Few automobile brands symbolise engineering excellence and design evolution like Mercedes-Benz. For more than a century, the iconic ‘three-pointed star’ has defined what comes next in the global automobile sector.
Mercedes-Benz has delivered everything from luxury limousines to powerful off-roaders. But how did the German automotive manufacturer came to be synonymous with innovation, performance, and groundbreaking engineering?
Quite recently in the fiscal year 2024-25, Mercedes-Benz registered its best-ever sales by selling 18,928 units in India. So, a luxury automobile brand so beloved in India and worldwide would definitely boast a rich history too, right?
In this article, we will take a stroll down history lane to uncover the important chapters in the illustrious story of Mercedes-Benz. We will also talk about some of the brand’s iconic models, its game-changing tech innovations, its three sub-brands, and racing pedigree.
Where It All Began for Mercedes-Benz?
The origin story of Mercedes-Benz has the hunger for innovation at its core. It began in 1886, when Karl Benz patented the first-ever gasoline-powered car, namely the Benz Patent-Motorwagen. This moment is etched in history as the very first chapter of the modern automotive era.
Here’s what followed:
– During the same time as Karl Benz patent, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach were building internal combustion engines in Germany’s Stuttgart.
– In 1926, Karl Benz and the two above-mentioned pioneers of the high-speed petrol engine joined forces, merging into a brand named ‘Mercedes-Benz’.
– The first name ‘Mercedes’ was partly taken from the name of the daughter of an early business partner of the two, Emil Jellinek.
– As for the iconic three-pointed star logo, it was born in 1909, which represents land, sea, and air mobility.
Racetrack Glory to Road Car Greatness
Initially, the people at Mercedes-Benz saw motorsport as an exciting platform to push mechanical boundaries and test new and innovative technology.
– In 1901, the Mercedes 35 HP revolutionized modern vehicle architecture with its low-slung frame. The car also boasted a powerful engine.
– When it comes to the brand’s racetrack dominance, the Silver Arrows of the 1930s enjoy a level of fame that very few cars have.
– The nickname ‘Silver Arrows’ was a result of the paint being removed from these Mercedes-Benz racing cars, which resulted in their silver metal being visible. These cars dominated racing circuits across Europe, turning Mercedes-Benz into a legendary name in the motorsport world.
While Mercedes-Benz was dominating the racing circuits, the brand was also innovating in road cars. In fact, it built sedans and limousines which quickly became favourites of business tycoons and world leaders, alike.
This was largely thanks to the brand’s commitment to continue on the path of engineering innovation, which it treads confidently to this day.
Mercedes-Benz: 3 Sub-brands that define automotive excellence
When we talk about Mercedes-Benz, it is important the three sub-brands it has. Each of them serve a niche customer base and has its own origin story. These are:
Mercedes-Maybach
1. This sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz focuses on ultra-luxury and high-end vehicles that focus more on opulence rather than performance.
2. The original ‘Maybach’ brand was formed way back in 1909 by Wilhelm Mayback and his son Karl. Back then, it was named Maybach-Motorenbau GmbH.
3. Later in 1960, Maybach was acquired by Daimler-Benz (the merger of two brands named Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie, out of which Mercedes-Benz was found in 1926).
4. After the turn of the century in 2002, Maybach was revived as a standalone luxury car brand.
5. Eleven years later in 2013, Maybach became a Mercedes-Benz sub-brand named and ceased to be a standalone luxury car brand.
6. Quite recently in 2019, the iconic Mercedes-Maybach SUV GLS was introduced to the global market.
7. Iconic models in the Mercede-Maybach sub-brand feature the S-Class Sedan, GLS SUV, and the EQS SUV.
Mercedes-AMG
1. This sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz produces high-performance sports cars and SUVs.
2. The story of this sub-brand begins as a separate company named ‘AMG’, which was founded in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher.
3. By 1999, Mercedes-Benz had acquired a controlling interest in AMG.
4. It was only in 2005 when AMG was acquired completely by DaimlerChrysler, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz.
5. Iconic models available under the Mercedes-AMG sub-brand include the A45 S, C 43, E 53, S 63, GLC 43 Coupe, GLE 53 Coupe, G-Class G63, and the AMG GT Series.
Mercedes-Benz
1. This sub-brand of Mercedes-Benz features a wide range of automobiles, starting right from their stylish sedans to SUVs and coupes.
2. It originated from the merger of two brands, namely Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) and Benz & Cie in 1926.
Mercedes-Benz Innovations that Transformed the Industry
Mercedes-Benz is a brand that is known for introducing new tech and ideas that later become an industry norm. Some of the most notable among these include:
– In 1951, Mercedes-Benz introduced crumple zones for absorbing crash energy during impact. This, needless to say, was later embraced by much of the automobile industry.
– In 1978, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class debuted the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), which transformed braking dynamics worldwide.
– In 1981, Mercedes-Benz introduced the driver’s airbag in the S-Class (W126 model series).
– In 1995, Mercedes-Benz launched Electronic Stability Program (ESP) in collaboration with Bosch, which enables drivers to maintain control of the car in critical situations.
– In 2002, the Mercedes-Benz PRE-SAFE system was introduced, which enhanced passive safety measures by preparing the vehicle for potential accidents.
All of this groundbreaking innovation meant that Mercedes-Benz pioneered in the world of engineering and safety, while the other manufacturers followed their lead.
Iconic Mercedes-Benz Models that Defined Generations
Ranging from timeless cult classics to modern-day legends, the Mercedes-Benz lineup is stacked with one iconic model after another.
300 SL “Gullwing”
Launched in 1954, this one is often regarded as the world’s first supercar. The 300 SL stunned both on the streets and the racetrack and featured upward opening doors and advanced fuel injection.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class W116
This was the first vehicle to have the ‘S-Class’ name and is known for introducing tech features like the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The W116 S-Class set the tone in terms of tech and safety for the Mercedes flagships that followed.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Initially developed by the brand for military purposes, the iconic G-Wagen is one of the most recognizable vehicles today. This one, as you’d know, is a favourite of celebrities and adventurers alike!
Mercedes-Benz: On the Sustainability Front
As the world shifts toward a greener future, Mercedes-Benz is moving confidently into its electric era, with its EQ lineup at the core!
Key Mercedes-Benz Electric Models:
- EQS: Known as the S-Class of EVs, it offers cutting-edge aerodynamics, a 400+ mile range, and a 56-inch Hyperscreen.
- EQB and EQE: Practical yet premium electric options in SUV and sedan forms.
- VISION EQXX: A concept car that travelled over 1000 km on a single charge, aiming to redefine EV efficiency.
Additionally, Mercedes-Benz aims to be carbon neutral by 2039, and its European factories have already begun operating on 100% renewable energy.
Mercedes-Benz: What Does the Future Hold?
At the very core of Mercedes-Benz is the dedication to continue innovating. Hence, one can see a lot of promise in the future of the brand.
Like always, Mercedes-Benz doesn’t want to follow where the automobile world takes it. The brand wants to act as the leader in this transformation, like it always has.
Here are some ambitious and innovative projects that the brand is investing in:
– An AI-backed and custom-build digital operating system that aims to integrate infotainment, performance, and AI-driven personalization, named MB.OS.
– The brand is also looking to boost its autonomous driving capabilities. Notably, Mercedes-Benz already offers level 3 autonomy in Germany.
– The Mercedes-Benz Mythos and Maybach series are all set to offer a new level of luxury, which focuses on bespoke craftsmanship and unparalleled exclusivity.
So, we can safely say that the future of Mercedes-Benz is, in all likelihood, set to be the same as its storied history. The brand once famously said, “The best or nothing”, and it is surely aiming to stay up there with the best!
Mercedes-Benz Story: Final Thoughts
100 years after the brand’s story officially began, Mercedes-Benz continues to be much more than just a carmaker. Right from the time when it invented the modern automobile to redefining luxury in EVs, the German automaker has been at the forefront of the industry.
With one eye fixed firmly on future innovations, we can expect more of the same from Mercedes-Benz. And as the world of automobiles evolves, the ‘three-pointed star’ will continue to carry the weight that it does!
Why? The Mercedes-Benz badge symbolizes a rich history of innovation and a legacy that keeps reinventing itself while revolutionizing the automotive world.
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