Everyone loves and appreciates a gorgeous, luxurious, powerful car…but not everyone understands (or appreciates) the technical jargon that comes with it. In an interesting and clever new move, Mercedes-Benz aims to drive clarity to their growing model portfolio with an easy-to-follow nomenclature system.

“Historically, our vehicle nomenclature system has been iconic in itself, with the names of many of our model series at least as well-known as the Mercedes-Benz brand name,” said Dirk Fetzer, Director of Sales & Marketing at Daimler Middle East & Levant. “Given the intense rollout program we’re following – we currently have 11 brand new models in our 2020 plan that have no predecessor – and due to the fact that Mercedes-Benz enjoys exceptional global appeal, we have adopted an even simpler, easy-to-follow system for the designations of our model series. The introduction of our new SUV range in Q4 2015 is the ideal time to establish the new nomenclature as a prelude for the roll-out.’’

The nomenclature system is straightforward and easy to understand. The model designation is always an acronym made up of one to three uppercase letters. The different types of engine are indicated by a lowercase letter. The system centers around the five core model series, A, B, C, E and S, which will continue providing orientation for customers.

In the case of model designations for the SUVs, and in tribute to the legendary G-Class, all SUV models will carry the first two letters “GL” in their name. The “G” here denotes the car’s lineage. The “L” is a letter that has appeared time and time again over the history of Mercedes-Benz and serves as a  linking letter to make model designations easier to remember and easier to pronounce; for example, the legendary SL , and more recently, the CLS and CLA. The last letter of the model indicates the relationship to the relevant core model series.

The system for the 4-door Coupés is constructed along similar lines. The first two letters, “CL”, denote the origin, the third letter the link to one of the core model series: in other words CLA or CLS.

The different types of engines will also be given new designations providing clear orientation to Mercedes-Benz lovers around the globe. The boot lids will in future feature lower-case letters, whose meaning is as follows:

C for “Compressed Natural Gas” (Currently Natural Gas Drive)

D for “Diesel”(Currently BlueTEC and CDI)

E for “Electric” (Currently Plug-In Hybrid, BlueTEC Plug-In Hybrid and Electric Drive)

F for “Fuel Cell” (Currently F-Cell)

H for “Hybrid” (Currently Hybrid and BlueTEC Hybrid)

Similar to previous specifications, there will be no suffix for the petrol models. The established designation 4MATIC for Mercedes-Benz all-wheel-drive vehicles will remain unchanged and will be celebrating its thirtieth anniversary next year. Given the way that Mercedes-Benz has evolved into the leading brand for all-wheel drive, 4MATIC will in future play an even more important role in its model portfolio. As a result of a steadily growing demand, Mercedes-Benz will, in future, be adding further models to its all-wheel drive segment.

“At Mercedes-Benz, we are always thinking of ways to enhance our customer experience and there is no doubt our new nomenclature system will enable our customers to easily navigate our growing product portfolio,” added Fetzer.

You can find Mercedes-Benz at their showroom in Shuwaikh, call them on 1833 111 or visit them online at www.mbkuwait.com.