Mercedes-Benz is renowned for producing diverse cars, whether you prefer the less costly sub-compacts or the luxurious sedans. This automobile manufacturer builds world-class vehicles that exceed the limits of innovation and performance. Mercedes has not relented from refreshing its model lineup with enhanced body styling and reimagining.
At the moment, Mercedes offers diverse sedans, SUVs, coupes, crossovers, exotic sports cars, and roadsters. Mercedes produces GLAs, GLBs, GLCs, GLEs, and GLS SUVs, which are different from the G-Class. These classes vary in engine sizes, body styles, and drivetrains.
All these models highlight Mercedes’ desire to guarantee consistent performance. Essentially, Mercedes vehicles deliver world-class luxury coupled with top-notch style and technology. Do you need help understanding the Mercedes-Benz lineup? Here is a simple guide that breaks down the different options and terms.
A-Class
The Mercedes A-Class is an impressive hatchback that has a more upmarket feel. This posh Merc competes directly with the Audi A3 and BMW 1 Series. However, its interior is a step ahead of most of its competition.
The subcompact A-Class features Mercedes’ iconic sleek design. The new model incorporated design cues from other Mercedes models, providing an affordable entry point for new drivers. Loyal Benz drivers looking to downsize without losing face can opt for this class.
Diesel and petrol engines for the A-class range from 1.5 to 2.1 liters. Petrol engines offer a smooth, quiet ride, while diesel engines are noisy but efficient. You will find a manual gearbox on most trim levels. However, the efficient and quick-changing dual-clutch auto (DCT) coersuld also excite you.
If you prefer a sporty trim, try out the AMG Sport, which features sports suspension, larger alloys, and retuned steering. On the other hand, the SE trim had a significant facelift with a reversing camera, 16″ alloys, and Merc’s upmarket Artico upholstery. The interior has a classier feel, complete with higher quality material than its competitors.
Read the full Mercedes A Class Buying Guide here.
C-Class
Mercedes C-Class provides the easiest way to acquire the envied car brand. This class offers a combination of excellent build quality, substantial resale value, and bespoke safety features. Choose from the Sports and Luxury versions that guarantee impressive driving experiences.
The Sports trims come with an extra Dynamic Handling package with paddle shifters, adjustable suspensions, and speed-sensitive steering. Its basic engine is a 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 228hp.
The C-Class ranks among the most famous Mercedes and competes with the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series. Its classy interior and elegant exterior continue to influence its popularity significantly. The redesigned Merc C-Class features updated interior technologies, a fresh look, and a four-cylinder engine. Its AWD system has an upgraded front-axle drive that delivers improved torque transfer.
Merc’s C-class also features steering assist, parking assist, and adaptive cruise control as part of its improved driver assistance tech. For 2022, Mercedes released the C300 sedan with a 2.0 liter turbo-four engine. The impressive engine generates 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.
The 2022 C-Class also comes with various safety features, including parking damage detection, automatic emergency braking, attention assist, and blind-spot assist. Its driver assistance package also includes adaptive cruise control and stop-and-go traffic assist. Other standard features of the C-Class sedan include a sunroof, heated front seats, keyless entry, a leather steering wheel, and a sunroof.
You could choose from the premium, exclusive, or pinnacle trim levels. The Premium trim has 18-inch wheels, gauge cluster displays, and a massive infotainment system. On the other hand, the exclusive trim has extended interior ambient lighting, a premium audio system and a 360-degree parking system.
Read the full Mercedes C-Class Buying Guide here.
GLA-Class
The GLA-Class is the most affordable Mercedes luxury SUV. Mercedes began the production of this class’ second generation in 2021. While the models in this class are available in all-wheel drive, the basic GLA 250 comes in front-wheel drive. The GLA-Class also features a roomy interior with numerous impressive techs.
The sleeker Mercedes GLA has a sloping roofline and comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The GLA250 comes with a 208-hp engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission. On the other hand, the AMG GLA model features an eight-speed clutch automatic and AWD. The AMG GLA35 has a 302-hp engine, while the AMG GLA45’s engine generates 382 hp.
Blind-spot monitoring and automated emergency braking come standard on the GLA-Class. Drivers could also opt for the Driver Assistance package with lane keep assist, emergency evasive steering, and adaptive cruise control.
While the Audi Q3 is slightly larger, the GLA-class topples its passenger and cargo room competition. Benz’s second row also comes with reclining rear seats, popular among many owners. This SUV also features standard LED headlights, front fog lights, and taillights.
This Benz also comes with the Off-Road Engineering package suitable for rough roads and rugged terrains. Additional off-roading capabilities include adaptable transmission shift points, braking system ABS, and accelerator feedback.
The 2022 Mercedes GLA comes in four trims, i.e. the GLA250. GLA250 4Matic, AMG GLA45, and AMG GLA35. The GLA250 offers the best fuel economy, while the AMG model is ideal for anyone looking for higher performance.
Read more about the Mercedes GLE Class here.
GLB-Class
This boxy compact crossover debuted in 2020. The GLB-Class retained the traditional SUV shape and offered a spacious cabin. Unlike the GLA-class, the Mercedes GLB is taller and more extended. The GLB’s more traditional upright SUV shape allows for an extra row in the back.
All the GLB SUVs come with a 2.0-liter turbocharged powertrain. GLB’s base model is available in FWD and AWD versions that deliver 221hp. If you want a higher horsepower, opt for the AMG GLB 35 model that offers 301hp. The AMG models have the standard AWD linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Standard active safety technology for the GLB-Class includes rain-sensing automatic windshield wipers and blind-spot monitoring. Drivers could also leverage lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
The GLB SUVs have standard LED headlights as well as a power liftgate. You will also find a heated steering wheel, 64-color ambient lighting, and head-up display in the Mercedes GLB-Class. Choose from the GLB250, GLB250 4Matic and the AMG GLB35.
GLC-Class
This compact mid-level SUV matches the C-class sedan. The GLC offers diverse trim levels available in four, six, and eight-cylinder versions. You can also choose between the FWD and AWD options. Regardless of your preferred trim level, you could settle on the traditional SUV or coupe shaped Mercedes.
The new AMG GLC models currently feature a hands-free power liftgate. All trim levels also come standard with automatic high beams, rear USB ports, and parking damage notification. The GLC class also highlights Mercedes’ standard prescription of elegant design and laudable performance dynamics
This class of Mercedes is also renowned for consistent athleticism. The AMG GLC43 comes with a six-cylinder engine that delivers deployable power and a chassis that guarantees consistent poise. You could also choose from two powertrains that have a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbo-four that generates 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The upgraded AMG GLC43’s engine produces 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque.
GLE-Class
The GLE Mercedes descended from the M-Class, Mercedes’ first luxury. GLE-Class is available in the inline-four, inline-six, and V8 engines. All the models also feature a nine-speed automatic transmission and AWD capability.
Wireless charging, ambient lighting, and satellite radio are standard in the various GLE-class trims. While the GLE has standard light driver-assist tech, you could boost your driving assistance technology thanks to the Driver Assistance Package Plus. The additional package comes complete with adaptive cruise control, front cross-traffic alert, lane centering, and lane change assist.
Most Mercedes GLE cars have a five-passenger seating across two rows. You could expand capacity to seven with the optional third row. This class features a dual-display interior design with a matching infotainment display regardless of the trim. The two Burmester premium audio systems also feature speakers mounted in the car’s ceiling.
GLS-Class
If you prefer a full-size luxury SUV, the GLS-Class will suit you perfectly. In 2021, Mercedes introduced the classy Mercedes-Maybach version and the 603-hp Autobahn special. The GLS-Class delivers twin-turbocharged six and eight-cylinder engines.
Mercedes’ flagship SUV comes with various driver-assist active safety features. All models come standard with automatic emergency braking, automatic parking assist, a 360-degree camera system, and blind-spot monitoring.
Most GLS models seat seven passengers across three rows. You could also order GLS580 and AMG GLS63, which come with second-row captain chairs that reduce the capacity to six. All GLS features the dual-display dashboard available in Mercedes.
G-Class
The G-Class is Mercedes’ off-road-capable midsize SUV. This G-Wagen is available in both the 416 hp and the 577hp versions. The G-Wagen SUV delivers extreme off-road abilities and bold styling to provide unmatched excellence.
All G-wagons come with a 4.0 liter V8 engine. The standard G550 generates 416hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. The AMG G63 is ideal for anyone looking for robust off-road capabilities. Its boosted V8 engine kicks out 577 hp and 627 lb-ft that steps up its swagger and performance.
Regarding safety, Mercedes has equipped the G-class with standard driver-assist content. All models also feature adaptive cruise control, driver attention assists, lane keep assist and driver attention alert. This wagon also comes with the latest-generation Mercedes infotainment system.
S-Class
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has led the way in luxury and technology for close to 55 years. The S-Class is loaded with gizmos and gadgets. One such feature includes leading safety technologies, including Attention Assist, which monitors drowsiness. Other innovations, including drivetrain technologies, safety systems, and interior features are believed to be included as some of the new releases under the S-Class.
The S65 AMG features a twin-turbo V12 engine that delivers 738 lb. -ft. of torque.
Read the full Mercedes S-Class Buying Guide here.
E-Class
The newly redesigned E-class has an impressive interior that matches the luxury S-Class’s build quality and materials. This luxury sedan offers communicative steering and remarkable luxury. With the E-class, drivers get up to 518hp from the 3.5-liter V6 engine.
Mercedes-Benz is the epitome of class and sophistication. The German manufacturer continues to be a pioneer in the design, technology, and safety.
GLC is by far the best buy for the money. Nothing beats it in terms of features for the price.