Since the invention of the automobile, Mercedes-Benz has been at the forefront of car design, including one of the most fundamental components: the wheel.

More than just functional, wheels can dramatically affect a vehicle’s overall style and presence on the road. Here, we reflect on the history of the wheel at Mercedes-Benz and highlight some of the most innovative and artistic designs.

The birth of an icon

Carl Benz's patented 1886 motor car, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, ran atop wheels that were a testament to the era's craftsmanship.

Fine metal wire spokes, carefully tensioned and arranged, supported the weight of the vehicle while providing a surprisingly smooth ride for this early era. Reminiscent of bicycle wheels, this revolutionary wheel design was a bridge between the horse-drawn carriages of the past and the motorised future.

Wooden spokes for racing glory

A new chapter in wheel design arrived with the new century. At the Nice Week race meet in 1901, Baron Henri de Rothschild’s Mercedes 35 HP racing car – widely recognised as the world's first modern automobile – showcased wheels that each bore 12 wooden spokes.

Reminiscent of traditional carriage wheels, this design provided the combination of strength and flexibility needed for the rough roads and high speeds of early automobile racing. The victories in Nice not only established Mercedes-Benz as a force to be reckoned with in motorsport, but also solidified the brand’s reputation for superior design.

The rise of the sheet-steel disc wheel

The 1930s brought significant changes to wheel design, as seen in the pioneering Mercedes-Benz 170 saloon introduced in 1931. This model featured sheet-steel disc wheels, marking a shift towards more modern manufacturing techniques.

The design offered several advantages: it was easier to produce in large quantities, provided better protection for the brake components and improved aerodynamics. Sheet-steel disc wheels would become a staple of automobile design for many decades, evolving alongside the cars it supported.

Motorsport innovations: filigree wire wheels

While sheet-steel disc wheels were gaining popularity in production cars, the world of racing saw a resurgence of wire wheels in a more sophisticated form. The filigree wire wheels that became popular in Mercedes-Benz racing cars of the 1920s and 30s were often fitted with sheet steel or aluminium covers, combining incredible strength with lightweight construction and minimal air turbulence – all crucial factors in the quest for speed. The intricate patterns of the spokes were not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing, adding to the sleekness of these pure-bred racing machines.

Elegant additions in the 1950s and 60s

The post-war economic boom of the 1950s and 60s saw Mercedes-Benz cars become symbols of success and technological advancement – and their wheel designs played a significant role in creating this image.

In 1954, the 'Ponton Mercedes' Type 220 (W 180) and the Mercedes-Benz Type 300 b (W 186 III) saloon premiered with hubcaps and perforated trim rings, adding an impression of luxury and sophistication to the overall package without compromising essential functionality.

The 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ and composite wheels

The iconic 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ Coupé marked another milestone in Mercedes-Benz wheel design. It was the first model from the brand to feature composite wheels, an innovative design that featured a steel wheel disc and an aluminium rim.

The result? A wheel that was both lighter and stronger than traditional designs, improving performance and handling. The wheels of the 300 SL were as revolutionary as its iconic doors, setting a new standard for sports car wheel design.

Artistic expression in the ‘Baroque’ era

As the 1960s drew to a close, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the legendary C 111. Its unique, multi-spoke aluminium ‘Baroque wheels’ featured complex, ornate patterns inspired by the artistic and cultural shifts of the era.

Experimental in nature, the vehicle allowed Mercedes-Benz designers to push the boundaries of wheel aesthetics and further play with form and function in design.

The alloy revolution

The introduction of full-surface alloy wheels in the 1980s represented a significant shift across all Mercedes-Benz model series. The minimalist 15-hole alloy wheels were distinctive designs presenting a clean, smooth appearance which perfectly complemented the more angular car designs of the decade.

They also offered other advantages, including being lighter than steel wheels and allowing better heat escape for the brakes. Their full-surface design was later reinterpreted in the current monoblock wheels from Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach.

Peak performance with the 'EVO II' wheel

In the 1990s, the demands of high-speed driving in motor-racing inspired Mercedes-Benz to further push the boundaries of performance with the 'EVO II' wheel. This wheel was featured on the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 high-performance saloon, a car that laid the foundation for the successful Mercedes-Benz DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) touring race cars of the 90s.

Replacing the previous small multi-hole alloys, the star-like wheel design optimised airflow around the brakes while maintaining structural integrity at high speeds. The distinctive look of the 'EVO II' wheel became instantly recognisable and a symbol of the brand’s commitment to combining performance with style.

The electric age

With the electrification of our vehicle fleet as part of our Ambition 2039 strategy, wheel design has entered a new phase of innovation at Mercedes-Benz. Models such as the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV feature aerodynamically optimised wheels, which play a crucial role in extending the vehicle's range by minimising air resistance while still providing the necessary cooling for the brakes. As we adapt to different technological challenges and the demands of the future, Mercedes-Benz continues to find the balance between efficiency and aesthetics.

VISION of the future

As a leader in automotive technology, Mercedes-Benz is designing the cars of tomorrow, with a number of ground-braking technological innovations seen in concept vehicles such as the VISION EQXX, Vision One-Eleven and VISION AVTR. Exploring the use of ultra-lightweight materials, active aerodynamics and wheels that can individually change direction, these vehicles offer a glimpse into the future.

On the VISION EQXX, for instance, Bridgestone engineers collaborated with Mercedes-Benz to create custom-designed tyres that would contribute to the vehicle’s efficiency. The lightweight, magnesium-forged wheels feature a semi-transparent double-spoke design with rose-gold accents, and are complemented by low rolling resistance tires with enhanced aerodynamic geometry – all of which contribute to the car’s record driving range of more than 1200 kilometres on one battery charge.

On the all-electric Vision One Eleven, the wheels feature highly structured elements that reference the winding patterns of electric motors. They contrast sharply with the vehicle's smooth, sculpted body, blending highly dynamic design language with innovative, all-electric drive technology.

From the wire-spoked wheels of Carl Benz's original Motorwagen to the aerodynamically optimised designs of today's electric vehicles, the evolution of Mercedes-Benz wheel design is a tale of continuous innovation, artistic expression and engineering excellence.