What does "B-Class" mean in Mercedes-Benz?

• The Mercedes-Benz lineup
• Mercedes-Benz A-Class
• Mercedes-Benz B-Class
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class
• Mercedes-Benz CLA
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• Mercedes-Benz G-Class
• Mercedes-Benz GL range

Naming conventions can be a little bit confusing at times. We're here to help clear up some of that confusion by showing you where the Mercedes-Benz B-Class slots into the Mercedes-Benz model range and lineup.

The Mercedes-Benz range is extensive and spans a variety of model ranges. There’s seemingly something for everyone; from a compact hatchback or midsize sedan, to luxury sedans, crossovers, vans and everything in between. This comprehensive product offering is broken up into each model’s body style or segment and assigned a ‘Class’

To simplify things, the naming convention uses the alphabet to indicate size and positioning within the brand, making it easier for consumers to differentiate between the different model lines. These model lines are further broken up by a loosely formatted engine size designation, then by fuel type, and finally by trim level.

The Mercedes-Benz lineup

Let’s take a closer, high-level look at the Mercedes-Benz range. Much of this can carry over to the Mercedes-AMG performance models as well, although not all model ranges get the full-blown AMG treatment. Most will get the AMG Line trim level but are still Mercedes-Benz offerings.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Smallest of the official Mercedes-Benz models, the A-Class is a compact hatchback and sub-compact sedan range serving as the entry point into Mercedes-Benz ownership.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a compact MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) that is based on the A-Class platform but with an increase in size and intended for regular transportation of multiple people. The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is no longer listed on the official Mercedes-Benz website raising questions as to its longevity in the local market.

The B-Class was launched in 2005 and South Africa saw the launch of both the second and third-generation offerings in 2015 and 2019 respectively. While not as popular as other models, the B-Class is a solid offering for those with families and those that require additional packing space.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The ubiquitous Mercedes-Benz C-Class is arguably one of the brand’s best-selling model lines in South Africa. The current C-Class is manufactured locally and is a compact sedan that is also available in 2-door coupe and convertible formats.

Mercedes-Benz CLA

The CLA can best be thought of as a coupe-styled A-Class sedan that retains its 4-door aperture arrangement.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The E-Class is one step up from the C-Class and is a midsize executive sedan that is available in 4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, and convertible styles.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the largest of the sedan offerings and is a luxury sedan that quite easily doubles as a limousine.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The infamous G-Wagen/Gelandewagen is a retro-styled throwback that is part military, part footballer wife. This large off-roader is a 4-wheel drive machine for both the suburbs and the dunes.

Mercedes-Benz GL range

Taking what we know about the sedan ranges and their sizes, the As being the smallest and the S the largest, we can apply that thinking to the GL series of Mercedes-Benz offerings. In this range you will find the following:

GLA Crossover

GLB Crossover

GLC Compact SUV

GLE Mid-size SUV

GLS SUV

The same bodes for their all-electric EQ range:

EQA Crossover

EQB Crossover

EQC Compact SUV

EQE Sedan

EQS Sedan

Chad LückhoffWith over 18 years of motorsport commentary and a passion for 90s Japanese Sports Cars, Chad Lückhoff is happiest when surrounded by drift cars and smoking tyres. His experience as the Technical Editor of the country’s top tuning magazine means that it’s the nuts and bolts of motoring that tickles his fancy. As comfortable in front of the camera as he is behind it, he’ll take you behind the wheel with his video reviews, written recounts, and invoking photography. One of the first to join the AutoTrader fray, Chad has been living his passion at AutoTrader for over 7-years.View News & Reviews