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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  320 and 500 - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By djacek - April 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned both the 320 and the 500 both are the 2004 cabs.I find it ok in the snow for the most part and love everything about them exept for the 1 cup holder.Why did they only put 1 cup holder.

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  Dont Be Fooled By Imitations - 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By DOT - April 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the E-class since the 1993 400E. Our current E430 is evident of M- Bs efforts in giving design priority over engineering. With that said, the E430 is a very sound car. It drives, feels, and looks luxurious. Its the real thing, not a Toyota, Honda, or Nissan rebadged. Dont be fooled by the gingerbread of these imitators!

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  500SL Review - 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By Thomas Fillingim - April 11 - 12:50 pm

  After owning 2 other 500SLs, I can say that Mercedes finally got it right. The balance between luxury and sport is magnificent. I do not feel like Im riding on a truck chassis in the 2005 model. In the previous SLs I did. This car is luxury. Comfortable, yet very tight in terms of handling. It truly hugs the road while giving the feeling of being in a luxury automobile. The interior and exterior lines of the vehicle are very well thought out. It is a very classy automobile.

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  2014 ML350 Mercedes Benz - 2014 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By roger BINK - April 11 - 12:34 pm

  buying used if you find the one you like that has been taken care of makes a lot of sense. Mine was 2 years old, 23,900 miles and looks and drives showroom new, but i only paid $36,900 for a car that was over $55,000 when it first sold.

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  First time buyer - 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By John Wood - April 11 - 10:00 am

  As a first time buyer, i am very pleased with my purchase.I have never owned a foreign car before. I would tell my friends to buy one.

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  Even rush hour is fun! - 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Chuck , Boston - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I knew the C32 was an awesome performance car. What I didnt fully appreciate was the ability to handle "everyday" driving so well, and then exhibit outstanding performance on command. No compromises! It transitions magnificently from daily driver to exhilarating fun weekend car. The AMG transmission is truly outstanding.

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  Great ride - 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By OG - April 10 - 11:21 pm

  If you are all about comfort, this is your car. Difficult to find another choice in that price range with such a plethora of technology and comfort. Precisely, this is what may become a little overwhelming for some people. Having said that, do not expect this car to be "perfect". It is not. It has a lot of issues with software that may force you to get the car to the dealership for upgrades, but once the car is updated, it runs like no other. Tire wear is considerable with the factory installed Pirelli Flat Run. Ridiculous to be honest! At 5 thousand miles, dealership already suggested to replace front tires. Be prepared to spend in premium tires at least once every other year, sometimes less, depending on the brand and your driving habits. The dynamic cruise control (Distronic) feature is amazing, same the self-driving (under 30 mph) capability. Full isolation in its cabin, smooth ride, unparalleled audio quality, amazing response... and a price tag above 100K. But, hey, worthy in every penny.

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  Wolf in sheeps clothing! - 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Mike - April 10 - 12:25 pm

  Just buy it!

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  You need to get one - 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Greystone - April 8 - 12:30 am

  I purchased this car with 25,000 miles on it, former lease. Maybe I am easy to please, but this is one GREAT car. I paid just over HALF price of a $59,000 sticker, and get all of the benes. Parktronic, which I NEVER would have chosed, Harmon audio, sunroof, etc. Love the auto door locks at 9 MPH, in dash NAV, rain sensitive wipers and Bi Xenons. Trunk is spacious for golf clubs and 7 spoke wheels are easy to clean. Tires are low ENOUGH (245) profile, but not low enough to worry about potholes. The car drives heavy. It is not nimble. I would highly recommend for HWY, but not nec for City driving. My first MB, and my first used car ever in 25 years. I may nvr buy new again. Certified. Do it.

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  Best S-Class Yet - 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By beamerguy325 - April 6 - 11:45 am

  I have driven the 2010 S-Class several times before. Its handling, style and overall look is like non-other. I knew that as soon as this car hit the scene. The car drives like silk on the road, and anyone around knows when your coming down the street by way of the flasy exterior head lights and dotted fog lights at the base of the front bumper.