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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  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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  Excellent 7 seat luxury SUV with nice & improved features - 2015 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By h82bl8 - April 10 - 9:59 am

  We purchased the 15 GL450 as a family vehicle/daily use vehicle for my wife. Its a perfect luxury 7 seat SUV in my opinion. Its roomy, both elegant and athletic inside. I was sort of hesitant on the new V6 bi-turbo engine but what a pleasant surprise! Though the engine sound is not as pleasing as the V8, the performance speaks for itself. It has similar performance as the naturally aspirated V8 in the X164 (GLs before 13) while getting better gas mileage. Weve owned the previous version GL450 & GL350 and the interior, especially the "technology" has definitely improved significantly. The navi system is now somewhat user friendly, though not as nice as the Japanese cars and Audi MMI.

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  Unreliable overrated verhicle - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By candiangold - April 10 - 3:07 am

  - Balance Shaft replaced - 8 sensors replaced in 8 month span - 2 Ignition coils replaced - MAF sensor replaced - ECU Connector replaced - Headlight wiring insulation cracked (and shortcut) - The wheel wells are covered in some kind of fabric(?) which will come loose - Rear bulbs keep burning out - Subwoofer blown - Rear windshield wiper does not complete cycle - Interior vents adjusters falling apart (glued?) - Ratting in left front door - Rear hatch rattling - Lots of rattling when interior is cold - Seat Belt lock stops working - Rear ashtray fell apart - Idling erratic I traded it in for an Acura MDX, what a breeze, no rattles, smooth ride, and all options standard

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  Good Car not Great Car - 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Enna-2 - April 9 - 8:00 pm

  Technology in terms of the Nav system and Key fobs not being syncd to driver 1 or 2 buttons is a bit odd. Also a bit strange that for over $50k you dont get audible rear sensors for backing up. Car handles great though with great acceleration for the turbo 4. So plenty of power and compares well against most competitors in its depending on your personal driving preference. Personally this car strikes a great balance between sport and comfort. I have the Sport package, premium 1 package, multimedia package plus blind spot assist and rear view camera. Oh yes the rear view camera is an optional item that is chargeable. Again for over $50k? Come on MB. Anyway test drive one of these and I think you will be hooked. Still a great car after 16,000 miles. Only challenge are the tires which on the sport package models are staggered sizes, so you can not rotate tires and you will only get 20,000 miles out of the Conti run flats. Can no longer say great. Just can not afford $700 tire replacements every 15k to 18k miles and that is front set only. Then add another $700 for the rears at 20k. Started feeling turbo lag and transmission jerkiness after 2 years. Again ride is great but overall car is just ok and for the price (over $50k) you dont even get leather seats. So have to re-rate car and just say it is a good car but not a great car. Test drove a new BMW-330 and would probably go with it if I had to do it over. In then end traded the MB for a certified 535i and am very happy about my decision to get rid of it

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  3 Years and Still Running Well - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By lshelmir - April 8 - 1:33 am

  I purchased the ML as a replacement to a 99 Range Rover, to get me through college, and after driving for 3 Years, I feel that it can go for at least 10 more, the car is doing well. I feel safe driving it anywhere, and like the styling. I havent had any major mechanical problems, only minor things such as the battery, and brakes. The radio is better than some, but worse than others. The storage is great, I love having the 10 airbags, heater rest mode is a life saver in the winter. Drive quality is good, and reliability is unparalleled. Parts can be costly, but it is a Mercedes. However to tell the truth, I do miss the Rover, it felt more solid, both on dry road, as well as in the snow.

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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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  Looks good, poor reliability - 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By TJR - April 7 - 11:40 pm

  Nothing but problems with the vehicle. SRS light on and fixed seven times, three leaks, the list goes on. And the most disappointing fact was the poor customer service I received. I was treated like an outcast and MB did not care about resolving the problems.

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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.