Mercedes-Benz is one of the leading names in luxury, with a wide range of cars and SUVs available for you to choose from. The tricky part, however, comes when you start looking into the Mercedes model lineup and see the different names and terms it uses. Some of it is pretty easy to get a handle on, but it’s not exactly intuitive if you’ve never really looked into everything the brand offers.
To make things easier, I’m going to take you through the Mercedes lineup and highlight some basic details you should know about each model. This won’t be a deep dive into the various models; more of an overview to help explain everything Mercedes offers. Once you have a good sense of its lineup, it’s easier to take a closer look at the specific models that will best meet your needs.
Letters, Numbers, and Names
As you start looking at Mercedes-Benz models, one of the most important things to note is how the brand names its vehicles. Looking at sedans, you’ll find the different models are indicated by a letter––SUVs use similar nomenclature but have “GL” before each letter. The letters proceed alphabetically to indicate the size of the vehicle from smallest to largest within the lineup. In other words, the A-Class and the GLA are the smallest options Mercedes offers, while the S-Class and the GLS are its largest models. Once you understand this, it’s easy to quickly compare the models in the Mercedes lineup.
When you look at specific models online or at a Mercedes-Benz dealership, you will also find numbers listed after the letters. Looking at the GLE SUV, for example, there is the GLE 350, the GLE 450, and the GLE 580. These numbers indicate the version’s performance––they used to directly relate to the engine displacement, but now they’re more of a comparative point with higher numbers meaning more power. In the example above, the GLE 350 has 255 hp, the GLE 450 has 362 hp, and the GLE 580 features 483 hp. However, the high-performance Mercedes-AMG models use two-digit numbers and are often more powerful than models with three-digit numbers. For instance, the AMG GLE 63 has 603 hp.
In addition to these basic model names and numbers, there are some other important terms to know when looking at different Mercedes-Benz vehicles. For example, the brand uses the term “4MATIC” to indicate models with all-wheel drive. Mercedes uses “Coupe” for any vehicle with a sloping roofline reminiscent of a two-door coupe, including some four-door models and SUVs. “Cabriolet” refers to convertible versions of Mercedes cars, although “Roadster” is used for dedicated sports cars. Other important terms include “Mercedes-EQ” for Battery-Electric Vehicles (BEVs), “Mercedes-AMG” for performance-focused models, and “Mercedes-Maybach” for high-end ultra-luxury vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz Sedans
A-Class Sedan
The entry-level model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the A-Class, is a subcompact four-door sedan. Only a single version is available: the A 220 with its 188-hp engine, although it can be optioned with either standard two-wheel drive or available 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
C-Class Sedan
Next up, the C-Class is a standard compact sedan that’s a great choice if you want something a bit larger than the A-Class. Much like the subcompact model, only a single version is offered, though 4MATIC is available here too. The C 300 comes with a 255-hp engine.
E-Class Sedan
The E-Class is a midsize sedan that’s a fantastic option for a wide range of drivers. The E 350 has 255 hp with available 4MATIC all-wheel drive, and the E 450 has 362 hp with standard 4MATIC. If that’s not enough power, there is an AMG E 53 with 429 hp.
E-Class Wagon
If you like the E-Class, but you’re looking for something with a more functional interior, then a wagon version is available. To keep things simple, the E-Class Wagon is only available as the E 450 with 4MATIC, 362 hp, and plenty of interior space for passengers and cargo.
S-Class Sedan
For a full-size sedan, the S-Class is the way to go, and you have a few different options here, though they all come standard with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The base S 500 has 429 hp, and the upgraded S 580 has 496 hp. The S-Class is also available in two Mercedes-Maybach versions that deliver incomparable luxury and comfort features, including a “hot stone” massage.
EQS Sedan
If you’re interested in the future of Mercedes, then the EQS is the brand’s first BEV sedan. It is a full-size model featuring a spacious and luxurious interior. The EQS 450+ has two-wheel drive and 350 miles of range, while the EQS 580 has 4MATIC and 340 miles of range. There is also an AMG EQS with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.4 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz Coupes
CLA Coupe
This is the entry-level coupe in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, a four-door model with a sleek and gorgeous design. The base model CLA 250 has 221 hp and available 4MATIC all-wheel drive, while the AMG CLA 35 has 302 hp and the AMG CLA 45 offers 382 hp.
C-Class Coupe
The C-Class Coupe is a compact option with slick, two-door styling. The standard C 300 features 255 hp and either rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC, while the AMG C 43 has 385 hp. You can also choose a C 300 or C43 Cabriolet if you prefer a convertible.
E-Class Coupe
The E-Class Coupe is a gorgeous, two-door model offered as a hardtop or a Cabriolet if you want to put the top down. You can get an E 450 with 362 hp and either rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive, or an AMG E 53 with 429 hp.
CLS Coupe
With the CLS Coupe, you get a stunning four-door model with a sleek roofline that showcases its power and performance. The CLS 450 comes with 362 hp and 4MATIC standard, making it incredibly fun to drive.
SL Roadster
A truly remarkable piece of machinery, the SL Roadster is a two-door convertible that looks stunning and delivers incredible power. It features a handcrafted 4.0L V8 engine that delivers 469 hp in the AMG SL 55 or 577 hp in the AMG SL 63.
Mercedes-AMG GT
This is the flagship of the Mercedes sports car options and is offered as a four-door, a two-door, and a roadster. Its handcrafted 4.0L V8 engine can deliver up to 720 hp in the track-ready AMG GT Black Series for exceptional performance.
Mercedes-Benz SUVs
GLA SUV
The entry-level SUV from Mercedes-Benz is the GLA, a subcompact option that delivers exquisite luxury in a small package. It’s available as the GLA 250 with 221 hp, the AMG GLA 35 with 302 hp, or the AMG GLA 45 with 382 hp.
GLB SUV
Next up, the GLB is a compact crossover model that’s perfect if you want something a bit larger than the GLA without going too big. It’s available as the standard GLB 250 with 221 hp or the AMG GLB 35 with 302 hp for bold performance.
GLC SUV and Coupe
The GLC is a compact SUV with a tremendous selection of styles available, including a standard model and a Coupe version with a streamlined roof that looks stunning. Both body styles are available as a GLC 300 with 255 hp or an AMG GLC 43 with 385 hp.
GLE SUV and Coupe
For something bigger, the GLE is a midsize SUV that’s the successor to the older M-Class, which was the first Mercedes SUV offered here in the US. It’s available as a standard version or with a Coupe design. There are five engine options, including a 483 hp engine for the GLE 580 and a 603 hp engine for the AMG GLE 63.
GLS SUV
Similar to the S-Class sedan, the GLS is a large luxury SUV with three rows of seating and a stunning design. The GLS 450 has 362 hp, the GLS 580 has 483 hp, and the AMG GLS 63 comes with 603 hp. There’s also a Mercedes-Maybach version with rich, decadent materials and options.
G-Class SUV
Finally, the G-Class is a bold midsize SUV that uses truck-like body-on-frame construction to deliver surprising off-road performance. While the interior drips with luxury, it has excellent articulation for conquering just about any trail and an available AMG G 63 version with a handcrafted 577 hp V8 engine. It might be surprising to find an off-road SUV in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, but that only highlights how diverse and inclusive its selection of vehicles really is.
