Overview & Reviews

"Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes-Benz?" That's the opening line of "Mercedes-Benz," a song most famously recorded by singer Janis Joplin in the early 1970s. The tune gently poked fun at materialism and our desire for the finer things in life. It's fitting that the renowned German marque figures prominently in the lyric. Mercedes-Benz has long been known for crafting vehicles that emphasize luxury and refinement. For many, its vehicles are sleek symbols of status, success and good taste.

In January of 1886, Karl Benz unveiled the world's first automobile, a three-wheeled vehicle dubbed the Benz Patent Motor Car. A few months later, Gottlieb Daimler and his chief engineer Wilhelm Maybach rolled out a four-wheeled vehicle powered by his Daimler engine. The first Mercedes was crafted in 1901, shortly after Daimler's death. Built by Maybach, the car was commissioned by Emil Jellinek, one of Daimler's primary distributors, and was ultimately named after Jellinek's daughter, Mercedes.

In 1926, the companies founded by Daimler and Benz merged to form Daimler-Benz AG, and the Mercedes-Benz brand was born. The company's insignia was a three-pointed star wreathed in a laurel; the star was dreamed up by Daimler years earlier, and its three points signified the fact that his engines were used in vehicles that traveled land, air and sea.

Right from the start, the Mercedes-Benz name was synonymous with automotive excellence. One of the automaker's earliest vehicles, the 1931 Mercedes-Benz 170, distinguished itself as the world's first production car to offer a technology that was nothing short of extraordinary for the day: four-wheel independent suspension. The '30s and '40s saw Mercedes establishing itself as the brand of choice for car buyers seeking the ultimate in luxury, thanks to coveted cruisers like the 380 and 540K.

The 1950s witnessed the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing," a sports car that has been described as being the world's first supercar. With its dramatic styling and race-bred technology, the 300 SL reigns today as a classic coveted by collectors worldwide. The decade also saw Daimler-Benz making strides in the area of safety technology. The company's Mercedes-Benz 220 sedans were the first vehicles to incorporate its patented "crumple zone" body design, created to absorb impact in the event of a crash.

In 1963, the company cemented its reputation as the home of automotive luxury with the launch of the Mercedes-Benz 600. The elegant, luxurious sedan was also available as a limousine and featured an ahead-of-its-time air suspension system and a V8 engine that boasted 300 horsepower. The decade also saw the launch of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3. This full-size sedan went from zero to 60 in under seven seconds, distinguishing itself as the quickest luxury car is its day.

The 1970s saw the birth of the brand's storied S-Class line of vehicles, opulent sedans and coupes that coddled passengers with powerful engines and a long list of luxury features. The decade also saw Mercedes continuing on the cutting edge of safety technology, by being the first to offer antilock brakes in its vehicles.

Daimler-Benz's safety advancements continued in the 1980s. Its cars were the first to offer airbags and traction control. The manufacturer also raised the bar in terms of ride comfort and handling when it introduced multilink rear suspension. The technology debuted on the compact Mercedes-Benz 190 E, and it remains a vital component of the company's chassis engineering to this day.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles got an extra dose of power and performance in the 1990s, thanks to the manufacturer's partnership with AMG, a performance and tuning shop that was eventually purchased by the company to help produce ultra-high-performance versions of some of its vehicles. The first AMG model offered in the U.S. was the sporty C36 AMG in 1995; since then, Mercedes has gone on to offer an AMG-tuned version of almost all of its vehicles.

The company's current lineup is the most comprehensive in its history. With a variety of sedans, coupes, SUVs and roadsters filling Mercedes showrooms, it seems like the only thing missing is a pickup truck. Surely, the fact that Janis Joplin's song holds as much relevance today as it did four decades ago is a strong indicator that the brand's premier status is still very much intact.

User Reviews:

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  Rocket sled - 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Attorney Scott - October 12 - 6:16 am

  I traded in a C6 Corvette because I didnt like getting pulled over every other day by cops wanting to eyeball it. This is much more discreet, until one notices the four tailpipes and V8 Kompressor badges. It corners more confidently in high-speed sweepers than the Vette did, and accelerates just as hard, even harder in roll-on acceleration. I notice other reviewers have given it high marks in fuel economy - not me, I average about 11 mpg.

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  Excellent - 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By ktcotton - October 10 - 6:40 pm

  Bought the E320 CDI to replace 04 BMW 530i. The difference in quality are amazing, for a $50k+ car the BMW is cheap and tacky inside. MB feels like it costs a lot more. Fuel consumption made me get the diesel, after test- driving both the gas and the diesel. The torque is stunning. Averaging 33mpg combined so far.

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  Best New Mecedes in Years - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By Zuben - October 9 - 4:50 pm

  I have never owned a vehicle that turns more heads than the CLS500. With its "E" class trunk and relatively long legs for a V8, it is a perfect blend as a true road trip car. Comfort, ease of operation (Unlike my previous BMW I Drive that took a computer programer just to go to the gas station) I opted for the NAV, Satellite radio and Tele-aid, all of which opertate perfectly and are very logically user friendly.

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  Amazing - 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By fasani - October 6 - 5:06 am

  Great sporty car. Nice to drive, incredible handling, elegant interior and the perfect size and look.

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  S350 2006 Best Car the Money - 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By cg "man" - October 5 - 4:00 pm

  I have never driven a car so comfortable, quiet, shifting and excellent. This car has the smoothest ride of any vehicle Ive ever owned. The front and back have a large amount of roominess with all this comfort. It has plenty of power, so when you want to go fast, itll do it easily. Sleek lines, a real head turner on the streets. Just a sweet car, inside and out!

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  Not a Single Problem in Over a Year! - 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By tweeze - October 3 - 11:30 pm

  I have had my C320 Sport Coupe for 14 months now and have never had any problems. The only time it has gone to the dealer is for its first oil change at 1 year - that I find amazing in itself! Service is only required every 13,000 miles or 12 months. Very fun to drive, very good road-holding. Dealership has treated me like a king. I was a little apprehensive to buy a Benz because of Consumer Reports giving them a bad rating. My personal experience, though, has been this is the first new car I have ever owned that has never had to go to the dealer for any adjustments or fixes. Talk about a carefree ownership experience!

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  Cruises over and Ranges past the rest - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By GPedd7 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I am sure I am one of the very few G Class owners who have really been off road in their vehicle, but I must say the G has very aceptional handling. On road and off. Being 6 feet tall, i fit right inside the somewhat cozy cabin. The seats are great and the driving stance/experience is amazing. Its like driving a tank and thats what i am use to. My last two cars were a Land Cruiser and a Range Rover, but i must say my G is the best car i have ever had ever.

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  Best car I have ever owned - 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By anna - September 30 - 1:30 pm

  This is the best car that I have ever owned! The ride is smooth. The weight of the vehicle makes me feel safe. I have had the vehicle for 18 months and it has been in the repair shop one time for an oil change. The overall size of the vehicle makes it easy to manuever in traffic. The sound system in the vehicle is awsome. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Diesel for me - 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Jon - September 29 - 8:46 am

  Pricey, but very reliable, quick, and economical. On a road trip I averaged 35.0 mpg for a big heavy solid car. Just wish Benz, would put the diesel in a sport utility for sale in US.

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  Marks - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By mambrose - September 28 - 8:46 pm

  I think the car is satisfying overall. It is a well rounded machine, although those expecting a sports car may be a bit dissapointed. I had a 911 cab prior so that may not be a fair statement. It is smooth, quiet and powerful, although I understand they are putting the new v8 found in the 2007 S class thoughout the line to replace the current 5.0 ltr motor. That will be a real lift in power. (some 80 or so horses.) Kind of wish I would have waited for the 2007. I put 18 inch BBS wheels on mine and it handles better w/o much loss in ride. They look better too. I may put on cross drilled rotors(for looks and performance)w/perf. pads(to lessen dust), and maybe sway bars to help prevent leaning.