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What Are The Mercedes-Benz Classes?

Understanding the Mercedes-Benz classes can help you pick your next model. With each letter relating to a specific feature of the model, we’re explaining the Mercedes-Benz classes.

What Are The Mercedes-Benz Classes?

Sarah Barthorpe

Published: 24 May 2024

Updated: 24 May 2024

Read time: 5 minutes

Mercedes-Benz is well-known for following a consistent naming convention of introducing a different ‘class’ of vehicles. Each class relates to the type of vehicle, such as a hatchback or saloon for example, so whether it’s an A-Class or an S-Class, you will get some indication as to what type of vehicle it is just from the name.

With so many models available, we thought it’d be a good idea to explain each of the Mercedes-Benz classes to help you out before you buy.

Mercedes-Benz classes timeline

Mercedes-Benz Classes Explained

With old classes having been discontinued and new classes recently introduced, we’ve pulled together this list of the most important models you should know.

A-Class – Hatchback

This compact entry-level car offers all Mercedes-Benz trademark luxury features with a more affordable price tag. The A-Class was first defined as a supermini until 2012 when a 5-door variant was released leading to being labelled as a subcompact car, or what’s more widely known as a hatchback.

The affordable luxury which this A-Class offers has made it Mercedes-Benz's most popular entry as its best-selling model.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class at JCT600

Price (New): £30,715

Availability: New & Used A-Class

B-Class – Multi-Purpose Vehicle

Very similar to the A-Class, the B-class was based on the same design, just with slightly larger dimensions. This larger build has made the B-Class popular for small families, with plenty of room for luggage without compromising on the slick city style.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class at JCT600

Price (New): £35,135

Availability: New & Used B-Class

C-Class – Coupé, Estate, Cabriolet, and Saloon

Arguably one of the most recognisable models of Mercedes-Benz, the C-Class has been around since 1994 when the car was first produced under the Daimler-Benz name. This stylish model delivers great performance with a sporty touch and is also available with petrol, diesel or hybrid engines.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class at JCT600

Price (New): £45,175

Availability: New & Used C-Class

CLA-Class – 4 Door Coupé

The CLA-Class is a sporty, executive coupé which is very apparent from the second you lay eyes on it. With a more angular design than previous models and a sleek front grille, the CLA-Class encapsulates high-end performance.

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class at JCT600

Price (New): £45,175

Availability: New & Used CLA-Class

E-Class – Saloon, Estate, Coupé and Cabriolet

When the E-Class was first introduced (1993), it was assigned the ‘E’ for a key reason. The ‘E’ stands for Einspritzmotor, which in German means ‘fuel injection engine’, a feature which was widely used across Mercedes-Benz models by this time.

The model itself has become widely praised for its comfortable cabin space and durable build, leading to the E-Class being popular not only for personal cars but also for emergency services such as police and medics.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class at JCT600

Price (New): £50,845

Availability: New & Used E-Class

G-Class – Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)

Just like the E-Class, the G-Class also got its name from a German term, which in this instance is ‘Gelandewagen’ which translates as a cross-country vehicle. The sturdy and practical build of the vehicle made it a staple for military use; however, its relatively unchanged design has made this classic-look SUV highly sought after by all types of customers.

The G-Wagon, as it’s also known, has skyrocketed in popularity over the last few years with everyone from A-lister Bradley Cooper to popular influencer Molly-Mae being spotted rolling around in the merc’.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class at JCT600

Price (New): £131,335

Availability: New & Used G-Class

GLA-Class – Subcompact Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)

Perhaps a little smaller than you’d expect from most SUVs, the GLA-Class packs all of the benefits of a larger model into a more snug model. Comparing this to the standard G-Class, the GLA-Class is much more streamlined with an overall more modern look.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class at JCT600

Price (New): £35,635

Availability: New & Used GLA-Class

GLB-Class – Seven-seater SUV

Another SUV entry, the GLB-Class has all-wheel drive as standard and a relatively boxy build, more akin to that of the G-Class. Plenty of cabin space, a boot capacity of 1,680 litres (with rear seats folded) and the luxurious interior finish have become this model’s defining features.

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class at JCT600

Price (New): £38,755

Availability: New & Used GLB-Class

S-Class – Luxury Sedan

Known as Mercedes-Benz’s flagship model, the S-Class is a full-size luxury sedan which has continuously set industry standards since its introduction. Taking its name from the German term ‘Sonderklasse’, which translates as ‘special class’, the model certainly lives up to expectations.

Regarded by many as a symbol of stability, strength and wealth, the S-Class has gained quite a respectable status.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class at JCT600

Price (New): £93,930

Availability: New & Used S-Class

V-Class / EQV-Class - Van

Perhaps the most obvious on this list, the V-Class is used for the brand's van models. Although discontinued in 2022, the V-Class has been succeeded by its all-electric sister, the EQV-Class.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class & EQV-Class at JCT600

Price (New): £71,605 (V-Class) / £87,995 (EQV-Class)

Availability: New & Used

Mercedes-Benz at JCT600

As a proud retailer of Mercedes-Benz, we stock a range of classes, from the everyday B-Class to the elite AMG GT. We also have a team of specially trained technicians who can properly service your Mercedes-Benz here at JCT600, so we’ve got you covered at every step of the journey.

For more tips and advice to help you with new car ownership, explore our guides, or get in touch with us directly.

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Representative APR%
9.90% APR 		 First Payment
£249.71		 46 Monthly
payments of
£249.71		 Optional final
payment
£9,090.00		 On the road
price
£20,000.00		 Term of
agreement
48 months		 Customer deposit
£4,000.00
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