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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  The Best Mercedes Benz I have owned - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By KV - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This is the best I have driven, ever. Having owned more than 25 MBs including numerous S class. In the last six years, this is my 8th. MBs all from Schumacher European in Scottsale, AZ(including 2001-S430; 2002-S500 and now 2003-S500). This is the finest automobile, I have ever owned or driven in my life so far. While it may be a bad news for the Schumachers and our sales advisor David Mykytiuk, I have personally treasure this car. I have decided never to sell this finest automobile. I would not take an even trade of a new Rolls Arnage on this car.

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  Love it but . . . - 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Boricua - July 17 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I just bought this car (C- 240) model and simply love it! Its extremely comfortable and drives very quietly. Smaller than the average Mercedes but has big car feel. Highly recommend it! We love the exterior look and the beautiful and easy to use interior features.

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  Good Rig - 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By chrism1987 - July 16 - 11:20 pm

  I have to say Mercedes Benz has done a great job with this vehicle. I had my doubts at first but after driving it for a week now Ive really gotten into this thing. Its comfortable, smooth, and can handle alot of cargo if the time comes. 7-speed auto gives the engine maximum flexibility, but it still drinks gas like any full size.

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  I finally bought my dream car. - 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
  By tripp1976 - July 15 - 9:37 pm

  Words cant express the thrill I get every time I get into this car. Im just 32 and Ive loved the r129 SL500 since I first saw it as a kid. I looked all over the US and about booked a flight to Texas to buy a car when a buddy of mine called to let me know his dad just bought a low mileage car for his lot. I drove down to his lot and saw my 98 Mercedes SL500 sitting there with only 46,000 on the clock. I test drove it then went to lunch came back and paid for it. We have put 7,000 miles on it in just two months. I love the feel, touch and power of this amazing cruiser. I even dont mind the fuel costs Im getting about 17city and our trip to Florida we were able to get 25.4.

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  Outstanding - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By TheLino - July 15 - 4:30 am

  I purchased the 2002 CLK55 cabriolet with 28,000 miles on it in May 2005. The center console had to be replaced due to some LCD pixels burning out. The convertible top cables were also replaced at the same time. All work was under warranty. With the exception of these issues, this vehicle drives (and shows itself off) like a dream. Compliments abound when Im on the road, stopped at a stoplight, going through a drive-thru window, etc.

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  Most Fun to Drive (Still is.) - 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By ccelpjack - July 11 - 10:33 am

  The 2005 E320 CDI is the most fun to drive car that Ive ever owned in my short 70 years. This car was made to be driven and driven hard! Ive owned four Mercedes vehicles-1 gas and 3 diesels and the 2005 E320 CDI is the fastest and nearly has the most torque of the three. I absolutely love to drive this car. It literally is as solid as a rock. It tracks down the highway like an arrow and when I pass a semi at highway speeds (or a little more) it doesnt waver one single millimeter. I sometimes take it out on the Interstate and drive it just for the fun of it. I LOVE THIS CAR!

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  The best car ever - 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By carfanattic - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Frankly, the S55 AMG is the finest automobile on todays market. Its engine is powerful and absolutely dazzling. Since it is a Mercedes S- Class, the interior is obviously incredible. The looks of the AMG are vicious and very aggressive compared to other cars.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By bultman2 - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is very fun and pratical. Lots of looks and comments. Ive owned the car for 2 months and no problems so far. Looked at the Audi A- 4 and VW Passat, Infiniti G-35. This is a better car by far than the others.

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  Bravo M-B Class Act all the Way! - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By Barry - July 11 - 9:50 am

  Handles & drives better then the Best of them. Truly car like with all the luxuries of cars costing much MORE!I gave up my Audi A5 with NO Regrets! .9 interest rate sealed the deal!!

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2007 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By John - July 10 - 6:40 am

  After researching, the MB ML500 was the only SUV that appealed to me-used for utilitarian purposes as fast cars are my preference. I am surprised at how well the MB drives. It accelerates nicely & handles turns better than most SUVs I’ve driven. It’s extremely quiet & has great curb appeal. I love that it’s predictable & that the ride is true MB. I avg 20+mpg highway and 15+mpg city. I like the console & control center a lot (as for the clock in the center for the passenger-they can buy a watch or drive) & seating is comfortable on long trips. My friends have the Lexus & Infiniti & other than outright speed-FX is much faster-RX not so much-my M Class wins in every category-especially style!