadster”.
Mercedes-Benz SL
Sporting the longest-running and uninterrupted name plate in the Mercedes-Benz range, the SL Roadster is just like SLK, both a coupe and a roadster. Its internal code name is R231.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
With just a few months until it goes out of production, the SLS AMG is seen by many as the modern Gullwing. As it was developed as a sports coupe from the beginning, it is known internally as the C197.
Mercedes-Benz V-Class
The largest member of the Mercedes-Benz passenger lineup, the all-new V-Class hasn't revealed its internal code name yet, but insider sources speak about both a W640 and W447 internal moniker. We suspect it is the former.In the end, you should probably return to this naming guide from time to time, as we plan to update it as soon as new Mercedes-Benz models appear and others go out of production. With that being said, you can now consider yourself an expert into the way in which the three-pointed star manufacturer calls all its current passenger cars internally.
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