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:

• 

  SL550 The Fast, the beautiful and the so - 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By fibblefester - December 2 - 3:50 am

  Just finished a 2,000 mile trip in our newly acquired 07. We drove it from Illinois to Oklahoma City, a trip that had us passing over interstate highways at 75 MPH and rolling through the backroads in Oklahoma. This amazing beast transport the passengers with a feeling of swift, solid sure footedness and capability. The engine is ferocious- at 100 MOH it is barely breathing hard. At more down to earth levels of speed it gets over 27 MPG. Thats right, we saw 27.8 MPG indicated and our math upon fillup confirmed the number. The seats are nothing short of nirvana in terms of features and adjustability. The Sat Nav works well and Sirius Radio is a wonder. The SL 550 is simply word class.

• 

  Fun and more.... - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Dave761 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The car lives up to everything I have enjoyed about Mercedes. I have had three other models and this one is the most fun to drive.

• 

  Mercedes Benz: Number One - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By steveen - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The Mercedes Benz E320, is by far one of the most fun, and one of the most neatest cars on the market. The exterior is beautiful, but I think tht the interior is what makes this car extra special. So clean and crisp!!!

• 

  Love the Car Beware it has Problems and MB wont stand behind the consumer - 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By dodikim - December 1 - 2:59 am

  I love this car and it comforts and how it drives and the amenities. But BEWARE this car has problems. These cars have issues and MBUSA nor the dealerships will not stand or help you in the least bit. I have begged until I am blue in the face The check engine light illuminates after filling up with gas and in numerous instances because of a "throttle valve problem that no dealership in Florida nor Georgia have been able to replicate causes the car to go "limp" meaning you cant accerate on the gas. My most recent episode was a week ago on I-75 and I had to beg Mercedes Roadside Assistance to send a Roadside Tech to come assist me at night. Which they refused to do.

• 

  gas guzzler - 2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By road rat - November 29 - 1:33 pm

  I liked the 2006 ML so much I got a 2009 ML when my lease was up. The 2009 gas mileage averages around 10mpg in the city and 15mpg on the hwy. Compared to 15mpg in city and 22 mpg that i got with the 2006. The handling on the 2006 was great and fun to drive, the 2009 doesnt have steering with as much feel, it feels more like a bus. No feedback. I think the steering wheel is also bigger in this year but not sure. THe fake leather seats do not compare to the comfort of the leather seats i had previously. THe rear bumper design with the color coating is really dumb but a good way for the dealers to make extra money when you turn in the car. It scratches easily

• 

  Love it all, but one thing.... - 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By dwr1979 - November 29 - 7:43 am

  Been car shopping for 5 months. Tested everything, then saw apr rates for MB and decided to go in and drive one. I was sold. Its the best car I have personally owned- road noise is low, smooth/ solid over bumps, autorain wipers are amazing, the mbtek keeps the car smelling new and no one knows its not leather. the transmission is not even a consideration....i never feel it shift. the baby turns tight and crisp. I am getting about 25 mpgs right now, but just rolled over to 2000 miles so this is still probably not accurate.

• 

  Six Months Old and Growing on Me - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By MB4ME - November 28 - 8:10 am

  This is my fourth MB, including 1 wagon and 2 sedans previously, all wonderful vehicles. R-Class has surprising ease of handling like a sedan. Interior is roomy for six adults and gorgeous. Reading the manual first is imperative to become familiar with the hi-tech features. Nav system is great once you master the input procedures. Cargo area adequate for my golf clubs and groceries with seats up. Great sound system. I am averaging 21 mpg. Awesome all-wheel drive and brakes gripped the road in downhill driveway in the snow. My teenagers are fascinated with the different and innovative crossover R. The more I drive the R-Class the more I appreciate the engineering and styling vision.

• 

  The best - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By LHANN - November 28 - 1:50 am

  I have owned 19 cars, five of which were Benz. My favorites were the 1965 250S and the current CLK 350. Its a dream on the interstate but it is equally a pleasure to cruise the beach. My only complaints are that the trunk is a bit on the cozy side, especially with the top down, and the navigation system is CD driven. However, the navigation system is very good and I would never buy another car without the factory installed system. Gas mileage is outstanding. On the interstate I get 28 regularly (at 80+ mph), although city driving is considerably less. Although the model styling is a few years old I still get many wonderful comments and thumbs up from drivers on the road.

• 

  My favorite Mercedes - 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Cathy Weil - November 27 - 4:06 pm

  This is my third Mercedes purchase, first was the C230, second the S320, and now this model. While I enjoyed ownership of all previous Mercedes models, this sedan suits me the best. It is a perfect size and style. It is comfortable, yet fun to drive. The sound system provides great listening for my opera or rock CDs.

• 

  What a great decision - 1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By mbzc230 - November 26 - 2:00 am

  More than a year ago I was faced with the need to find a replacement car. I chose the Mercedes for its combination of style, comfort, value, and of course prestige. I have never been dissapointed with my decision to purchase this vehicle instead of a new Honda Accord. I now understand why those who buy one Mercedes cant help but keep buying them!!