Benzes renamed

Just as it said it would, Mercedes-Benz has revealed a new model naming structure that will see three of its five SUVs renamed and the SLK become the SLC.

Furthermore, it will dispense with its confusing and extravagant powertrain badging system, replacing it with a single lower-case letter on the rear-end of vehicles to denote what propels them.

For example, 'CDI' and 'BlueTEC' will simply become 'd' for diesel models, while 'Electric Drive' and 'PLUG-IN HYBRID" petrol and diesel models will now only wear an 'e' badge (eg: 'S 500 e').

Similarly, 'HYBRID' and 'BlueTEC HYBRID' models will now carry an 'h' badge, 'Fuel cell' models will wear an 'f' badge and 'Natural Gas Drive' cars will feature a 'c' moniker. As before, petrol model will carry no suffix.

More significantly, Mercedes has confirmed new names for its SLK roadster (now SLC), as well as the full-size GL-Class SUV (now GLS), the mid-size GLK (now GLC), the second generation of which will be released in Australia next year, and the large M-Class (now GLE).

A facelifted version of the latter could also be revealed at the LA show and will spawn Merc's first rival for the BMW X6, dubbed the GLE Coupe.

Similarly, although Benz is yet to confirm it, the GLC will also be joined by the GLC Coupe – a direct competitor to the BMW X4.

The trusty G-Class off-roader and GLA-Class compact crossover are the only Mercedes SUVs not to change names, while the core A-, B-, C-, E- and S-Class models – plus the CLA-, CLS- and SL-Class -- also remain unchanged.

Although it will confuse many, Mercedes says the new nomenclature better reflects the size of each model, since the GLC has mechanical ties with the C-Class, and the E-Class and GLE are similar-sized large sedan/wagon/coupe/cabriolet and SUV models respectively.

All SUVs continue to start with the letters GL, while four-door 'coupes' will begin with CL and convertibles will start with SL, each followed by a letter denoting the size of the vehicle.

The new Benz naming structure will coincide with the release of new and facelifted models next year, with the fourth-generation SLK to emerge as the SLC in 2016.

"After more than 20 years of continuity involving some of the most recognised and successful product names in the world, we are now making our system of vehicle nomenclature even more understandable," said Dr Jens Thiemer, head of Mercedes-Benz marketing communications, who also confirmed the addition of a Shooting Brake wagon to the CLA-Class range next year.

"Bearing in mind the international appeal of our brand, our plan has been to devise an even simpler, more transparent and more logical system for the designations of our model series, with the aim of providing clear orientation for our customers.

"Now is the ideal time to do this, for in 2015 we will be updating virtually our whole SUV model range, providing us with the perfect starting point for renaming the whole family of vehicles.

"More clarity, more transparency, more consistency," "The logic built up on the basis of the core model series will enable our customers to find their way round our growing product portfolio better."