The Mercedes-Benz classes
11-22-2010, 04:41 PM
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C32
The Mercedes-Benz classes
I must confess - I don't quite understand the class designation of the Mercedes-Benz. I know you the "LK" designates a coupe (SLK350, CLK, etc). And the AMG is the performanc line, but I don't really understand the differences between the C-class, E-class, and S-class. Pricing definitely shows that the S-class is the premium line. I drive a C32 AMG and it comes with more crap than I really care to have. I don't understand how a car could come with more.
Why does Mercedes make so many different models. Their lineup is huge!
Why does Mercedes make so many different models. Their lineup is huge!
11-22-2010, 10:10 PM
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2003 Lincoln LS V8
The sedans in order or size and prestige are C, E, CLS, and S. The CL and CLK are coupes, and the SL and SLK are roadsters. The K stands for "kurtz" or "short" and denotes the smaller model of the coupes and roadsters. Generally, the bigger models have features not available on the smaller models or have standard features that are options on the smaller models.
Most of the models have a history behind their names, and several of them have changed over the years. For example, the CLK has been renamed the E Class Coupe, and the CL used to be the S Class coupe. The best advice I can give you is to look up each of the models to find out more. Wikipedia has decent summaries on the histories of most of them.
As for the reasons for the different models: they all target a specific market. Even though the E and CLS are based on the same platform and are mechanically similar, they both attract different groups of buyers. Also, a lot of companies have coupe and sedan variants of the same car, but consider them all the same model instead of separate models.
Most of the models have a history behind their names, and several of them have changed over the years. For example, the CLK has been renamed the E Class Coupe, and the CL used to be the S Class coupe. The best advice I can give you is to look up each of the models to find out more. Wikipedia has decent summaries on the histories of most of them.
As for the reasons for the different models: they all target a specific market. Even though the E and CLS are based on the same platform and are mechanically similar, they both attract different groups of buyers. Also, a lot of companies have coupe and sedan variants of the same car, but consider them all the same model instead of separate models.
Last edited by StarPower; 11-22-2010 at 10:14 PM. Reason: Add information
11-22-2010, 10:45 PM
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No, "L" designates leicht = light
and "K" designates kurz = short.
A CLK is a short CL
An SLK is a short SL
Basically the CL is the S-class coupe
and
the CLK is the C-class coupe (or convertible).
Except for the SL and SLK, these designations are going away.
The CLKs are now replaced by the E-class coupe and the E-class convertible.
It's rumored the CL will soon be simply called the S-class coupe.
Smaller coupes are coming in C-class range.
and "K" designates kurz = short.
A CLK is a short CL
An SLK is a short SL
Basically the CL is the S-class coupe
and
the CLK is the C-class coupe (or convertible).
Except for the SL and SLK, these designations are going away.
The CLKs are now replaced by the E-class coupe and the E-class convertible.
It's rumored the CL will soon be simply called the S-class coupe.
Smaller coupes are coming in C-class range.
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