The new designations for Mercedes-Benz follow logical rules. The name of each model clearly indicates the model series, drive system and technology. The names are made up of two or three parts. The new names are being implemented from October 2008 until the end of 2009. During this transition names from both the old and the new nomenclature systems may be used concurrently.

Example: S 400 HYBRID

Part 1: vehicle category. The "S“ stands for S-Class.

Part 2: Model designation. In order to properly express the output potential of a vehicle, the new model nomenclature takes several factors into account: displacement, kW figure and the technical innovation of the drive system.

The three-digit number represents the total output of the drive system. Below 240 the designations are assigned in multiples of 20 (e.g. 180, 200, 220), and above 250 they are multiples of 50 (e.g. 250, 300, 350). In the example of the S 400 BlueHYBRID, "400" is used instead of "350" for the S 350 entry-level model because the BlueHYBRID version has more output and a higher torque available.

Using the new nomenclature hybrid drives are named according to their total output level from the combustion engine and electric motor. So hybrid drives are upgraded in comparison to the model designation for the corresponding combustion engine.

Part 3: add-on (optional). If a special technology is in use, its name comes behind the vehicle category and model designation. For S 400 BlueHYBRID the add-on indicates that this S-Class operates with a combined drive system of a petrol engine and electric motor.

The add-ons including the following: