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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  Rides Like A Dream - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Florida girl - October 26 - 3:03 pm

  Just purchased a new GL450 , and I am very pleased. The truck drives like a luxury sedan. The interior is very roomy and extremely comfortable. I have three children and they are all very tall and the leg room is quite ample. There are absolutely no blind spots and driving this truck really is a pleasure. It is built like a tank and the solid construction really makes me feel safe. The acceleration is fantastic. No problem passing or entering highways. I have driven several different luxury trucks and this is really my favorite. Its very stylish without being too flashy, and It truly does seat seven adults fairly comfortablly.

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  No more good Mercedes - 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By d r - October 26 - 4:33 am

  Considered many cars in this segment including Hyundai Genesis. However picked Benz just based on badge and low price. Yes, although MSRP is high you can buy E class much cheaper. My version was with 18” wheels so suspension feels quite stiff and handling is reasonable well. Small turn radius. First look inside gives feeling of luxury. Exterior is the best looking in the segment. However if you look more closely to the car you will find that Mercedes is slipping. Standard seats are just vinyl. Leather is expensive option. No right hand rest place. Awkward storages. A lot of modern electronics which has buggy software and cumbersome user interface. Sound quality is reasonable good.

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  My Third G-Wagon - 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Justine - October 26 - 1:44 am

  I took delivery of my G65 AMG on July 24, 2016. This is my third G-Wagon over the course of seven years. I continue to come back to this vehicle because there simply is nothing like it, this vehicle has zero competition. For that reason, I will tell you exactly what I like and dislike about my G65. The first thing that I like would have to be its styling. I have a wrapped matte black G65 and with the LED Daytime Running lamps, I just cant get enough. The doors sound like you are shutting a tank, its quite the experience. The interior is absolutely resembling a true luxury Mercedes-Benz. I personally have the Piano Black trim and it looks stunning on the steering wheel, the doors, and across the dash. My Designo seats are amazingly comfortable and I would have no problem driving for hours on end. The space is immense, and with two kids in middle school, thats a must. Overall, I would recommend any trim level of the G-Wagon, you are getting a great value.

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  Still rides like a Benz. - 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By oc2001 - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This Benz may not be the ultimate luxury car, what with a small engine and stiff seats. But it still is a great every day get to work car with style. The only trouble I have encountered is the expensive maintanence at the dealership.

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  Great Tourer - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By racerjae - October 24 - 6:53 am

  I have owned the car for 2 months and everything has been up to expectations. Drove it from NJ to FL and back, and it was quite comfortable. Very little wind/road noise for a sporty car. The new 7- speed auto is ultra smooth and quick. The new BMW 335 may have better handling/acceleration, but the CLK looks better and is more luxurious inside and out.

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  Riding deep for cheap - 1996 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By benzkrazee - October 23 - 9:50 am

  What a car and such a bargain! A one owner car purchased for $125,000 (no misprint) less than sticker. It runs great, fuel mileage is good for a 5,000lb. car, and so far it has been bullet-proof reliable. If you want a great car, this is the ultimate. Just beware that when it needs repair, make sure you use your AMEX card because you will exceed your credit limit with any other card (S600 parts are very expensive)

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  Resting on their laurels - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By duped - October 23 - 6:00 am

  Four years with this car and Im very relieved to be done. I know the service people like family. In and out of service>4- 6/yrX4yrs. Rack and pinion replaced 2Xin four years! $900 break jobs are a semiannual event. Plastic parts keep breaking (seat moldings,cup holders glove compart) Frequent lighting electrical problems, Fan, Mirror motors fixed. Rode great when bought, very bumpy after 4mos. A lemon. Maybe new model better. In the shop as I speak. Rely on Benz Quality?nevermore

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  No Quality Check for ML320 - 2001 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By WSG - October 22 - 7:53 pm

  All of these problems occurred in the first year: -Navigation systems sends out wrong location -Windshield wipers fail to function -Kick skirt falls off the seat -Drivers window loose in track fails to close (in winter) -Parking brake release comes off in your hand -Power window button snaps off -Computer brain needs replacement -Computer brain needs reprogramming since replaced with wrong version of software

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  OUTSTANDING IMPROVEMENT - 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By abacomike - October 22 - 1:20 am

  Just got my new 2012 E350 Sport Sedan after trading in my 2011. The new engine is remarkably responsive, quick, and nimble. The increase in horsepower from 268 to 302 was the best thing Mercedes could have done to improve the E350. Fuel economy is unbelievable - Im getting 33 mpg at 65 mph in cruise control. Got the Premium 2 pkg. with the xenon lights, Keyless Go, etc., and these added options make the car the best new vehicle I have ever owned. The addition of 2 new audio speakers (from 12 to 14) on the Harman Karmin audio systems logic 7 surround sound system makes the car a moving sound stage. Addition of weather to the Sirius traffic and radio option is magnificent.

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  2 nd year review - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By no name - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Has been in the shop for mulitple malfunctions all addressed by dealership on SEVERAL visits and Park Places Road Side Repair service. Brake pads stink!! I am at 27,500 and told the brake pads have 10% left? Set number 3. 2nd set at 12,500 miles. Told by dealership it is due to AWD and common with their brake pads? This is my first Mercedes. Never had an issue with Japanese and US autos with AWD. To spend 50K+ on an auto and having to replace ONLY REAR pads for $311.00? That is crap!! Designers, take notice of the issues to keep Mercedes image and return buyer.