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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  veneer1 MD - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By John Kiefer - June 20 - 10:00 am

  a wonderful car with excellent power, fully loaded i.e. low jack integrated tri band cellular

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  Why do hybrids even exist? - 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Mikey - June 18 - 7:20 am

  Wonderful vehicle. Terrific performance from all that diesel torque, yet it gets superb mileage (avg. 22.1 MPG over 45,000 miles). Very comfortable on long trips. Lots of storage. However, its outrageous that memory seats are not standard equipment at this price. Maybe they are now standard on newer models? My dealer in Grand Rapids, Michigan is excellent, both sales and service. BTW, hybrids are a losing proposition. We already have diesel infrastructure in place, the technology is proven beyond a shadow of a doubt and the diesel complaints (noise, polution and smell) have been solved. My second M-B diesel wont be my last.

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  Nice Car - 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By conroebird - June 17 - 8:31 pm

  Have had two Lexus ES350 and one RX350. All were nice, but the RX wasnt the good quality as expected, and was boring. My wife loved the RX, so it took some prodding to change. So far we have 900 mi on the MB E350 and it is much more fun to drive with good quality. Will likely miss the Lexus free maintenance, but this car seems worth it. Very quiet, great music system, nav, etc. The panorama sunroof sold my wife, but it uses a screen to keep out sunlight instead of a solid cover. So in Texas the screen allows some heat through. Keep that in mind. A/C is extremely cold though, so no worries. The Command interface works well for me. Transmission lever is cool but different.

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  I Love My Benz! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By BenzDriver1122 - June 17 - 3:33 pm

  I purchased my CLK320 after looking at the 300 series BMWs, the "baby Lincoln", and a 99 CLK. I have never regretted my decision to go ahead and buy (at a non-discounted price!). I drive R/T either DC-Bowling Green (KY), Bowling Green-Louisville, Bowling Green-Chicago, or Bowling Green-Jacksonville (FL) at least once a month and enjoy every mile. If I could change one thing with my CLK, it would be to incorporate a CD/tape player with the CD holder in the trunk. I have found 2 minor annoyances: one with the light electrical system...Ive had four blown bulbs in 4 years. The other is the rear window screen. Over time it does not retract properly. A happy CLK driver.

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  Still love this car after first 20k - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By tjl - June 16 - 12:40 am

  Owned this 07 GL320 CDI for 15 months. Overall fuel efficiency has been 22.7 mpg through 20500 miles. On the highway, weve gotten up to 28 mpg, and always 20+ around town. Very comfortable on long trips or short commutes. Handled heavy winter snowfall in Spokane and North Idaho with ease. Couple of items to be aware of when purchasing. Uses synthetic Mobil 1, so oil changes are every 10- 12k. Oil light comes on occassionally. Dealer states its a computer glitch that hasnt yet been corrected. OE tires (we have Continental 4x4 Contact 18") are worn out and need to be replaced.

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  Lovin it. - 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By MrTracy - June 15 - 8:03 pm

  I like this car. This is my third S Class I had a 96 and an 2002 I also owned a 745LI 2004 and I still have a 2006 750LI. Although the Big Bimmer gets it as a great performance highway car, the Benz is just "The Benz" It is a little more supple laid back & reserved. Performance when you need it and comfort for days. I dont like the AMG wheels on the sports pkg because the interior bends really easily. Also the Dunlop tires that come with it go "Out of rounds" So easily. I truly enjoyed it when this 2007 style came out because the 2000-2006 was way too small. The 90s model which is my favorite was dubbed "Big Body" for a reason.

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  O3 CLK55 "Senna" - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By denalixxl - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I could not be more pleased with this car, It is my Porsche, and I am truly considering owning AMG-Badged Mercedes-Benz cars instead of the car from Stuttgart, that I have longed for my entire life. The car is simply amazing. I have taken it out on the track twice now, and have been extremely pleased with its poise and track prowess. I am a very proud CLK55 owner, and have no intention of selling it.

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  A change: - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Odila Zocca - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I have a SUV for 5 years and decided to get a small car because my oldest daughter is driving now. I did very little search because the first car dealer I went was the Mercedes. I fell in love with the CLK and I liked the elegance of the 320 and no other car could change my mind. From my sales person to the deliver and the exitment of driving "OZ" (that is what I named him) Im a very happy customer, thank you!

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  Perfect - 2003 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By J pizzle Kwik - June 15 - 10:00 am

  i love this car soo much i mean it is the car of my dreams anyone who wants a perfect car buy this car if u dont believe my try it for urself

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  Complete Package - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Ram 63 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I Drive 130 to 150 miles per day for work. My car is my Office. In past 4 years I have owned the following BMW M3,528 sport, Mercedes E430(2002), Lexus GS300 and GS430, Audi A4 3.0. In that order. All had there plus side, but obviously I was not completely satisfied until now. I have had the radio issues but that is fixable. This car is a keeper.