Why doesn't Mercedes-Benz have a D series?
2 Answers
Mercedes-Benz's D series is actually the S-Class. The vehicle class divisions between Mercedes-Benz and General Motors correspond as follows: the former A-Class was A0/A00 class, the current A-Class is A-segment, B-Class is A-segment MPV, C-Class is B-segment, E-Class is C-segment, and S-Class is D-segment. The specific differences are as follows: A-segment cars: Divided into A00-segment and A0-segment sedans, where A00 models have a wheelbase between 2 to 2.2 meters and engine displacement below 1 liter. For example, the Alto belongs to the A00-segment. B-segment mid-size sedans: Wheelbase approximately 2.45 to 2.6 meters, with engine displacement ranging from 1.6 to 2.4 liters. Currently, the size and engine displacement of mid-size sedans have increased. C-segment premium sedans: Wheelbase approximately 2.6 to 2.8 meters, with engine displacement between 2.3 to 3.0 liters. The most renowned C-segment car in China is undoubtedly the Audi A6. S-Class sedans: Representing Mercedes-Benz's highest-class sedan, the S-Class is the top luxury vehicle from Mercedes-Benz under Daimler AG, embodying the ultimate in luxury and prestige.
I've studied Mercedes-Benz's naming system for years and found that their model letters like A, C, E, S are graded by size, not randomly skipped. Why is there no D series? This might stem from historical tradition. Since the 1950s, when Mercedes developed chassis codes like W123, they've been accustomed to using consecutive letters. However, 'D' in German or early industry usage might have referred to diesel test vehicles or been reserved for special models. For instance, before the E-Class was introduced in the 1970s, the model transition was smooth, and adding a D series would have been redundant. This design simplifies consumer choices, avoiding confusion about model positioning—you know at a glance that the S-Class is the luxury flagship. Now, Mercedes has also introduced the new EQ series of electric vehicles, proving that their naming strategy flexibly adapts to the market without forcing missing letters.
