Mercedes-Benz. The grandfather of global car manufacturers – and a byword for comfort and style the world over. Credit for the first proper motor vehicle is often given to Mercedes-Benz co-founder Carl Benz, but where did this transport revolution all begin? In Germany in the 1880s, the horse-drawn carriage was the everyday mode of transport, but the invention of the high-speed engine was being hungrily seized on by Benz – his 1886 Patent-Motorwagen is widely considered the first internal combustion engine in a self-propelled automobile.
Elsewhere in the country, a man called Gottlieb Daimler built his own ambitious automobile company – Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) – and, following the crucial intervention of Austrian businessman Emil Jellinek, the first ever ‘Mercedes’ was released in 1901. A few years earlier, disappointed with the lack of speed of the Daimler he had bought, Jellinek demanded a faster car be manufactured – and thus the world's first four-cylinder engine was eventually created, with the vehicle going into production, named after Jellinek's daughter. With great financial clout and contacts, Jellinek was a vital asset to DMG, but the First World War (1914-18) inevitably meant tough times for luxury vehicle manufacturers. With the global economy turned on its head, the clearest path forward became obvious – Benz, the brilliant inventor and engineer, and Daimler, the canny businessman, were no longer competitors: in 1926 their companies joined forces and they became partners, creating what is now know as Mercedes-Benz – one of the most popular and appreciated luxury car brands in the world.
But with so many different models available – comprising a variety of factors such as price, size, and performance – we take an in-depth look at the merits of each Mercedes Class type.
MERCEDES G-CLASS
Starting with perhaps the Mercedes-Benz model de jour, the G-Class is a thrillingly luxurious and distinctive four-wheel drive SUV – daringly distinctive, a modern-day design classic. Also known as the G-Wagen, its rugged and boxy shape is instantly recognisable, wherever it goes – and while its got a vague look and feel of a Land Rover Defender, it’s said to be tougher and is certifiably faster (and with a price point to match). The G-Class was first developed as a go-anywhere military vehicle, but civilian production began in 1979 and it’s been flying off the shelves, so to speak, in recent years. For those that can take the plunge, the latest G-Class models boast a twin-turbo V8 AMG engine and the interior is equally opulent. Alongside plenty of cutting-edge technology – the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) system includes a high-res dual-screen setup for the digital instrument cluster, and voice control – there is also ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, seats with massage functions, and driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and very nifty lane-keeping assist.
MERCEDES A-CLASS
First released in 1997, the A-Class is an entry-level subcompact vehicle for those that want to own a Mercedes-Benz: a strong choice when it comes to an affordable, reliable, classy car. The A-Class has been redesigned twice and, approaching its 30-year anniversary, is more popular than ever. Across its range, the A-Class is available as a five-door hatchback, four-door sedan or three-door hatchback, and while fuel efficiency varies depending on the engine and model, overall, it is considered to be relatively economical. Features like keyless start, automatic headlights, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus rain-sensing wipers are standard. In short: the A-Class is just the ticket for drivers who want a small, sporty car.
MERCEDES B-CLASS
Luxurious and spacious – seating up to seven passengers – this ‘compact’ luxury MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) has rich appeal for families: energetic children clambering in and out of cars is part of everyday life, and doing so in the Mercedes B-Class makes it easier than most. Whether young people are part of your travelling crew or not, those who need more space than a standard hatchback but still desire that ‘exclusive’ vibe associated with Mercedes-Benz - will also be richly rewarded. The B-Class has a more upright shape compared to the A-Class, and this helps maximise all-important interior space, but it still boasts distinctive styling: functional, modern design, those clean lines, and the prominent front grille. Practicality is paramount and thus prominent too – cargo space is generous, with a large boot that can accommodate luggage and groceries, while the rear seats can be folded down to further expand this area.
MERCEDES C-CLASS
Gliding smoothly along roadways of all conditions, from China to California, the Mercedes C-Class is celebrated the world over for the quality of its handling and pure driving pleasure. It’s one of the most popular and enduring models in the Mercedes lineup, an ‘executive’-style option first released in 1993 and redesigned six times in the past 30-plus years. The C-Class is also available with a supremely popular ‘4MATIC’ four-wheel drive – you’ll see a lot of them when you’re out and about, whether in urban or rural settings – and it offers a range of engine options, including turbocharged four-cylinders, V6, and even a high-performance V8. There are also plug-in hybrid versions available, offering better fuel economy, or the option for electric-only driving. The interior quality is everything you would expect from Mercedes-Benz: discernable attention to detail in the cabin design, crafted with premium materials such as leather and wood. In short: high-tech performance meets driving ease.
MERCEDES S-CLASS
Last but triumphantly not least – quite the opposite, in fact – the S-Class. This flagship model of the Mercedes-Benz portfolio, a full-size luxury sedan, is often the benchmark against which luxury cars across the whole car industry are measured, and it consistently comes out on top in the opinion of many, no matter the emerging competition. Looks-wise, the S-Class really glows: a sleek, elegant design; genuinely visually arresting, with a distinctive long, flowing, aerodynamic silhouette, all the while flashing that timeless prominent grille and iconic Mercedes star at the front end like a million-dollar Hollywood smile on the red carpet. Performance-wise, the S-Class really does purr – no matter the choice of engine, be it turbocharged six-cylinder or V8, or plug-in hybrid variants, acceleration is effortlessly powerful. Safe to say its handling is a dream, with an air suspension system that absorbs bumps and cracks in the road with ease, remaining stable and smooth at high speeds. Safety features are also of the very highest specification: a comprehensive suite of collision avoidance systems, automated parking, and features like night vision and a head-up display.
Such is the reputation of Mercedes-Benz, perhaps very little needs adding when it comes to arguing its merits. But if you’re in any doubt, world-class engineering, pioneering quality, and highly distinctive style are pretty much guaranteed – no matter which class you choose.
