Mercedes-Benz is known for prestige, performance, unforgettable designs and some of the most sumptuous cars that gearheads would die to drive. And to think that it all started with a motor tricycle that is considered the world's first automobile.
There are some models that gearheads will forever mark as important in the evolution of Mercedes-Benz. These cars are not only important because of their luxury, such as the extravagant 600 Pullman, their racing heritage, such as the 300 SL, but also their longevity. Let's take a look at some of the best models in the history of Mercedes-Benz.
10 G-Class
The G-Class or the G-Wagen debuted in 1979, the product of six years of development. First conceived as a military vehicle, this SUV went on to become a success story for Mercedes-Benz, even winning the Paris-Dakar rally. Even the Pope had one specially customized for him.
The G-Class has had many facelifts over the years with many special editions like the Limited .30 for its 2009 anniversary, the 'Mastermind' Limited edition made for the Japanese market, and the 'Final Edition 200' cabriolet version.
9 190 E
The 190 E was that executive sedan that came on the scene in the early-eighties. It had those sharp angles that defined it, not to mention the pioneering multi-link suspension. The 190 E was nicknamed the 'Baby Benz', but what it lacked in size, it more than made up for with its sporty feel.
We can't forget that it also proved successful in rally car racing with the Cosworth engine, followed by the arrival of the Evo I and Evo II, the latter being the most powerful 190 E, delivering 232 horsepower. It would be remiss to not mention the AMG-tuned versions, which were powerful, fitted with stylish rear spoilers and now-iconic alloy wheels.
8 500E
Porsche was instrumental in the development of the 500E. It made its debut in 1990, publicized by the press as 'a wolf in sheep's clothing.' The 500E was able to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in a reported 5.9 seconds, delivering 326 horsepower from its powerful V8 engine.
The 500E had distinctive flared fenders, a design element that allowed that V8 to fit under the hood. Such extra width was the reason the car was assembled at Porsche's Zuffenhausen plant. But look inside, and that interior sings with the class and styling of a Mercedes-Benz.
7 SLR McLaren
The SLR McLaren was a collaboration with McLaren, with the final product being debuted in 1999. Inspired by the 1955 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, it was destined to be a high-performance supercar. On its debut, it was dubbed 'Tomorrow's Silver Arrow.'
The SLR was powered by a supercharged 5.4-liter V8, capable of delivering 617 horsepower with 575 lb-ft of torque. The SLR also includes a rear spoiler, which, when braking hard, raises to 65 degrees. Those are just some of the reasons why there is no other Supercar like the Mercedes-Benz SLR Mclaren.
6 E-Class
The E-Class name was introduced in 1993 with that distinctive E, but its roots go back deep into the heart of Mercedes-Benz' history. In German, the E standing for a fuel injection engine. But 1993 was also when we saw the W 124 receive a makeover. The mid-nineties saw the “four eyes” (those distinctive headlights) feature in its design.
Fast-forward and we see the E-Class evolve into a longer and wider ride. The E-Class was being offered as a sedan, wagon, coupé and convertible. The 2013 model received a significant facelift, not to mention a very expensive makeover, reportedly 1 billion Euros injected into the development.
5 SSK
The SSK or the Super Sport Kurz, alluding to the shorter wheelbase, was a competitive classic car, winning races such as the 500 Miles of Argentina, the Irish Grand Prix, and the Argentine Grand Prix. The SSK was built between 1928 and 1932, with only 40 produced.
The legendary Ferdinand Porsche designed the car, the last time he collaborated on design with Mercedes-Benz. Ferdinand went on to create his own company. The SSK was capable of top speeds of 120 mph. For that time, the SSK was hard to beat.
4 600 Pullman
The Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman is not only known as a status symbol, marked with opulence and prestige, but also for that stretched-out body, something you may see celebrities or even world leaders step out of. And yes, celebrities like John Lennon owned one, not to mention a dictator like Saddam Hussein.
The 600 Pullman offered that six-door limousine, making you feel like a celebrity. Of course, there was the four-door standard version which had the rear seating arrangement where you could talk face-to-face with other passengers.
3 SLS AMG
The SLS AMG features gullwing doors and the awesome M156 V8 engine. It was available as both a coupe and as a roadster.
It would be remiss to not mention some of those special editions, such as the "Blackbird", specially built for the Australian International Motorshow, the Ambulance concept, which was designed as an emergency vehicle, and the 45th Anniversary with those carbon fiber features.
2 300 SL
Looking back at the Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing, it was one of those unforgettable cars, not only because of its speed with top speeds of 163 mph and its sleek, sensual design with those defining doors, but also because it was a defining car in Mercedes-Benz' history. It was even voted as 'best car of the century.'
In German, the SL stood for 'Super Light.' It proved successful on the track, winning the 24-hour race at Le Mans. We can't forget about that 300 SLS, short for 'Super Light Special', delivering 235 horsepower and designed for racing.
1 Benz Patent-Motorwagen
Sometimes you have to go back to where it all started to appreciate a brand's evolution. Carl Benz built the Benz Patent-Motorwagen in 1885. It was a motor tricycle, powered by a four-stroke engine, delivering 0.75 horsepower. The story behind this car is truly remarkable, especially since it is considered the world's first automobile.
It is incredible to see how Mercedes-Benz cars have evolved. From a motor tricycle to a six-door limousine that celebrities and dictators want to be seen riding, in to the SUV that is the G-Class and race cars taking home victories in various disciplines.