Mercedes Benz internal code revealed

Mercedes-Benz has a rather complicated lineup of internal codes, with a bewildering combination of letters and numbers to symbolize each vehicle. It started out as a simple combination of letters and numbers, but the introduction of newer models created a whole new list of internal code alignments. The combination of letters and numbers used to correspond to the engine displacement, but nowadays this is not always the case. This is a quick guide on the meaning of all the letters and numbers.

A class:

This is the smallest car in the Mercedes brand lineup appropriately given the first name of the alphabet. The code name is W176, with “W” standing for four or five door passenger car.

Class B:

The Class B is the second smallest because it is self explanatory how it got this label.

Class C:

Class C labeling becomes more complicated. It is internally baptized as W205 and also called S205, with S for station wagon. In future models, the coupe will also receive an internal code of C205 and A204, with “C” standing for coupe and “A” standing for convertible.

E-class:

The E class consists of more than one model, with an internal name of W212. The van does get S212 though. The E-Class coupe is not called the C212 as one might assume, but the C207. This is because it has more in common with the previous generation C-Class 204. The “E” in E-Class used to mean “injection” in German.

Lessons:

The S-Class stands for “special class” in German because this large sedan was and remains the top-of-the-line vehicle in the Mercedes range. Its code is called W222, while the S-class coupe is called C217. The convertible futures will be designated A217.

CLA:

The CLA is marketed as a four-door coupe codenamed C117, 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 called X218.

SLK:

The SLK is the smallest roadster in the Mercedes line, code R172. The “R” stands for roadster.

SL:

The SL roadster is actually very similar to 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 very quickly. The code names can be difficult to memorize at first, but once you get the hang of them and understand why the codes are assigned to vehicles, they will be quite understandable.