Mercedes-Benz is set to bring sweeping changes to the naming of its SUV models in a move aimed at placing greater emphasis on its key C-, E- and S-class models.
Among the changes, which are yet to be confirmed by Mercedes-Benz officials, is a renaming of the upcoming second-generation GLK, which will wear GLC badges when it is revealed in 2015, according to sources close to the German car maker.
The new name, first used on the concept GLC coupé revealed at the Beijing motor show in April, is meant to align the GLK with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in the same way the smaller GLA is tied to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
Mercedes-Benz also plans to abandon the long-established M-class name for an all-new GLE nomenclature when the facelifted version of its strong selling US-built SUV is revealed early in the new year.
As well as appearing on the facelifted version of the M-class, the GLE name is also planned to appear on the production version of the concept GLC Coupe, which will carry the name GLE Coupe into production.
Further up the ladder, the GL is set to receive a new GLS name, positioning it as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class of Mercedes-Benz’s SUV line-up.
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