Born in motorsport: in 1952, Mercedes-Benz achieved great international success with the 300 SL race car (W 194). "SL" – the letters stand for "super light". Since 1954, the legendary SL has lived through series production vehicles, starting with the 300 SL "Gullwing". Every generation continues the unique tradition.

The presentation of the 600 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show Germany in September 1963 was a real sensation. Conceived as an exclusive representative vehicle for the highest demands, the new top-of-the-line model was equipped as standard with technical features that were unique and represented the state of the art at the time.

A completely newly developed generation of luxury class vehicles was presented to the public in September 1972. The first officially named "Mercedes-Benz S-Class" - internal designation W 116 - replaced the 108/109 series and initially comprised the 280 S, 280 SE and 350 SE models.

With great diversity, in January 1976 the new mid-range generation (W 123) impressed customers who waited up to a year at first for their car due to the high demand. The saloon was followed in 1977 by the coupé, a saloon with a long wheelbase and with the first ever factory-built estate.

In February 1979, with the presentation of the Mercedes-Benz G models, a completely new terrain was unlocked. On the other hand, the new generation of off-road vehicles was designed on the one hand as an exclusive means of transportation with a leisure focus, but on the other hand also for the tough everyday use in the industrial or municipal field.

An event eagerly awaited by the public and the trade press was the presentation of the compact 190 and 190 E saloon models on 8 December 1982. The two models did not replace any previous models, but added a third main line to the traditional Mercedes-Benz passenger car range. The new model range was characterised by more compact dimensions, reduced weight and increased economy, without compromising on driving characteristics, safety and reliability.

The Benz patent motorcar is the world's first automobile. Carl Benz designed it in 1885 and filed for a patent on 29 January 1886 under the name "vehicle with gas engine operation". The patent number 37435, granted by the Imperial Patent Office in Berlin, is the birth certificate of the automobile.

In 1900, on the initiative of Emil Jellinek, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft developed a vehicle that deviated significantly from the carriage construction principle usually used up to then. Emil Jellinek initiated the development of a completely new automobile with a light, powerful engine, long wheelbase and low centre of gravity. According to Jellinek's then ten-year-old daughter, the new model to be developed first bore the name "Mercedes".

PRE-SAFE® is another milestone in Mercedes-Benz safety technology development. If the sensors detect an impending collision, the technology prepares the vehicle for impact. For example, it closes the sliding sunroof and side windows, sets the seat backrests to vertical and tightens the seat belts on the front seats as a precautionary measure. This increases the protective effect for the passengers.

Since 2013, numerous assistance systems have been bundled together under the name Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive. The clever combination of cameras, sensors and control units makes the vehicle an “intelligent” partner. The assistance systems and their ever increasing interconnectivity are pioneering – and a milestone on the road to autonomous driving.

The EQS is the first fully electric luxury  sedan from Mercedes-Benz and is the first model to be built with the modular architecture for luxury and upper-class electric vehicles. The MBUX Hyperscreen, a high-resolution user interface that extends over the entire width of the dashboard, is also celebrated as a world first in series production vehicles.

From customisable massage modes to advanced airbags and immersive 4D audio, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivers the best seats in the house. We take a look at where it all began and where seating technology is headed next.
 

The C-Class has come to define the compact luxury segment. We look back over five generations to map its journey to the top.

The history of the Maybach brand has been closely tied to Mercedes-Benz since its founding in 1921. The common goal: driving luxury vehicles to new heights.

From airbags to anti-lock brakes, Mercedes-Benz has long led the field in automotive innovations that help keep us safe on the road. Buckle up and discover the evolution of the Experimental Safety Vehicle.

As the original SL model approaches its 70th birthday, Jörg Heuer meets some of the lifelong fans in possession of its iconic successors.