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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  Amazing car - 1995 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By daba_west - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This must be one of the best convertibles for 4 ever built. Very quiet, no rattles at all. Handling is better than the weight and skinny tires would suggest. Engine and transmission are plenty strong and very smooth. If there are only 2 in the car, put up the wind blocker and talk quietly with the top down. Youll be amazed.

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  MB BURNER - 2001 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Whisper - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Accelerates strong through three numbers, tight cornering with no sway, fantastic braking and abosolutely a blast to drive. There is nothing on the road that drives as nice. Strap your kids in the back and have them wave to the porsche as you pass him on the highway.

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  Ask me Again in 10 Years - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Dave - April 8 - 8:00 am

  Bought the car new 20 months ago. Absolutely love it, but I only have 9,000 miles on it. Did this coming off of 18 years of Toyota ownership. Have replaced the amplifier on the premium sound system and a malfunctioning key fob under warranty. Dont know if this is standard operating procedure for pricy German cars. Not a sports car as much as it is a muscle car with 21st century refinement. Bought it after deciding I was too old and too fat to climb in and out of a 911 Cabriolet at the Porsche dealership. Went to the MB dealership expecting to buy an SL. Test drove both CLK 500 and an SL 500. Decided to get a back seat and pay $30,000 less than what the SL would have cost.

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  Wonderful Auto - 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By William Wood - April 6 - 11:40 am

  From the drive away from the dealer, we have enjoyed every moment. We were Toyota Camry fans but now there is no way we would give up our MB.

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  Long rule the Sport-Lux Wagon - 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By MW - April 6 - 10:00 am

  This is the ultimate family vehicle and we dont look for a second at suvs or hybrid vans or whatever. Practical, sporty, smooth, clean lines, great ergo, wow wow wow. Bought all the roof bling, rack, bike rack, cargo box from Mercedes-Benz

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  Very Nice Car - 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Totoro - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Before we bought the E 350, we were considered 2011 BMW 528, used 750iL & used Lexus 460L. We test drove everything and the E350 is better than anything else. We have the rear seat entertainment system that kids can watch different movie and can control separately. Kids loves it and as soon as they are in the car, they are very quiet no fighting for what they want to watch. So far so good no problem.

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  Sounds cliche, but best car ever - 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By J Ghione - April 5 - 1:40 am

  I think everything I ever wanted in a car I found in my 2004 E320. Great handling, smooth suspension, powerful 3.2 engine, decent mileage, great turn radius, very sporty and modern exterior and a super classy yet modern enterior. In terms of looks this is a major update from the 2002 E320 which in my opinion is a bit too boxy and plain looking. Comparing to the 2002, I would say the suspension and handling are slightly more towards the sport side although it is still primarily a luxury ride. The engine is very quiet, yet they designed it just so you get a sporty engine growl when you accelerate. The extra money paid for this Mercedes is well worth it.

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  Thrill Ride - 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Don R - April 3 - 4:46 pm

  I bought this car with only 13K miles off a lease return. The 382 HP makes this car a rocket sedan. It rides like a luxury car but peforms like a sports car. The most pleasant surprise has been the gas mileage. On my first major highway trip I got an astounding 32 MPG while averaging 75 MPH! It takes a lot of restraint to hold back the reins on this thoroughbred. On my commute I normally get 26 MPG. The only problem has been the low profile tires. Ive ruined two tires and bent two rims on pot holes. This is without a doubt the most fun Ive had driving a car in the past 35 years.

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  2002 MB C230 Sport Coupe - 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By u0043928 - April 3 - 3:06 pm

  Great bargain for an entry level Mercedes. Shared the same technology and safety features as C240 & C320 for much less. Solid, stable and agile. The 3-pointed star on the grill set it apart as the sport/performance category than the C-sedans.

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  CLK review - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By KT - April 3 - 9:06 am

  I love this car!! I have never had more fun with a car that is both frivolous and practical. Excellent combination