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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  Better than gas - 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By RGB - October 12 - 10:20 pm

  I owned a gasoline engine E320 Sport and was dissatisfied with the acceleration, fuel economy and ride. This diesel puts the gas model to shame. This is the best car Ive owned in 40 years of driving. Averaging over 30 mpg with mainly in-town driving.

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  MB E320 CDI - 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By RBinford - October 12 - 6:10 pm

  We had a 2002 Mercedes C230 prior to this vehicle and it was wonderful. However, after having a child we decided that we needed a larger car. We looked at all of the different models of the E-Class and decided after driving all and talking with our sales rep that the 2005 E320 CDI was our best option. We havent regreted it one moment.

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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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  A real lemon... - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By KAW - October 9 - 10:00 am

  During one year of ownership...this car was in the shop on an average of one week per month for the same problems + others. New ones continue to develop and the next one will prompt me to cover it in yellow stick- on lemons. Although MB is currently negociating an exchange, much to their credit IF they follow through...(E me for updates)I am not sure if I will feel safe or enjoy another MB.

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  What a Mistake!!!!! - 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Rick Groughlin - October 9 - 10:00 am

  After being with Lexus for 7 years, I wanted to try something different. I purchased a well-serviced E430 Sport, with 48K miles. Other than the minor issues, the ABS went out at 52K (common problem). At 58K, I thought I needed of a new transmission, but it turned out that I had to replace the transmission mounts, driveshaft joint, and a transmission sensor. For the 60K mile service, the car needed engine mounts and a power steering rack on top of the routine service. The result: No warranty = $4200 out of pocket. Right now, at 70K miles, the car is in for a rear main seal and A/C compressor replacement.

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  glad I bought it! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By rosy - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Never listen to critics! This car is fun to drive and reliable. My friend bought hers last year and feels the same way. Much better quality than Lexus IS300 and the Infinity and more for your money!

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  Replace Fuel Pump After 7 Years!! - 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By ardot - October 6 - 8:52 pm

  Smelled gas inside vehicle after filling up, engine light came on, and the smell was extremely overwhelming with gas fumes. I had to roll all windows and sunroof down in 20 degrees weather. Contacted Mercedes Benz Atlanta on Piedmont (all records on file with up keep of vehicle maintenance) to advise. Took car for repaired and I am stuck with a $1400 repair bill. I was told by my service advisor that in 7 years the fuel pump goes out and has to be replaced? REALLY MERCEDES? This is a manufacture defect and the consumer should not be held accountable for something this major. So much for high end top of the line. This is certainly a defect. I want my check Mercedes! You should be a shame!

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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.