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Mercedes-Benz produces a wide range of cars, from relatively affordable sub-compacts to opulent pleasure sedans for the uber-rich. The company names its vehicles efficiently – no faux-French flair required – with letters and numbers. That naming system, while sensible, can get a bit confusing for buyers.
There are GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, and GLS SUVs, none of which should be mistaken for the G-Class. That’s before you get to the multiple variations of each with different engine sizes, drivetrains and body styles. Essentially, letters found later in the alphabet denote larger, more expensive vehicles and larger numbers denote more powerful (and more costly) engines. For example, a GLA 250 is a smaller, lower-powered SUV than a GLS 580.
While in the past Mercedes-Benz model ‘numbers’ corresponded to their engine volumes (an E55 featured a 5.5-liter engine), that is no longer the case. Turbocharging and hybrid technology has advanced to the point where big horsepower can be derived from much smaller engines. An example below like the AMG E63 currently features a turbocharged 4.0-liter engine (and may get smaller in the future)
And so it’s obvious: the Mercedes-Benz lineup cries out for a helpful explainer, delineating all the different options and terms and what to expect. See below for a simplified guide.
Mercedes-Benz Sub-Brands
- EQ: Mercedes uses EQ branding for its electric vehicles.
- G: Mercedes has announced plans to break out the G-Class into its own sub-brand with a lineup of “G” vehicles.
- Mercedes-AMG: This is Mercedes’s high-performance division. AMG cars are typically sportier, more aggressively styled and more expensive than the standard models.
- Mercedes-Maybach: Mercedes revived the Maybach brand as a new luxury sub-brand. These vehicles are positioned at a much higher price point than typical Mercedes models.
- Mythos: Mercedes has announced a new Mythos lineup that will be top-of-the-line, ultra-exclusive collectors’ models. None are out yet as of December 2023.
Mercedes-Benz Terminology
- 4MATIC: All-wheel-drive
-
4MATIC+: All-wheel-drive on an AMG car
- Cabriolet: A four-seat convertible
- Coupe: A car with a sloping arch-like roofline. For Mercedes, this can be a two-door car, a four-door car or an SUV
- EQ Boost: Mild-hybrid system added to some turbocharged engines. An “electric auxiliary compressor” generates electric power as the turbocharger spools up to provide smooth acceleration
- Roadster: A two-seat convertible
The Complete Mercedes-Benz Buying Guide
Cars (Sedans, Coupes, Convertibles and Station Wagons)
C-Class
The C-Class is Mercedes’s compact car, available as a four-door sedan, two-door coupe or two-door convertible. The W206 generation debuted for the 2022 model year. A monstrous 671-horsepower C 63 S E Performance hybrid is coming for the 2024 model year.
Body Styles:
Models:
- C 300
- C 300 4MATIC
- AMG C 43
- AMG C 63 S (Coupe only)
Engines:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four hybrid
- 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six
- 4.0-liter turbocharged V8
Base MSRP: $46,950
CLA-Class
Mercedes-Benz
The second-generation CLA is Mercedes’s four-door, entry-level compact “coupe.” Mercedes describes it as having “show car shape with seductive details.” The second generation debuted for 2019 and, with the A-class entering the lineup, moved a bit up market. All three versions use the base 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-four. Two AMGs are on tap now: a CLA 35 making 302 hp and a CLA45 making 382 hp. All AMG CLAs are all-wheel-drive, but the 45 can be equipped with “drift mode” that turns off the front axle’s power.
Body Style:
Models:
- CLA 250
- CLA 250 4MATIC
- AMG CLA 35 4MATIC
- AMG CLA 45 4MATIC
Engines:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
Base MSRP: $43,200
READ OUR MERCEDES CLA-CLASS REVIEW
CLE-Class
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes essentially fused the C-Class Coupe and the E-Class Coupe into the all-new CLE Coupe, which will be available in early 2024. The aim is for it to be more luxurious than the C-Class Coupe and sportier than the E-Class Coupe, meeting the desires of both customers. It’s launching with four and six-cylinder powertrains in early 2024. A Cabriolet convertible will follow after the Coupe.
Body Style:
Models:
- CLE 350 4MATIC
- CLE 450 4MATIC
Engines:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
- 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six
Base MSRP: TBD
CLS-Class
Mercedes-Benz
The CLS is a sleek, sporty-looking four-door coupe. Mercedes describes it as having “lean, toned muscle.” The current third-gen model launched in 2018. The CLS employs 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine delivering 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque and comes with all-wheel drive. The CLS is departing the lineup for 2024.
Body Style:
Models:
Engines:
- 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six w/EQ Boost
Base MSRP: $76,500
READ OUR MERCEDES CLS-CLASS REVIEW
E-Class
Mercedes-Benz
The E-Class is Mercedes’s midsize car, a step up in both size and price from the C-Class. It’s all-new for the 2024 model year and available as a four-door sedan (four-cylinder and six-cylinder) or an all-terrain wagon (six-cylinder). All motors feature an integrated starter generator than can add around 20 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque.
Body Styles:
Models:
- E 350
- E 450
- E 450 4MATIC (Wagon)
Engines:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
- 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six
Base MSRP: TBD
READ OUR MERCEDES E-CLASS REVIEW
EQE
Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes EQE is a midsize luxury sedan, the electric counterpart to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The EQE is new for the 2023 model year. It’s available in both RWD and AWD, with the former version offering up to 305 miles of EPA range on a single charge. The top-tier Mercedes AMG EQE can get up to 677 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque with the AMG Dynamic Plus package and accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.2 seconds.
Body Style:
Models:
- EQE 350+
- EQE 350 4MATIC
- EQE 500 4MATIC
- AMG EQE
Engines:
- Single-motor RWD
- Dual-motor AWD
Base MSRP: $74,900
EQS
Mercedes-Benz
The EQS is Mercedes’s all-electric full-size sedan that debuted for the 2021 model year and runs on a dedicated EV platform. It comes in three versions: a 329 hp RWD EQS 450+, a 516 hp AWD EQS 580 4MATIC and an AMG EQS version with 658 continuous horsepower and up to 761 with launch control. The base model can deliver up to 350 miles of range per the EPA and has the lowest drag coefficient of any production car on sale today.
Body Style:
Models:
- EQS 450+
- EQS 580 4MATIC
- AMG EQS
Engines:
- Single-motor RWD
- Dual-motor AWD
Base MSRP: $104,400
S-Class
Mercedes-Benz
The S-Class is Mercedes’s flagship full-size sedan. It’s all-new for the 2021 model year and, as usual, it’s a technological tour de force. Coupe and cabriolet versions depart the lineup after 2021. Expect AMG versions and plug-in hybrids in the near future. For now, there are three options, each with 4MATIC AWD. There’s a six-cylinder S 500 with 429 hp, an eight-cylinder with 496 hp, and a luxurious Mercedes-Maybach version.
Body Style:
Models:
- S 500 4MATIC
- S 580 4MATIC
- S 580e 4MATIC
- Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC
- Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC
Engines:
- 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six
- 4.0-liter turbocharged V8
- 6.0-liter turbocharged V12
Base MSRP: $111,100
READ OUR MERCEDES S-CLASS REVIEW
AMG GT
Mercedes-Benz AG
The Mercedes AMG GT is a high-performance sports coupe that competes with the Porsche 911. Mercedes unveiled an all-new version for the 2024 model year. It’s currently available in two-door coupe form. But Mercedes has offered four-door and roadster versions in the past. The coupe comes in two V8 versions. The top model can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 196 mph.
Body Styles:
Engines:
- 4.0-liter turbocharged V8
Base MSRP: TBD
AMG SL Roadster
Will Sabel Courtney
Mercedes revived its SL Roadster for the 2022 model year. Unlike the outgoing SL, it’s more of a hard-edged sports car developed by AMG. It comes with two V8 versions that are AWD. The SL 43 AMG packs a 375-hp four-cylinder and strips away much of the performance tech to bring the cost down considerably.
Body Style:
Models:
- AMG SL 43 Roadster
- AMG SL 55 Roadster
- AMG SL 63 Roadster
Engines:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
- 4.0-liter turbocharged V8
Base MSRP: $109,900
READ OUR MERCEDES-AMG SL-CLASS REVIEW
SUVs and Crossovers
GLA-Class
Mercedes-Benz
The GLA-class is Mercedes’s smallest and most affordable luxury subcompact SUV. It’s sleeker than the boxy GLB with a sloping roofline. Mercedes revealed an updated GLA for the 2024 model year. It comes in front-wheel-drive GLA 250 and all-wheel-drive GLA 250 4MATIC versions. Both pack 221 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
Body Style:
Models:
Engines:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
Base MSRP: TBD
GLB-Class
Mercedes-Benz AG
The GLB is Mercedes’s boxy compact crossover, that slots between the GLA and GLC. Mercedes debuted a new version for the 2024 model year. It comes in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions and offers an optional third-row to seat seven passengers.
Body Style
Models:
Engines:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
Base MSRP: TBD
EQB SUV
Mercedes-Benz AG
The Mercedes EQB is a luxury compact electric crossover. It’s related to the GLB combustion SUV. The EQB 250+ is front-wheel-drive, cheaper and offers the most range (245 miles). You can level up to the EQB 350 4MATIC with 288 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. Like the GLB, the EQB offers a third row with up to 7 seats (though the back row is tight).
Body Style:
Models:
- EQB 250+ SUV
- EQB 300 4MATIC
- EQB 350 4MATIC
Engines:
- Single-motor FWD
- Dual-motor AWD
Base MSRP: $52,750
GLC-Class
Mercedes-Benz
The GLC is Mercedes’s compact mid-level SUV, equivalent to the C-Class on the sedan side. It is Mercedes’s best-selling passenger vehicle in the United States. It can be bought in a traditional SUV or SUV Coupe shape. AMG versions are coming, including an AMG GLC 63 model that packs 671 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque.
Body Styles:
SUV:
- GLC 300 (SUV only)
- GLC 300 4MATIC
Engines:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
Base MSRP: $47,100
READ OUR MERCEDES GLC-CLASS REVIEW
GLE-Class
Mercedes-Benz
The GLE is Mercedes’s mid-size luxury SUV, the SUV equivalent of the E-Class. It’s the direct descendant of Mercedes’s first luxury SUV in America, the M-Class. The current fourth generation debuted for 2019. Mercedes offers you a lot of options. You can get a GLE with inline-four, inline-six and V8 engines. It can be fitted with either five or seven seats. There’s a base GLE 350 offered in RWD. You can also get a swoopy SUV Coupe roofline on the AMG models.
Body Styles:
Models:
- GLE 350
- GLE 350 4MATIC
- GLE 450 4MATIC
- GLE 580 4MATIC
- AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ (SUV/Coupe)
- AMG GLE 63 S 4MATIC+ (SUV/Coupe)
Engines:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four
- 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six w/EQ Boost
- 4.0-liter turbocharged hybrid V8 w/EQ Boost
Base MSRP: $62,650
READ OUR MERCEDES GLE-CLASS REVIEW
EQE SUV
Mercedes-AMG
The Mercedes EQE is the brand’s smaller, cheaper electric SUV. It’s all-new for the 2023 model year. It’s built on a dedicated Mercedes EV platform. It has two rows and seats five passengers. It can offer up to 617 horsepower in the AMG EQE SUV model and up to 279 miles of electric range in the RWD version.
Body Style:
Models:
- EQE 350+ SUV
- EQE 350 4MATIC SUV
- EQE 500 4MATIC SUV
- AMG EQE SUV
Engines:
- Single-motor RWD
- Dual-motor AWD
Base MSRP: $77,100
READ OUR MERCEDES EQE SUV REVIEW
GLS-Class
Mercedes-Benz
The GLS is Mercedes’s full-size, three-row luxury SUV. It’s the SUV equivalent of the S-Class sedan, though it enters at a lower price point than the G-class. Mercedes pledges the GLS will “take you to a place where leadership is omnipresent,” whatever that’s supposed to mean. (If everyone’s a leader, how does that even work?) A top-of-the-line Mercedes-Maybach version entered the lineup for 2021. All versions come with 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
Body Style:
Models:
- GLS 450
- GLS 580
- AMG GLS 63
- Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600
Engines:
- 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six w/EQ Boost
- 4.0-liter turbocharged hybrid V8 w/EQ Boost
Base MSRP: $87,000
READ OUR MERCEDES GLS-CLASS REVIEW
EQS SUV
Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes EQS SUV is a full-size luxury electric SUV, the electric counterpart to the GLS crossover. It’s new for the 2023 model year. Like the EQS and EQE sedans, it runs on Mercedes’s dedicated EV architecture. The EQS SUV is available in both RWD and AWD. It offers seating for up to seven passengers and up to 536 hp and 633 lb-ft of torque in the EQS SUV 580 4MATIC version. The top EPA range is 305 miles in RWD spec.
Body Style:
Models:
- EQS SUV 450+
- EQS SUV 450 4MATIC
- EQS SUV 580 4MATIC
Engines:
- Single-motor RWD
- Dual-motor AWD
Base MSRP: $104,400
G-Class
Mercedes-Benz
The G-Wagen is Mercedes’s boxy, off-road-capable body-on-frame midsize SUV. The current second generation debuted for 2018. There are two versions, the 416 hp G 550 and the 577 hp AMG G 63. The latter may be the most capable all-around vehicle on the market. It’s great at everything except consuming fuel efficiently. Mercedes is planning to branch the G-Class into its own “G” sub-brand and will produce an EQG electric version.
Body Style: SUV
Models:
• G 550
• AMG G 63
Engines:
• 4.0-liter turbocharged V8
Base MSRP: $139,900
