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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  Better than I ever dreamed - 2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
  By Nancy - December 6 - 3:00 am

  I was happily surprised with how this vehicle drives as I was not initially impressed with its looks. In fact my husband said it looked like a hearse. After test driving it, I had my husband test drive it and he fell in love! (We did test drive the diesel as well and my husband found it to be noisier). The car drives like a dream! It is hard to park in tight spaces (hard to see the nose of the car) and it is too easy to switch gears accidently when driving (suggested improvement). All and all, would highly recommend.

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  I love my C230K, perfect for a 1st car. - 2002 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Suzanne - December 6 - 12:00 am

  I bought a 2002 certified pre-owned C230K coupe and I have had no problems with it at all! It has new brakes and the tread on the tires is great. The leather seats look brand new, like no one has ever even sat on them! I do make frequent trips to Virginia, about 300 miles away, and I only use a half tank of gas to get there, so its very fuel efficient. I have driven other Mercedes in the past,2002 M-class and a 2006 C280, as well as BMWs (Z3 and X5), and let me tell you, this is not a car to scoff at! It has a very nice ride. The lack of a CD player isnt a problem for me. I just use my Ipod car adapter, perfect!

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  Best Yet - 2010 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Brad - December 3 - 6:10 pm

  Bought this for my wife who spends her weeks between NY, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. It feels so solid and safe. Love taking long drives, looking forward to New England this summer.

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  Total Junk! - 1997 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Total Junk - December 3 - 11:40 am

  This car was a total hunk of junk from the first day we drove it. The check engine light came on on the drive home on the day of purchase. It was never fixed, but to make the car even worse the radiator had to be replaced before the car could be sold. So, $3200 later we finally just got rid of the car to cut our losses while we still could. Run! Dont walk away from this car!

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  infamous G wagon - 2016 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
  By Ronald Bishop - December 3 - 2:42 am

  Looks great. Very macho vehicle. Driving was a different story. Steering was numb. Ergonomics were dated. Uncomfortable seating position for long trips.

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  Not all that - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Got1nothanks - December 1 - 6:46 pm

  Having parted with my 05 Audi A4 3.0 Cab, I knew I would have to do with out the topless experience. What I didnt know was that I would have to do without a locking glove box. I would also have to lift and push forward the front passenger seat to let someone in the back. Much like an old European taxi. At this price point you shouldnt have to make these basic sacrifices. We have two Mercs at home, when leases end, we will have none! Ever.

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  First Class - 2006 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Gary Plessl - December 1 - 6:03 pm

  This Mercedes E350AWD is true "class". We previously owned a BMW 5 series--- truly a great car, but, the Mercedes gives you the feel of more luxury.Yhe 6 cyl engine provides all the power youll ever need.The interior space is very generous, and the ride is great.

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  Very Disappointed - 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Jim Feeney - December 1 - 7:43 am

  I bought this car new, my first Benz. It will also be my last. There have been continual electronic problems, head lamp problems, power window problems, I have had to replace the mass airflow sensor 3 times. The CD changer no longer works and the cost to repair is very high. While the car is responsive and powerful, and can be fun to drive, the irritation and cost of the constant electrical repairs and soured me on the brand for life. I would not recommend a MB to anyone at this time. I regret not buying the Lexus.

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  clk 320 - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By shustshoan - November 30 - 10:00 am

  what a beauty.......the ONLY thing i can compalain about is the poor radio reception....other wise....its a fabulous car

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  ML350 New Owner - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By Fordpi - November 30 - 2:23 am

  We have only put about 600 miles on it. I am a strong Toyota fan and my husband loves his Yukon, but the comfort of the ML350 is inspiring. We continually fight over who gets the Mercedes. The seats wrap around you and the ride is quiet. It is roomy, but not too big.