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:

• 

  baby benz - 1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By pgomez - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car with 56,000 miles and have put about 3,000 miles on it since. It feels like it is glued to the ground. For all of you MB owners, you know what I am referring to. The biggest surprise has been its fuel consumption or lack there of. I find myself filling up about every 14 days which is a vast improvement from how often I have to take my ML320 to the pump.

• 

  Mercedes ML320 - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Bedford - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my second ML320 and both have been as good as anyone could expect from an automobile both in performance and trouble free operation. It is not an AWD (all wheel drive vehicle) instead it has permanent 4 wheel drive with a low range. Since the 2005 MLs will be uni-body construction with no low range, I am purchasing a Mercedes G500 within the year.

• 

  MB Does it again! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By OKBenzo - November 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Benzo, and will certainly not be my last! I have had the most pleasant experiences of my life since becoming a Benz owner, now 5 years ago. The customer service (when you need it) is impeccable, the design, reliability and safety of these cars is second to none. I have owned Volvos, BMWs, Lexs, Mazda (Although the RX8 is SICK!, MUST have one of those soon!)and drove the X series Jag (sad!), but Benz has my heart and my loyalty as a life-long customer! Its not just the car either, the MB Dealership in OKC is a class act, Superior Professionals that take care of their customers!!!

• 

  C 230 Kompressor -Sporty Baby Benz - 2004 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Lazman - November 22 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2002 C240. I like the car, but is was way to slow and had a bit too much body roll for me. Also, the gas mileage was mediocre considering it was only a 2.6 V6 putting out a measly 168 hp. The kompressor model feels like a different car. It addresses my complaints about the 240, and gets great gas mileage to boot. I would still like a bit more power, but for 31K you dont get everything. Im very happy with the car and would highly recommend it.

• 

  CLS 500 w/AMG Sport Pack - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By William - November 22 - 1:16 am

  Ive been a Mercedes fan for years and have owned several of them. The CLS is the best one yet. Though E-based, its a very different vehicle. It rides better, handles tighter, and is just simply heads above the E. Even the interior is an improvement. I traded in a new 2005 E320 for the CLS500 and do not miss the E at all. The other Mercedes sedans now look dowdy next to this one. Im 64" and had heard the CLS lacked interior space. Up front, theres no problem for me. I cant sit in back of most vehicles and the CLS is no exception. The only problem I had was locating one with the color and equipment I wanted because there still arent that many around.

• 

  Improvement over the 2008 E350 - 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By HiHoMike - November 21 - 6:33 pm

  I traded my 08 E350 Sport for a 2009 E350 sport mainly to upgrade to the new, faster electronics and music. I found no major driving differences, however the HD radio, the NAV system, the Voice Command and the increased response speed for all technology functions is amazing. There is almost nothing you cant do with the voice command system. It even has a training module to improve the voice commands understanding of your input language. Smooth ride and handling are accomplished with the sport suspension. Since I had no problems with my 08, the 09 is just icing on the cake.

• 

  Lovin the C230 Sport - 2007 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By BigSexy - November 21 - 5:43 pm

  I am very impressed by the fuel economy of this car, especially when I average 70-75 MPH. I get an impressive 27+ MPG. The AMG kit makes the car look far more expensive than the $30K sticker. I took the base car and am totally satisfied not having all the extras. The engine could use about 50 more horses, but the rest of the ride makes up for it.

• 

  Great while working - 2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By craigdabaker - November 21 - 2:38 am

  This car is a very expensive car to own. I purchased this car in 2009 as a certified used vehicle. This car drives great when it is not in the shop. There are serious brake and transmission problems with this car. I will never ever purchase another mercedes

• 

  My 2014 E350 Sedan Sport not a quality machine - 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By ericl33 - November 20 - 5:31 pm

  Car in shop too many times for too many issues in first month of ownership. Long time loyalty to brand to the tune of 1 new MB a year for several years. Asked them to buy car back before the issues grow. Two systems they still cannot fix - 360 camera and Sirius radio. They told me they are happy to honor the warranty but will not take car back. So much for loyalty. MBUSA customer service is under trained and incapable of client retention. 3000 miles on car in shop two times for two weeks with the service area working on items and not able to fully repair. MBUSA aware of factory 360 camera issue, Sirius - no clue. 30% chance that something will not work when driven.

• 

  Big and Best - 2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By Pacemaker1 - November 20 - 2:26 am

  I dont think there is a whole lot of comparison between this car and BMW 7 series. These are both great cars. If you are in for gadgets then a Lexus LS 460 will do the same with less cost. Having said that it is a different world to drive this beast with the best of world for gadgets and performance. The car is simply mind blowing in terms of latest technology and comfort. Best testimonial for this car can be derived from the fact it is widely used if not most widely by distinguished politicians and celebrities. We all know how unsafe politicians around the world are and their dependence on this car will reassure you all more than an average Joe like me. If you have money this is your toy