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:

• 

  My second m class - 2002 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By mike clouser - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought 1998 m class and it was back a lot at the dealer for repair and had poor air conditioning for Ok. The 2002 came out and after driving the 98 I could easily see the improvement. The 2002 is phenomenal. It does everything well; has many features the 98 did not have, handles better and has never been back for any warranty work despite 16ooo miles the first year.

• 

  Fabulous Car - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By The Saint - November 27 - 10:00 am

  E500 performance is awesome. I have a 1999 E320 that I thought had a lot of performance but the 2003 E500 has taken me to another level. In 4 years, I havent had one thing go wrong with the E320. The E500 is much roomier in the passenger compartment as well as the huge trunk. The car corners beautifully with the 3-level selectable stiff ride. I did not get the sports package because I think the car is sporty without it and the price of the sports package is high for what you get. Also, I dont like the hard riding performance tires that come with the sports package; they make a lot of noise and wear out quickly.

• 

  The New Dream Car - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By jhayden - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Drives as smooth as silk, quiet, handling and suspension is awesome. The first impression is the nice change in exterior body style. The front section looks space age with smooth lines consealing any front bumper. Xenon headlamps that blend so well with the body that it looks truly artistic. The interior is the captivating with the instrument panel, walnut trim and ergonomic design that wraps around the driver. The overhead lighting, the 10 sound speakers, the instrument panel all have been designed in harmony. What a dream, its got to be the best E class ever.

• 

  Blown Away - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
  By Picky - November 26 - 6:40 am

  I just bought this car, but drove Lexus, BMW and other MBZ models before purchasing and there is not comparison. It handles amazing and the shifters give it the feel of a manual transmission without the annoying clutch. Feels roomier inside than other models and reeks of luxury and performance. I will have a hard time going down in class of car after this one. It is the most fun car I have driven and it is hard to leave it parked for long.

• 

  MB C350 sport - 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By C350 owner - November 25 - 2:40 pm

  Have only had the car a week so far. But it is the most fun car I ever driven. Previous cars owned have all been Japenese. Test drove the BMW - 3 series and Audi A4. The C350 beats all in looks, handling and quickness. Car will get you lots of looks and stares.

• 

  Certified used - 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Frank Allen - November 25 - 11:16 am

  Bought with 26,000 miles, rear drive car was a bargain in Minnesota because demand is higher for all wheel drive. But this car with traction control had no issues with ice or snow. Trouble free for 6 years of pleasant driving. Id recommend getting MB Tex upholstery instead of leather if you plant to keep the car for a long time. Leather shows wear at about 75,000 moles despite great care. Be careful front end is close to ground and can scratch high curbs.

• 

  Small SUV reviewed by father of 2 - 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
  By Samuel R. - November 25 - 4:10 am

  Just traded in a Audi Q7 on 01/16/09 after a HORRIBLE experience and picked up the GLK, same day. Looking to downsize, we felt the GLK was a solid choice. Overall, like the look but downsizing, I will have to get used to a small interior. Cargo area is very small. Rear seats are tight for adults. The structure feels VERY solid. 4matic is good in snow but seems to bind up in tight turns on dry roads. So far 2216 miles and its returning 13.1MPG city and 18.7 highway. In other words very thirsty. COMMAND sys is NOT user friendly. Rear view camera is great, ditto for sound sys. Last week though, it was repaired due to a faulty brake system and front rotors were replaced along with hard drive.

• 

  Happy Owner - 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class
  By soccermom - November 24 - 7:30 am

  The 2006 Mercedes Benz ML550 is a huge step up from the 2006 Mercedes Benz ML350. At less than 1 mpg difference than the 350 the 550 is definitely the king of the road. Buy the ML550 over the ML350 (if you can find one) and youll be a whole lot happier.

• 

  Never thought I would buy pre-owned - 2006 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  By Pantina-Dick - November 24 - 1:13 am

  Contacted by local MB dealer when car was traded for 2009 model. Vehicle only had 7700 miles and was in super condition. Paid 20M and could not be more pleased with ride and comfort features. Great handling and secure safe feeling. Still has great looks and elegant lines.

• 

  Its OK - 2003 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  By Jim Pacquin - November 23 - 4:50 pm

  I purchased the car with 23000 miles (certified). The ride is good, and it drives well. The engine strains somewhat. A good road car.