Mercedes-Benz Changes Vehicle Nomenclature
Mercedes-Benz is following suit of Infiniti and Cadiliac and changing the way they name their vehicles to make it less confusing for customers.

The new Mercedes-Benz nomenclature is broken down in the above illustration. Photo via Mercedes-Benz.

The new Mercedes-Benz nomenclature is broken down in the above illustration. Photo via Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz is following the announcements from Infiniti and Cadillac by changing the way they name their vehicles to make it less confusing for customers, the luxury automaker announced.
The changes come ahead of a planned release of new SUV model range for 2015, Mercedes-Benz USA announced in a press release. In addition to renaming SUVs, Mercedes-Benz will begin adding lower-case letters designating alternative-fuel vehicles as it begins a roll-out of 10 of those between now and 2017.
Under the new naming convention, the compact, mid-size and large luxury SUVs will now start with a G. The letter that follows will describe the vehicle's size. The large GL three-row SUV becomes the GLS; the mid-size ML two-row SUV becomes the GLE; and the compact GLK becomes the GLC.
Additionally, the four-door SLK coupe will become the SLC.
Mercedes-Benz is also renaming it’s alternative fuel vehicles. The diesels will no longer be called BlueTec but will include a simple, lower-case "d" after the names. Hybrids will get an "h," hydrogen fuel cells will get an "f," and electrics will get an "e."
The names of the SL roadster and G SUV remain unchanged.
The company also announced the return of the Maybach name. The Mercedes-Maybach will be unveiled at the L.A. Auto Show, and is expected to sell well in China, the U.S., Russia, and Japan, according to a Reuters report.
More Remarketing

Used Vehicle Prices Climb Higher As Sales Pace Slows
The higher prices at used retail reflect strong wholesale values earlier in the spring, particularly for older, more affordable vehicles.
Read More →
Wholesale Used Vehicle Market Sustains Moderate Rise In Values, Prices
Trends continue to normalize after a strong start to the year, as consumers contend with higher gas prices in the coming summer months.
Read More →
Commercial Fleet Sales Still Lead Sectors Despite May Mini Dip
The U.S. economy's continued growth and positive business investment are creating a favorable environment for fleet vehicle demand.
Read More →
How Connected Vehicle Data Is Lifting Fleet Resale Values
A vehicle health score could improve the value of fleet vehicles at remarketing. The path to a universal standard is forming, and fleets that understand the process early will be better positioned when it arrives.
Read More →
Wholesale Used Vehicle Prices Slightly Up In April
The Iranian conflict and rising gas prices inject much uncertainty into the future wholesale used vehicle markets, as higher gas prices soak up spendable income from vehicle buyers.
Read More →
CAR2026: James McKinley Wins Value Champion of the Year
James McKinley of City Rent a Truck was named the inaugural Fleet Value Champion at the CAR Conference for his data-driven approach to fleet lifecycle management and vehicle remarketing.
Read More →
CAR2026: Eric Autenrieth Wins Remarketer of the Year
Eric Autenrieth was recognized at this year's CAR Conference as the Remarketer of the Year.
Read More →
CAR2026: Lawrence Knapp Wins Consignor of the Year
Lawrence Knapp won the Cosigner of the Year award at this year's CAR Conference.
Read More →
2026 CAR Awards Celebrate Industry Excellence
CAR’s annual Fleet Remarketing Awards opened a reimagined 2026 conference designed to bridge the worlds of fleet management and automotive remarketing.
Read More →
Inside the CAR2026 Awards: Leaders, Legacy & What’s Next
Here's a look inside the awards ceremony at the CAR Conference, where industry leaders reflected on the growth, impact, and future of automotive remarketing.
Read More →