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:

• 

  The Cruiser - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By JOHN - February 7 - 3:16 am

  My Dad just recently leased the R500 for me. I only have about 300 miles on it and I am having some problems with the transmision and lots of rattling noises around the car. It is a kick to drive around and I love the power. But for a car that is just below 70K, it needs more standard features. Full leather seats was an option.

• 

  Vehicle to remember - 1995 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By EDEXPRESS - February 6 - 1:00 pm

  This vehicle rides wonderfully and gets approx 20mpg, which is great for a car of this size. My only gripe is the persistant problems with the closing assist system, I have replaced 3 window motors and the AC went bad at 45k miles. I expect less petty yet expensive repairs from a car of this class.

• 

  Benz is Best - 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Mr Bill - February 5 - 6:43 pm

  Ive owned just about everything but truly exotic cars, i.e. Ferrari, Rolls, Bentley, Maserati, etc. This Benz, with the 5.5 liter engine, is one of the most powerful cars Ive had. The styling appeals to women of taste and the performance appeals to anyone who likes gobs of horsepower, push you to the seat acceleration and so on. I believe this car will become a collectors edition over time. Mine is white, with light beige seats and a black top. At gas stations people almost always say, "What a beautiful car". There are more expensive convertibles, but few with the "wow factor" of this vehicle.

• 

  Falling Apart - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Chris - February 5 - 12:10 pm

  We bought this vehicle about 2 years ago as certified used from dealership. We have been taking it in for repairs about 3-4 times a year. Head lamps have gone out a few times each. The radio quit working a few months ago-replacement costs $1,200. Warning lights go on about once a month for coolant level, brakes, lamps, etc. once every few months. The transmission is very jerky at low speeds. Interior trim pieces and outer roof strip are coming off. The engine/transmission noise while driving is loud and harsh. Interior truck lock assembly is falling apart.

• 

  2011 Even Better with AMG Package - 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By Second One - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Dollar for dollar, the best value out there for performance, luxury and fun factor. Now with 2011 AMG package, its looks match its performance. And somehow the 20" rims with the AMG rider smoother than my 2010. Great SUV. Dont let the smaller size fool you. It holds a lot of cargo, yet remains nimble enough to let you think its a sports car.

• 

  Schallers E350 Review - 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Hubert Schaller - February 4 - 12:00 am

  I bought this vehicle, having owned a 2003 BMW 530i which I loved. My wife loved the MB even more so I purchased it for her. Ive come to like the MB even more than the BMW primarily because it feels more refined. Even the passenger compartment, although not much larger than the BMW, feels significantly larger. I still think the BMW handles better but the MB is no slouch. I do wish MB had the same no cost (for 4 years) maintenance package the BMW came with. In closing, I would buy the vehicle again!

• 

  Mercedes Benz CL500 " A Drivers Dream." - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By Champlinmarty - February 3 - 1:06 pm

  All around beautifully designed inside and out. Very comfortable on long drives or just out for a fun spin around the block. Adequate power and great automatic shifter for extra fun on the highways. Many extra options available which I took advantage of. Includes automatic starter, AMG sport package, satelite radio, upgraded navigation and a few others. Being a huge car fan, this is THE car to drive. Luxury, sport orientated, and sophistication in one awesome package. No dissapointments for the true car driver!

• 

  great - 2004 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By ucballer3206 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This vechile is grat it drives great and looks great.

• 

  Awesome vehicle - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By fedman98 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I just sold my G35 and bought the CLK320. The Mercedes build quality and interior is by far superior to most vehicles. This vehicle handles well, has great speed and looks beautiful. I added appearnace package, sunroof package, lighting package, cd changer, and heated seats. The hand carved walnut is beautiful with the black leather interior.

• 

  great car - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By bddog - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the car for two years and have had no complaints. Still loving it.