Word from Germany is that Mercedes-Benz will be changing the monikers of their SUVs to fall in line with the other vehicles in their line-up. So, like the GLA’s name links it to the A-Class, the new face-lifted ML-Class unveiled later this year will be called the GLE-Class, thereby aligning it with the E-Class models.
At least that’s according to respected German magazine/website Auto Motor und Sport. Next year then, when Merc launch their BMW X6 competitor, it won’t be called an M-Class Coupé, but a GLS-Class Coupé. The same fate awaits the GLK class (never launched here). Due in late 2015, this will be called the GLC-Class aligning it with the C-Class.
And what does that mean for future generations of Merc’s iconic big bruisers, the G-Class and GL-Class? Well we’d guess that the Big Daddy G-Class will keep its nameplate and venerable status, while the GL-Class is likely to become a GLS-Class in-line with the S-Class sedan.
On the one hand, yes, this does all make for nice marketing symmetry, but on the other… why bother? Will this really influence someone’s purchasing decision?
