Mercedes-Benz has quite the complicated internal code lineup, with a puzzling combination of letters and numbers to symbolize every vehicle. It started out as a simple letter and number combination, but the introduction of newer models created a new list of internal code lineups. The letter and number combination used to correspond to the engine displacement, but that's not always the case today. This is a quick guide on what all of the letters and numbers mean.
A-Class:
This is the smallest car in the Mercedes brand lineup that's appropriately given the first name of the alphabet. The code name is W176, with “W” as a four/five door passenger car.
B-Class:
The B-Class is the second smallest car so it's pretty self-explanatory how it got this label.
C-Class:
The labeling of the C-Class becomes more complicated. It's internally christened as W205 and also named the S205, with S standing for station wagon. In upcoming models, the coupe will also receive an internal code of C205 and A204, with “C” as coupe and “A” as convertible.
E-Class:
The E-class consists of more than one model, with an internal name of W212. However, the station wagon gets S212. The E-Class coupe is not named C212 as one would assume, but as C207. This is because it shares more in common with the previous generation C-Class 204. The “E” in E-class used to mean “injection” in German.
S-Class:
The S-Class, means “special class” in German because this large sedan was and is still the top of the line vehicle in the Mercedes range. Its code named W222 while the S-class coupe is named the C217. Future convertibles will be named as A217.
CLA:
The CLA is marketed as a four-door coupe with a C117 code name, much to the confusion of many Mercedes Benz fans.
CLS:
This is also a four-door coupe, with the internal code name of C218. The crossover version is named the X218.
SLK:
The SLK is the smallest roadster in the Mercedes line, with code R172. The “R” stands for roadster.
SL:
The SL roadster is actually much like the SLK and appropriately named the R231.
With the addition of many Mercedes Benz vehicles in the future, the internal code name is sure to get complicated really fast. The code names may be difficult to memorize at first, but once you get the hang of it and understand why the codes are given to the vehicles, then they will be pretty understandable.
