A Guide to Navigating the 2024 Mercedes-Benz Lineup

Mercedes-Benz is known for offering a broad range of vehicles that cater to those seeking luxury, performance, or practicality. From compact hatchbacks to full-sized luxury SUVs, the lineup is vast and can be somewhat overwhelming. This guide focuses specifically on petrol and diesel models within the Mercedes-Benz range.

While the brand is moving steadily toward electrification, many drivers still prefer traditional petrol and diesel engines for their familiarity and reliability. If you’re curious about Mercedes’ electric models, you can refer to our sister site, Green.Car, which provides in-depth coverage of their electric vehicle lineup.

In this guide, we’ll break down the petrol and diesel Mercedes models, highlighting the key features of each category—from entry-level compact cars to high-end luxury SUVs

Understanding Mercedes-Benz Model Naming: Cracking the Code

Mercedes-Benz has a unique naming system that can seem confusing at first, but once you grasp the basics, it’s easier to understand where each model fits. The nomenclature is structured around letters, each representing a different class of vehicle. Traditionally, the higher the letter in the alphabet, the larger or more luxurious the car. Here’s a breakdown of the core segments:

• A-Class, B-Class: These are the entry-level models, typically compact hatchbacks or small MPVs (in the case of the B-Class). They’re designed for urban driving, offering practicality and affordability without sacrificing premium touches.
• C-Class, E-Class, S-Class: These letters represent the saloons, estates, and coupes. The C-Class is compact, the E-Class is mid-size, and the S-Class is the top-tier luxury model. As you move up in the range, you get more space, better materials, and higher levels of technology and comfort.
• GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS: These models represent Mercedes-Benz’s SUV lineup. Following the same principle, the GLA is the smallest and most compact, while the GLS is the largest, full-sized SUV. The GL prefix stands for “Geländewagen” (German for “off-road vehicle”), with the letter following indicating its relative size.
• AMG: Models with the AMG badge are tuned by Mercedes’ performance division, offering sportier, more powerful versions of their standard counterparts. AMG models range from compact sedans to high-performance SUVs, catering to drivers who want speed and performance without compromising luxury.

Pricing Structure: What to Expect Across the Mercedes-Benz Range

When it comes to Mercedes-Benz, you’re paying for more than just a car – you’re buying into a legacy of luxury, engineering precision, and cutting-edge technology. As a result, the pricing structure reflects this, with models spanning a broad range to suit different types of buyers.

• Entry-Level Models: The A-Class and GLA are the most affordable ways to enter the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with prices starting in the mid-£30,000s for the A-Class and around £40,000 for the GLA. These models offer a balance of premium features and practicality, making them accessible yet refined choices.
• Mid-Range Models: The C-Class and E-Class fall into the mid-range, with C-Class models starting around £40,000-£45,000, while the larger E-Class begins at roughly £55,000. The GLC SUV also starts at about £50,000. These models provide a higher level of luxury, space, and technology.
• High-End and Luxury Models: At the top end, the S-Class and GLS represent the epitome of luxury. Prices for the S-Class start around £90,000, with higher trims and options pushing the price into six figures. The GLS begins around £85,000 and can also climb significantly with added features. Similarly, the GLE SUV starts in the £70,000 range, offering a blend of luxury and SUV practicality.
• Performance Models (AMG): Mercedes-AMG models start at approximately £60,000 for lower-tier AMG versions and can exceed £150,000 for high-performance models like the AMG GT. These cars are for those looking for extreme performance coupled with luxury.

Fuel Types and Engine Options Across the Mercedes-Benz Range

Mercedes-Benz offers a variety of models that come with a selection of petrol and diesel engines, as well as mild-hybrid options that blend fuel efficiency with performance. Here’s an overview of the fuel and engine types available across their lineup.

• Petrol engines are the most common option across most Mercedes-Benz models. They offer smoother performance, quieter operation, and are typically preferred for those who do shorter journeys or city driving. Petrol engines are available across the entire Mercedes-Benz range, from compact models like the A-Class to larger luxury models like the S-Class.
  • Small to mid-size models like the A-Class and C-Class typically feature turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engines, providing a balance of power and efficiency.
  • Larger models such as the E-Class and GLE can offer more powerful 6-cylinder petrol engines, which provide extra torque and smoother power delivery for those seeking a more refined driving experience.
• Diesel Engines Mercedes-Benz still offers diesel engines, particularly in their larger and more practical models, appealing to drivers who need better fuel economy, especially for long-distance motorway driving. Diesel engines are common in vehicles such as the E-Class, GLE, and GLS, where fuel efficiency and torque are prioritised.
  • Smaller models, like the C-Class, can be equipped with turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engines, which offer excellent fuel economy without sacrificing too much in terms of performance.
  • Larger SUVs such as the GLC and GLE often come with 6-cylinder diesel engines, providing the low-end torque needed for towing or heavy loads, while maintaining decent fuel efficiency for their size.
• Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Options :In addition to petrol, diesel, and mild-hybrid engines, Mercedes-Benz offers a selection of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) across several of its ICE models. These plug-in hybrids combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and a larger battery, allowing for a certain range of all-electric driving, typically between 30 and 60 miles depending on the model.
  • Mercedes-Benz currently offers plug-in hybrid versions across various model ranges, focusing primarily on their saloons, SUVs, and larger vehicles where the added power and efficiency of a hybrid system are most beneficial.
  • Mercedes-Benz offers several plug-in hybrid options across different model ranges, blending petrol or diesel engines with electric motors for improved efficiency. In the compact segment, the A 250 e and B 250 e provide around 40-45 miles of all-electric range, ideal for city driving with occasional longer trips. The C-Class PHEV (C 300 e) offers a generous 60 miles of electric-only range, covering most commutes on battery power alone. The E-Class PHEV (E 300 e and E 300 de) features both petrol and diesel variants, delivering 30-40 miles of electric driving, appealing to business users. In the SUV lineup, the GLC 300 e and GLE 350 de offer 30-40 miles of electric range.
• High-Performance AMG Engine For the performance enthusiasts, AMG models offer high-performance engines that typically come in petrol versions, tuned for maximum power output. These engines are meticulously engineered and are available in various configurations depending on the model

With so many Mercedes-Benz models available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming, especially with options ranging from compact city cars to luxurious SUVs. Each model brings its own unique blend of luxury, technology, and performance, making the decision process both exciting and challenging. We hope this guide has helped simplify the choices by breaking down the key features, price ranges, and engine options of Mercedes’ petrol and diesel lineup. Whether you’re after everyday practicality or top-tier luxury, this overview should make finding the right Mercedes-Benz a more manageable and informed experience.

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