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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  Versatile luxury - 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Ralph - November 2 - 7:40 am

  At first, I went to get a 4 door sedan, therefore I was hesitant to get what I thought of as a "minivan in disguise". But the more I drive it, the more I love it! I like the way it handles both on the highway and around the city. It feels like a Mercedes Benz car not a minivan or truck. People love the back seats, and the plentiful leg room available. The diesel model, which I have, is giving me great mileage per gallon of gas. I love that the seats in the back can be arranged in different configurations, very versatile. It is very luxurious inside. The sound system is excellent.

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  Still needs improvement - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By docstevew - November 1 - 8:46 pm

  I believe Mercedes still has a lot of room to improve on their "high end" car. It was always my dream to own a "Big Mercedes" for the style, luxury, and comfort. I find it to be satisfying with the car, but disappointed with the lack of attention to the details. This car always had some minor electrical problems (turning lights,ets) that the dealer can never seem to figure it out. Navigation system needs major improvement (with touch screen). Nevertheless, I like the style and smooth acceleration of its fine motor. Its like a dream come true, but not quite perfect.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By JJG - November 1 - 6:13 pm

  I purchased this car with less than 13,000 miles (certified). Decided to add the extended warranty which extends coverage to 100k. Because of the lack luster economy I realized significant costs saving when I purchased this vehicle. This is a great Automobile! The ride is absolutely first rate and the safety features are without peer! My wife has a Lexus and there is a significant difference in handling and ride quality. Im continuously complimented on the vehicle. This is my first MB! Definitely will not be my last. Simply put, this is the best automobile that Ive ever owned!

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  My New Bluetec - 2007 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Alan - November 1 - 2:33 pm

  This is an excellent all round vehicle. I opted to upgrade the wheel package to 10 twin spoke alloys - why these are not offered as standard as they are on the E350 surprises me

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  SHOCKED!!!!!!!! - 2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By APM - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe the reviews on this SUV. Have driven the RX300 LEXUS and the MDX from Acura, the ML320 has them beat. First, it is just plain fun to drive. Then again the simple ergonomics and quality in the leather is amazing. Very quite and I am shocked at the many people I talked to who said this is a "trucky" feel to the SUV.For someone else in my category i.e. Third a must, quality in the ride, great sound system. Try a ML320.

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  A Canadian view on a CLK320 convertible - 2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Canadian Summer - November 1 - 10:00 am

  The car cruises so well on the highway as I head west to Banff and Lake Louise. It is very quiet and handles so well, and it turns heads in the city. I have had the car for almost 3 and a half years and I drive it year round, even through our Canadian winters. The top is so well insulated that you have to remind yourself that you are in a convertible. With the top down, I have people at the cross walks, actually saying "nice car" as I drive by. I didnt expect all the attention in our city of almost 1 million people, but it is nice to know that I made a good vehicle choice when I special ordered this silver Mercedes.

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  comfort - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By hp - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Remarkably comfortable. Having moved from a bulky "luxury" SUV, I was delighted with the interior space and comfort of the big S class. The ride was also a pleasant revelation. Smooth with excellent grip. The availablity of the 4matic system should make owning a large sedan more appealing for people in snowy climates...

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  Great Car - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By mjepilot - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for only two days, but I thoroughly enjoy it. Great handling and smooth ride (feels like driving on glass).

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  None better! - 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By OVERTHETOP - October 30 - 11:10 pm

  Ive owned 4 MBs, a Porsche, and numerous other European vehicles. Ive driven them all for pleasure. None for day to day. Ive never had a MB that dissappointed me..including my SL500. My Porsche 996 was in the shop every other week..literally, for "check engine lights. It never was resolved. Save your money and buy this car. Im over 66", and wide, and am comfortable. Interior design is remarkable. The car is in the shop for scheduled maintenance only. Come to think of it, I dont know that Ive ever had a major problem with any MB. Its fast, sleek, handles on a rail, looks fabulous, runs magnificently. I dont know what else I could ask for. Im just glad that I bought this car.

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  E350 is beyond comparison! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Mark B. - October 30 - 10:33 pm

  It may sound cliche (and downright corney) but the new Mercedes E350 *IS* the most comfortable, well-built and safety minded car in its class. I have owned a BMW 325 and an Infinity I-class and this vehicle blows away the competition. The ride cannot be described. Quiet, fast when required and a feeling of complete safety. The vehicle is very responsive without feeling mushy like many of the Japanese competitors. Try one!