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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  "Nothing but the best" what a joke - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Grace Ann - August 11 - 11:27 pm

  The GL450 has so many problems, that dealers across the country and head quarters do not know how to fix, the customer frequently hears "we have no idea what is wrong or how to fix your problem." I had a Lexus LX 470 and as soon as I can get the Mercedes out of the shop, they have had it for 9 days, I am headed for Lexus and trading it in. The vehicle backfires on every cold start, a very dangerous situations. "Nothing but the best, the safest, technologically advanced;" far from it. Mercedes you are better than this. Step up your game and your customer service response. I was told today by Mercedes corporate customer care group "they had no idea when they would have an answer or solution to the backfire problem. When I said do you think you will know something by December, the regional claims manager stated "I have no idea." "Nothing but the best?" I will never recommend or buy another Mercedes.

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  Making Friends with a Mercedes Benz - 2013 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Rob Pigott - August 11 - 10:55 am

  Know that the regular maintenance for this car requires more frequent check-ups than most other comparable SUVs and that it will be more expensive, too. A used Chevrolet Equinox (AWD 3.5L) was an early choice but I could not find a used one in Southern California in the color I like. Along came this MB at a local Toyota dealership (at the time, I was checking a Honda Pilot and a Toyota Highlander - both used), and, after an impressive test drive, I chose luxury and safety. So, to be honest, the purchase was as much serendipitous as it was carefully researched and goal-driven. Such is life. Having driven the same Toyota Land Cruiser for over 20 years, I was initially overwhelmed by the new technology of the MB, but am growing to appreciate, for example, the added safety of multiple sensors. Those and the simultaneous gas mileage read-out have already made me a better, smarter driver. Early days, but Im pleased with my purchase.

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  ml 320 - 1998 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By rowland - August 11 - 5:56 am

  been in shop alot/hate interior controls lay out/ air control knob is joke. but nice ride/ fun.

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  Excellent Bargain for a great dependable and good looking car ! - 2007 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By mannyb84 - August 10 - 2:43 pm

  07 auto c230 , Obtained Ownership 59k in Oct. 2009 The carfax was clean, trans. replaced at 49k by MB. I took the car and was impressed for a 2.5L that it had some performance. I am aware of the balance shaft problem. I had a build date of SEPT 07, so I was in the clear. The transmission shifted smooth and responsive. I always changed the oil with Mobil Synthetic 0W-40. Solid suspension, smooth car, felt safe. Very comfortable car even on long and short drives. I would get about 17city, 33hwy and always filled it with 93 Octane. Lost it during Hurricane Sandy with 84k. Let me just clarify if you maintain the car with a good quality of gas and oil you shouldnt have issues.

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  Bought It Love It - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By J P - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my G to serve as my primary vehicle and for off-road use. Its great. Built with great quality and blessed with 292 hp, this baby goes anywhere at anytime. Highly recommended.

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  C240 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By tyty15 - August 10 - 10:00 am

  The best car ever for under forty thousand dollars. very worth buying. would consider buying again

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  2006 C230 Mars Red/Black Interior - 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By OD - August 10 - 9:36 am

  I just bought the wife the new 06 c230 7 speed automatic Sport, she loves it. The car handles great since she was coming off the H3 go figure how good we are doing with gas prices these days. The exterior is good looking and I wish it would come with leather instead of the half/half. Great looking car overall.

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  Absolutely love this car!!!! - 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By TessAnn - August 10 - 4:56 am

  I previously owned a 2006 Volvo XC90 Ocean Race. It was a great car but lacked a lot of technology. When shopping, I was ultimately looking for a less gas consuming vehicle. I made the choice to buy the mercedes because of the overall quality; comfort, luxury, beauty, gas mileage, etc. The engine is a V6 which provides a good amount of power but not compared to my Volvo which was a V8. However, I can manage because the Mercedes gets superior gas mileage. I live in Los Angeles, which means lots of city driving, and I am getting 500-600 miles on one tank. I find relief in knowing that the car is better for the environment than hybrids with the clean diesel system. I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!

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  1998 C-280 - 1998 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By MDA - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. Well built, reliable and overall solid performer for its class.

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  Excellent Luxury Sedan, a Classic! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By EOwner - August 10 - 2:00 am

  Rock solid car. Own a 1999 ML 320 also - what a difference. The M Class was in the shop every other month. This car has never been back yet. Ride, fuel economy, handling, are superb. 4Matic is worth the cost, even for a southern climate. Grips the road in rain or snow. Last year produced in this Model Series - W-210, hence many previous issues resolved (would not recommend any first or second year MB model). Glad I purchased this E-class- safe, superb, sleek - will keep it for years.