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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  Blue350 - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Blue350 - February 22 - 9:36 pm

  Great truck, build quality is getting better and better. Got rid of an 08 to get the 2010, huge difference in build quality overall. Will be buying another next year as a second car, great family vehicle, kids, dog, all the junk fits and you get 27mpg on hwy if you drive below 70mph, wow!!

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  Fulfilled Expectations - 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Henry Beer - February 21 - 11:30 am

  I purchased a 2004 E500 4matic last June. it was built for me to my specs. I did not get the nav system and other electronic bells and whistles, but ordered nearly everything else including the Sport and the Winter Package. I had an 84 4Matic which was fraught with trouble. Transfer cases going every 6000 miles. Mercedes was terrific about dealing with this even after warranty, but it sent me to Audi as my next car. Convinced that the new E Class and the four wheel systems had been revisited, I ordered one. Performance, handling, comfort, all the things that matter are superb. The car is mechanically flawless so far. Incredible in Colorados snowy and high altitude driving conditions.

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  Passed By - 2004 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Frank - February 21 - 3:50 am

  This Mercedes was good in its day but has been far exceeded by the likes of Lexus, and BMW. Gas mileage is horrible. You can expect 17-18 at best on long trips, 11 to 12 around town. For the same price you are better off with the E-350 4 matic which will deliver 24-25 mpg. The navigation although accurate is ancient (look at the Lexus) Youll think your comparing a video game from 1995 to 2005. Unfortunately the new Mercedes ML is not much better.Youll also find operating the navigation consists of moving a joy stick. Unfortunately this has also carried over to the new ML. Pretty stupid! Electronics and comfort features are deffinately not Mercedes strengths. Also braking is heavy.

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  Cool Car - 2005 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By JB - February 21 - 1:06 am

  Im loving it so far. I only have it for four weeks, and enjoying very minute of it. I enjoy the comfort and the luxury of a 57K car.

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  VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR - 2002 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  By DOMINIC - February 20 - 10:06 pm

  Bought this car new. Thought I would keep it for 10 yrs. Or 200,000 miles. It might last but the repair bills after 100,000 miles is way out of line. Had many problems with this car. Front end work, gear selector replaced, auto doors repaired, all items you would not expect to break, could not lock doors, many other items. I made the mistake in keeping this car too long. I have had many Mercedes this was the worst for repair. Do not think I will be buying another one.

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  Best SUV in Canada - 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
  By Marco Khan - February 20 - 1:43 pm

  Excellent drive and you get the feeling of a solid vehicle. Excellent interior and exterior finishing. Mercedes have thought of all the details and have done many improvements in the GL. We had two ML 320 before and now find the GL much more driver friendly.

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  Keep it around - 2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By brubon - February 20 - 12:50 pm

  This is the best Mercedes on the highhway for comfort and drivability. Plenty of room inside for 6 adults comfortably, and as fuel efficient as my old Acura MDX...and its a V8. Great vehicle.

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  Beware of Mercedes Warranty - 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Brit in Dallas - February 20 - 11:06 am

  I bought a new (2004) E320 Sedan with Appearance and Luxury packages. Its very stylish but has been in the shop way too often. The air conditioning (horrible smell) which Mercedes was reluctant to correct first time stunk. Mercedes - simply flushing the system does not work - it needs to be replaced. Worse was to follow - the Mercedes Dealership damaged my computer during yet another visit to the shop (brakes recall) and it was replaced with a used part. Yes, a USED PART on a new car. I called Mercedes USA and was referred me to my new car warranty which gives them the option to do just that - replace parts with used or reconditioned ones. How cheap can you get Mercedes?

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  Luxury and performance - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By simon - February 19 - 6:50 pm

  So far this is a pretty rare car on the road probably because its so highly priced yet not so flashy. Ive owned this car for two weeks and put on about 900 miles. The acceleration/power is breathtaking and makes me smile every time I drive this car. The suspension is soft enough to ride comfortably in NYC. And very quiet! I love everything about this car!

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  Great performance in a beautiful package - 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By westcott - February 19 - 12:26 pm

  Have about 2000 miles on my 2008 E63 and have enjoyed every minute of it. Late 60s engine performance in a luxury sedan that is so quiet you sometimes wonder if the engine is running. Really like the styling. A sporty look while still retaining its MB historic look. More options than one has time to learn in one year. I am still reading the very hefty manual but every day controls are intuitive and easy to navigate without a manual. This is my first Mercedes and I waited for the 2008 model in Iridium Silver Metallic to pull the trigger. Everyone should own a car like this once in their lifetime. A perfect blend of sports car performance with the prowess of a well respected luxury sedan.