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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  My New Love - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Alan Chalfin - October 18 - 11:36 pm

  I have never felt so exhilarated by a car before this...I feel like a teenage king behind the wheel. I had no idea how much I would love driving around town in a convertible. Much to my surprise, I gave up no comfort and not much in the quiet department. Its a beauty to see, a pleasure to drive and I love it!

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  Heck of a Mercedes - 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By ChuckA - October 17 - 12:40 am

  I have had 2 BMWs in the past, and I find that the MB is more comfortable and rides nicer. It will not handle as well as a BMW, but you get comfort and style in place of handling in hard corners. I enjoy this car greatly and love the way people look at me while I drive.

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  Wonderful! - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By emorypath - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car brings back the joy in everyday life. It is sporty but luxurious. The ride is smooth, the sound system is rich and clear. The V8 engine is quiet and yet strong. The seats and in interior are comfortable with plenty of comfortable room for 4. The convertible tob is lined giving a quiet ride when the top is on. it makes any trip out a pleasure.

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  2002 ML320-Love it! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Texrose575 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Also owned a 1998 model...love this one!

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  Excellent Ride - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By lbo100 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  As far as reliability, function, resale value, ability to city drive and overall comfort, I would not exchange my ML for any other SUV (except of course an ML 430).

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  c coupe 230 compressor hatch - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By william distelhurst - October 16 - 10:00 am

  luv this car, it is everything and more we could have wanted. thank you again mercedes for building this wonderful affordable sports car.

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  awesome ride - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By adjh - October 16 - 10:00 am

  great in every way. sporty ride and acceleration. comfortable. nice CD and sound system. cant wait for the snow for the 4wd

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  Wonderful car - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Dumbo bob - October 16 - 10:00 am

  this is the best car i have ever had in my life.

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  Completely Incredible - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By jsutt - October 14 - 1:40 pm

  I previously owned a 2003 CLK500 and let me tell you that the new 550s engine completely blows away the previous version. The accelleration and overall performance is incredible. The exterior and interior are stunning. Practically every time I drive it someone is telling me how beautiful it is. Go get one today.

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  Our second review....LOVE IT! - 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By coadster - October 13 - 5:20 pm

  This is a followup as we just completed an 1200 mile roadtrip with 2 adults, 2 large dogs and lots of stuff. Car exceeded our expectations....all across the board (and we have owned new E class/5 Series, Jag XJ prior).