Mercedes-Benz classes explained

The difference between Mercedes classes is methodical and distinctly German, devised to distinguish Mercedes car models by size and purpose.

At the apex of the Mercedes class ranking is the S-Class, with 'S' standing proudly for 'Sonderklasse,' which translates to 'Special Class' – reserved exclusively for the marque's most luxurious and advanced offerings. Below it, the line-up descends neatly through the E-Class ('Executive') and C-Class ('Compact'), all the way to the entry-level A-Class.

Mercedes SUV classes and AMG models follow a similar alphabetical logic, each filed as neatly as a Stuttgart engineer’s sock drawer.

So, which Mercedes class is the best? That depends on what you’re after – though the S-Class remains the flagship.

And if you’ve ever wondered “where are Mercedes made?”, the answer spans the globe: while many are still built in Germany, production now takes place everywhere from the United States to South Africa, Hungary, and even China, depending on the model.

Mercedes SUV classes and AMG vehicles follow similar alphabetical logic. Here’s every Mercedes Benz class explained.

A-Class

The Mercedes A-Class hatchback is Mercedes’ compact status symbol, delivering big-car luxury and technology in a conveniently city-sized package. You can opt for the sensible A200, powered by a frugal but punchy 1.3-litre turbo engine, or venture into the wild side with two AMG A-Class variants. The AMG A35 boasts 225kW and all-wheel drive, but the wild AMG A45 S utilises a stonking 310 kW four-cylinder enngine to rocket drivers from 0–100km/h in under four seconds. The suspension might rattle your bones from their sockets, but that’s the price you pay to humiliate supercars in a hatchback.

CLA-Class

The CLA is essentially a swoopy A-Class in formal wear, that trades rear headroom and practicality for kerb appeal. We get the front-drive CLA200 and all-wheel-drive CLA 250 4Matic models, but the real fireworks come from the AMG range. The CLA35 shares its 225kW powertrain with the A35, while the CLA45 S inherits the monstrous 310kW engine from the A45, sprinting to 100km/h in around four seconds. A new generation has just been unveiled, with an all-electric variant on the way, too.

C-Class & CLE-Class

The C-Class sedan - once a volume player - continues as Mercedes’ compact executive all-rounder, bringing S-Class tech to the masses. We get the mild-hybrid C200 and C300, both rear-wheel drive, with the V6s, diesels, and torquey eight-cylinders now firmly in the rear-view mirror. AMG variants have gone four-cylinder hybrid: the C43 uses an F1-derived electric turbo with 320kW, while the C63 S E Performance pairs a turbo-four with an electric motor for a staggering 500kW and 1020Nm. It’s brutally fast, heavily electrified, and weighs over two tonnes, making it more of a tech demo than muscle car (for better or worse). The CLE replaces the old C and E-Class two-doors with a single grand tourer built on C-Class underpinnings but stretched for extra presence. A cabriolet version is also available.

E-Class

In both sedan and coupé guise, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class remains the brand’s mid-size luxury staple, and is currently available as an E200 or E300. The latest generation is a total tech-fest, with optional rear-wheel steering as well as in-car Zoom calls. AMG versions of this are limited to the E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ for now, but you can expect a more powerful ‘63’ variant soon. As ever, the Mercedes E-Class vs C-Class debate comes down to priorities: the E offers more space, refinement, and tech, while the C delivers similar luxury in a smaller, more agile package.

S-Class

The S-Class is the flagship of the Mercedes sedan classes, and remains the benchmark by which all luxury sedans are judged. For those who can afford to delegate their driving responsibilities entirely, the top of the range Mercedes is the Maybach S680 – with a massive V12, extended wheelbase and champagne fridge. There’s a long-wheelbase version of the standard S-Class too, although the hugely powerful S63 variant has been snubbed from Australian shores due to poor sales.

EQA

The EQA is Mercedes’ entry-level EV in Australia, aimed at first-time luxury EV buyers. It’s offered in front-wheel-drive EQA250+ form only, with a claimed range of 426km. It’s city-sized, practical for five, and offers typical Mercedes cabin tech, including MBUX dual screens. While the electric ‘EQ’ naming scheme muddies the waters a little, the basic Mercedes classes approach still applies: this is the EV equivalent of an A-Class SUV, occupying the smallest and most accessible end of the range.

EQB

The EQB is an electric version of the GLB, and is a true unicorn in that it offers rare seven-seat flexibility in a compact luxury EV. It’s only available as the EQB250+ with front-wheel drive, a 70.5kWh battery, and a real-world range of around 400-500km. While the third row is tight (best left to kids or passengers you don’t really like), the upright, boxy shape gives the EQB decent cargo space when the seats are folded. Inside, it mirrors the GLA and GLB’s cabin with dual screens and solid equipment levels, though some interior plastics are a glaring reminder that this is still “entry luxury.”

EQE

The EQE sedan and SUV are Mercedes-Benz’s electric E-Class and GLE equivalents, respectively, built from the ground up as an EV on the dedicated EVA2 platform. They seat five in comfort, with a flat floor, generous rear legroom, and high-tech touches like the latest MBUX multimedia system and optional Hyperscreen. The Australian range includes an AMG EQE53 SUV with dual motors, up to 460kW and a hefty $190K price tag.

EQS

"Could we make an S-Class taller and more like a boiled egg?" is a question nobody asked, but Mercedes went and answered it anyway with the EQS sedan. Luxurious and loaded with technology, it sits atop the Aussie EV line-up with predictable extravagance. AMG and Maybach variants dial the opulence (and the price tag) up several notches. There's also a SUV version that aligns with the GLS.

GLA

The GLA is essentially a raised A-Class hatch with chunkier styling and a higher driving position for the “urban adventurers” among us. Locally, it’s offered as the front-drive GLA200 and GLA250 4MATIC, as well as the AMG-powered GLA35 and wild GLA45 S, which rockets from 0–100km/h in about 4.3 seconds. It’s nimble, easy to park, and comfortable enough for daily duties - though the AMG models trade some comfort for crackling theatrics.

GLB

The GLB is Mercedes’ most practical compact SUV – boxy by design and proudly upright, offering a rare seven-seat layout in the luxury small SUV segment. It’s built on the A-Class platform but stretched to allow a usable (if tight) third row, making it ideal for young families or downsizers who need occasional extra seating. Locally, you’ll find the GLB200 and GLB250 4Matic, plus the AMG GLB35 for a bit more mumbo. Inside, it shares the familiar dual-screen Mercedes cockpit, with generous headroom, a sliding second row and over 500L of boot space (with the third row folded).

GLC

The GLC is historically Mercedes’ top-selling mid-size SUV in Australia – essentially a C-Class on stilts, with roomier seating and a bigger boot. The latest GLC200 & 300 4Matics are the base models, powered by a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder with mild-hybrid assist, all-wheel drive and a nine-speed auto. The coupé version trades rear headroom and boot space for style, while full-fat AMG variants – the GLC43 and GLC63 S E Performance – share wild hybrid powertrains with the C-Class sedan.

GLE

The GLE is Mercedes’ luxury SUV all-rounder – roomy and refined enough to handle family hauling, towing or highway cruising. Variants range from the GLE350d and GLE450d, all the way to the unhinged AMG GLE63 S with 450kW. All GLEs get 4Matic AWD and a nine-speed auto, with upper-end trims riding on air suspension and carrying a generous 3500kg towing capability.

GLS

The GLS is positioned as the S-Class of SUVs – and indeed, has the size, presence and price tag to sit atop the summit of Benz’s SUV line-up. In Australia, the range kicks off with the GLS400d, while the AMG GLS63 turns this 2.7-tonne behemoth into a 450kW V8 rocket ship. Then there’s the Maybach GLS600, which can be optioned with reclining captain’s chairs and a mini fridge, among other niceties. All GLS variants get air suspension, 4Matic AWD, and palatial interiors with proper adult-sized third-row seats.

G-Class

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Despite evolving into a luxury icon, the G-Class stubbornly retains its military-inspired boxiness and rugged charm. The new electric variant can do a complete 720-degree turn on the spot (if you want to freak out the person who’s honking you). The range-topping petrol-powered G63 retains Mercedes’ wonderful 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, for now.

Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé

If you’ve ever wondered “what’s the difference between AMG and regular Mercedes?”, this is the answer. The Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé is a Mercedes two-seater developed entirely by AMG, and is what many consider to be the brand’s answer to the Porsche 911. Its long bonnet, front-engined layout (now with all-wheel drive) houses a hand-built twin-turbo V8, delivering a soundtrack to match the shove-off front end. Unlike AMG versions of regular Mercs, the GT is purpose-built for performance, making it the daddy of Mercedes sports-car models.

Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé

The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé takes the AMG GT concept and stretches it into a four-seat, four-door package. Its coupe-like silhouette disguises a usable back seat and hatchback practicality, all while packing engines that range from a punchy turbocharged six-cylinder to a truly bonkers hybrid V8 in the flagship GT63 S E Performance. Despite the oxymoronic “coupé” name, this is a fully fledged luxury performance sedan.

Mercedes-AMG SL

The new SL is an iconic luxury roadster reborn under AMG’s watchful eye – a convertible grand tourer that now boasts serious performance credentials. It’s a 2+2 seater with the classic long-hood, short-tail profile, equipped with a four-cylinder (SL43) or a twin-turbo V8 (in SL55 or SL63 form) and a well-appointed cabin befitting a proper grand tourer.

V-Class

This eight-seater people mover costs far more than your typical family van, but offers plush seating and high-end tech. It’s essentially a posh version of Mercedes’ commercial van (the Vito), appealing mostly to VIP shuttle services and well-heeled families who need S-Class-like comfort for a small crowd. There is an electric version available too, called the EQV.