The 12 most successful models in the history of Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz was founded in 1926, but its history can be traced back to the first car, the Mercedes-Benz patented car. That is, Carl Benz, one of the founders of the company, created this car, giving birth to one of the most successful industries in the world. As a result, Mercedes-Benz became the quintessential car manufacturer, quickly surpassing competitors already around in the 20s of the 20th century, such as Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Dusenberg, Ford, Chrysler, Cadillac, and Packard.
Innovation is the main driver of the company's position as a leader in the automotive industry. From building the first car to providing greater safety in the event of a crash, the company's engineers have taken the industry to the next level. Even today, Mercedes-Benz remains one of the world's most innovative car manufacturers, pushing boundaries with advanced software and safety systems.
But crucially, Mercedes-Benz has always been an automaker, and high-tech features aren't the only attraction. Mercedes-Benz cars are always built to high engineering standards, with a focus on performance, luxury and durability.
In this article, we will take you on a journey through Mercedes-Benz and revisit the most successful models in the company's history. These cars either pushed the boundaries of the industry or were sold successfully. Regardless, they helped create one of the most successful automakers in history. Let's dive in!
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (1972 to 2024)
What better way to start a Samsung journey than Mercedes' state-of-the-art S-Class? As the brand's flagship model, the S-Class is the epitome of most of Mercedes' new innovations and advanced technologies. Most people buy an S-Class sedan though, because of its impeccable build quality, smooth driving experience, and luxurious cabin.
It all started with the first S-Class W116 introduced in 1972, which surpassed the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow in many ways, especially the high-end 6.9 SEL model. As a result, the S-Class won the European Car of the Year award in 1974 and was a huge sales success, selling more than 475,000 units over its eight-year lifespan. Launched in 1978, the second-generation S-Class W126 continued the high-tech, high-luxury. It was also one of the first cars to be equipped with ABS and airbags, features that have become the primary safety features of every modern road vehicle.
The third-generation S-Class W140 is another giant leap forward and remains the most sought after generation. IT'S ALSO A TECHNOLOGICAL FEAT, BRINGING FEATURES SUCH AS ESP (ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM), COLOR NAVIGATION WITH LINGUATRONIC VOICE OPERATION, AND PARKTRONIC PARKING ASSIST. MEANWHILE, THE FOURTH-GENERATION W220 IS THE FIRST CAR TO BE EQUIPPED WITH MERCEDES DISTRONIC'S ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, WHILE THE W221 GENERATION IS EQUIPPED WITH NIGHT VISION ASSIST.
In 2023, Mercedes has taken another giant leap forward with the W222, which is equipped with Magic Body Control, which scans the road ahead to maximize driving comfort. The last W223 S-Class was launched in 2021 and is still at the pinnacle of the luxury car class, offering an unprecedented level of luxury.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (1984 to 2024)
Since the first model came out in 1984, the E-Class has been the executive sedan of choice. It was usually the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature the high-tech features of an S-Class but with a slightly less luxurious level. As a result, the E-Class has been popular with private and fleet customers around the world. In Europe, it is also very popular and can be used as a taxi due to its focus on comfort, reliability, and efficiency.
The first generation of the W124 was only named the E-Class in 1993, and this model established a successful brand with these qualities. Thanks to its aerodynamic body and a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, the car is very efficient as an executive-class car. In addition, its steel body is sturdy and durable, while being relatively lightweight, improving efficiency. The W124 is also known for being very durable and reliable. Introduced in 1995, the W210 E-Class features a completely new design with four round headlights, improving the configuration of the executive class model. The W210 also brings a variety of advanced safety features such as ASR, ESP and BAS (Brake Assist Control) for traction control.
In 2002, the W211 E-Class retained four headlights, but the body was more elegant, with aluminum front and rear axles and air suspension. At the same time, the design of the W212 model is more angular, and its streamlined body reduces the drag coefficient to 0.24. In 2016, the W213 brought a new design, as well as semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Finally, the latest W214 E-Class features an abundance of screens in the car, giving passengers the same serene ride as ever.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (1993 to 2024)
Before the advent of the A-Class, the C-Class was Mercedes-Benz's best-selling model. It has always been on a rear-wheel drive platform, giving the owner a true Mercedes experience, albeit with a more compact body. Mercedes' smallest rear-wheel-drive car dates back to the W201 190 E compact sedan, which the company introduced in response to the Clean Air Act in the United States. On top of that, it brings us the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution certified car, which is equipped with a special naturally aspirated 2.3-liter Cosworth engine.
The first official C-Class sedan came out in 1993, the W202 generation, with a larger interior that could accommodate both passengers and cargo. This time, Mercedes-Benz has partnered with AMG to launch several performance versions like the C36, C43 and the C8 AMG with a V55 engine with a power of 347 horsepower. In 2000, the all-new C-Class was introduced with a more elegant design. For this generation of W203, Mercedes focused on premium features, so its compact sedan comes with Apple iPod integration, headlight assist, and adaptive airbags.
In the subsequent W204 model, introduced in 2007, Mercedes-Benz improved body stiffness and aerodynamics. These improvements, combined with a more advanced engine, make the C-Class faster and better to drive – especially the C63 AMG performance model, whose naturally aspirated V8 engine sps like a rocket. For the W205 generation, Mercedes-Benz is primarily focused on luxury, with the C-Class sharing design elements with the S-Class and E-Class. Launched in 2021, the latest W206 C-Class has doubled down on luxury and technology, borrowing from the S-Class's advanced MBUX system.
Mercedes-Benz CLS (2004 to 2023)
The body style of the four-door coupe, whether it is a low-profile sedan or a raised SUV, can be traced back to the CLS class. Mercedes-Benz demonstrated its determination to take risks with this car, which ultimately paid off by attracting younger customers. The CLS was discontinued in 2023, but the concept of a four-door coupe was carried over in the AMG 4-door coupe, which was a high-performance version.
The first generation of the C219 CLS class was introduced in 2004 and shared the W211 platform with the E-class. Its chassis is basically the same, as is the engine and wheelbase. However, the E class is aimed at a more luxury-oriented audience, while the CLS class is aimed at customers who value style and performance. It's worth noting that the CLS-class has a smaller trunk, but it has a more attractive exterior and a more luxurious interior.
The design of the second-generation C218 model is even more elegant. A CLS Shooting Brake with a 590-liter trunk was also added, bringing even more features to this sleek coupe. For the third and final generation, Mercedes-Benz offers us perhaps the most elegant CLS, which looks like it has been carved out of a large piece of metal. The interior is also very luxurious. However, the CLS 63 AMG model was replaced by a high-performance Mercedes-AMG GT 4-door coupe.
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (1954 to 2024)
The SL-Class dates back to 1954 when Mercedes-Benz shocked the world with the 300 SL Gullwing – a car so advanced and impactful that we'll revisit it later. Even so, all other SL-Class cars are aesthetically pleasing and fast convertibles, designed for buyers looking for style, sophistication, and performance. Over the years, the SL-Class has earned a reputation as a "cool car for the luxurious lifestyle of the wealthy."
Take, for example, the W113 model introduced in 1963. With its pagoda-style removable hardtop and ultra-elegant design, the W113 SL is still eye-catching today. The 1971 R107 SL brought a more powerful line and a more powerful engine. However, the R129 model, introduced in 1989, was probably the most popular, and its flatbed-style, minimalist design still stands out today. In this generation of models, there's even an SL73 AMG variant with a 7.3-liter V12 behemoth that produces 525 horsepower – enough to quickly accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds.
Next up is the SL R230, the first model in the range to feature a folding hard top. It also brings us the SL65 AMG Black Series, which boasts 670 horsepower and weighs much less than the regular model. For the R231 model launched in 2012, Mercedes-Benz adopted a more elegant design. The latest R232 model changes the most as it only has AWD and comes in a 2+2 seating layout, but we still think it deserves the SL badge.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class (1979 to 2024)
Like the American Jeep Willis and the Japanese Toyota Land Cruiser, the G-Class was originally designed as a German military vehicle. Nowadays, however, it's better known for its off-road performance and rugged looks, which have largely remained unchanged since its launch. The first model, introduced in 1979, had a special focus on off-road performance due to the narrower body and differential lock. As a result, it is more popular as a professional vehicle, although civilian models are not uncommon.
Still, the W463 model, introduced in 1989, brought the G-Wagen closer to the average consumer, introducing a more luxurious cabin with leather and wood, in keeping with other Mercedes-Benz cars of the time. The G-Class hasn't lost its gritty image and off-road ability, but many customers have never strayed from the regular route and have purchased the G-Class simply because of its gritty image.
The W463 generation model was sold with some improvements, and it wasn't until 2018 that Mercedes-Benz finally introduced the all-new second-generation W463 model. The new G-Class is based on an all-new platform that brings a more refined driving experience and better off-road capability. Even so, the model has moved away from its simple beginnings and now boasts flagship-class prices. In addition, there is the AMG G 63 twin-turbo V8 model with 585 horsepower, which may be out of place in an off-road vehicle. Heck, there's even an all-electric EQG coming out!
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class (ML-Class) (1997 to 2024)
Mercedes-Benz's first luxury SUV, the ML-Class, was the company's revolutionary model, giving rise to a range of crossover/SUV models. However, the development of the W163 model was not all smooth sailing, as its quality control issues embarrassed the average automaker, let alone Mercedes-Benz. But that didn't stop ML-Class from growing, opening up a new audience for the brand and achieving sales success.
Interestingly, the first-generation ML was a body-on-frame vehicle with an off-road transfer case designed to replace the G-Class. Despite the sturdy construction, the first-generation model performed well on the road and had a very smooth ride. Even so, Mercedes-Benz quickly realized that the two SUVs could coexist, so the second-generation ML-Class, launched in 2005, adopted a unibody structure. For the first time, the ML class offers a hybrid model that combines a V6 with two electric motors.
The third-generation W166 ML-Class brought a heightened sense of luxury and was renamed in 2015. Since then, Mercedes' executive-class SUV has been called the GLE-Class, a name that is still in use today. The fourth-generation model was launched in 2020 and is still on sale today, offering a smoother, quieter driving experience with powerful straight-line performance.
Mercedes-Benz W120/W121/W180 Ponton (1953 to 1962)
After Germany's defeat in World War II, Mercedes-Benz began to develop a modern passenger car that put the brand at the top of the automotive food chain once again. The result of these efforts is the W120/W121/W180 generation, the first Mercedes-Benz unibody car with fully independent suspension. In addition, its styling was far ahead of its time, with a fully enclosed design for improved aerodynamic efficiency. As a result, Mercedes-Benz gave it the name Ponton, which means pontoon in English.
Ponton cars are available with four-cylinder (W120/W121) or six-cylinder (W180) petrol and diesel engines. They are designed to be comfortable and spacious, with a special focus on build quality. As a result, Mercedes-Benz sold 442,963 four-cylinder vehicles alone, making Pontons a sales success. What's more, Pontons helped solidify the brand's reputation for high-quality engineering and paved the way for the Hyundai E-Class. Its impact on the automotive industry should not be underestimated.
Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing (1954 to 1957)
In addition to producing revolutionary passenger cars, Mercedes-Benz needed something special to demonstrate its post-war engineering prowess. As a result, it brought the world the most advanced sports car of its time, with design and engineering far ahead of its time. Based on legendary racing cars, the 300SL shocked the world when it was unveiled at the International Motor Sports Show in New York.
The futuristic design and impressive performance figures quickly captured the attention of the audience. The 300SL is a road car capable of reaching speeds of 8.5 mph in 60 seconds and a top speed of 161 mph, figures that would have been almost unthinkable in the 50s of the 20th century. The engine that brought this performance was a 3.0-litre naturally aspirated inline-6 with dry sump lubrication, one of the first fuel-injected engines in a production car.
The bodywork is another engineering feat, as it is built with a tubular frame for maximum stiffness and minimum weight (3,131 pounds). Its name certainly suggests it – the 300SL stands for 3.0-liter Sport Light. The tubular structure restricts the interior space, so there is a folding function on the steering wheel for easy access. The most interesting thing is that it requires gullwing doors that open vertically. Yes, they're not design features, but they're the part that most people associate with the 300SL.
It's fair to say that the engineering, speed and style that the 300SL brought to the table still reverberates in the automotive world today, making it one of the most influential Mercedes-Benz models of all time.
Mercedes-Benz W110/W111/W112 Fintail (1961 to 1968)
The W110/W111/W112 models, known as the Fintail because of its rear styling, are probably one of the most beautiful Mercedes Benz cars ever made. Classic and elegant designs still make them the focal point of visitors at classic car shows, but they are more important in other ways. Most notably, they are the first vehicles to be equipped with a collapse zone, while also offering high-tech features such as power steering, power windows, air conditioning, and an automatic transmission, setting a new standard for safety.
Aimed at the wealthiest customers, the W112 Fintail model was also equipped with a pneumatic self-leveling suspension on the rear axle to further enhance comfort – an impressive feat of engineering at the time. At the same time, passengers can carry more items more comfortably thanks to the larger space than the previous model, as the luggage compartment is 50% larger. This is true even for the W110 four-cylinder model, despite the 50mm shorter wheelbase.
Mercedes-Benz W114/W115 (1968 to 1973)
Looking at the W114 and W115 generation models, you might think it's just an old classic Mercedes car. However, when the W114/W115 was introduced in 1968, it was quite revolutionary. It was the company's first model to feature a semi-trailing arm rear suspension, along with a new front suspension that influenced many Mercedes models in the coming years.
The Stroke 8 debuted in 1968 as the W115 four-cylinder engine and the W114 six-cylinder engine, and was available in both petrol and diesel options. The most powerful in the line is a 2.8-liter inline 6-cylinder fuel-injected engine that produces 182 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. It allowed the Stroke 8 sedan to reach speeds of up to 62 mph in just 9.9 seconds and a top speed of 124 mph, both of which were great for a luxury car at the time.
Not to mention, all engines are rugged and durable, with some driving up to 1 million miles before being refurbished. Other mechanical systems, such as automatic and manual transmissions, are also robust and reliable. For example, a taxi driver in Thessaloniki drove a W115 for 2.85 million miles.
Mercedes-Benz W123 (1976 to 1986)
With 2.7 million units sold worldwide over a 10-year life cycle, the W123 generation Mercedes is one of the most successful models in the brand's history. Before German automakers began using these names, it was the predecessor of the Hyundai E-Class. Based on the W114/W115 Mercedes models with an understated yet elegant design, the W123 is still a common model around the world today, and in its heyday it was a very popular taxi, which is a testament to its reliability and sturdiness.
The W123 was developed at a time when Mercedes-Benz was leading the way in engineering. Therefore, it is as strong as a tank, both inside and out. It also has some of the most durable in-line 5-cylinder and in-line 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines that can easily travel between 300,000 and 600,000 miles before it needs to be rebuilt. The proverb "they don't make it like they used to be" probably started after the W123 was discontinued. Mercedes-Benz hasn't forgotten about luxury features, though, so later models are equipped with automatic climate control, ABS, and airbags for passengers and drivers.
The most impressive thing about the W123, though, is the way it does things. It's silky smooth to ride, with boat-like qualities, while still handling neatly. In short, it strikes a balance between comfort and performance that no other car can match. At the same time, the spacious cabin is equipped with soft, wrap-around seats that can keep passengers comfortable for hours on end.