Mercedes-Benz, one of the most iconic car brands, owes its name to an intriguing history. The name Mercedes comes from Mercedes Jellinek, the daughter of Emil Jellinek, a prominent German businessman and passionate race driver. In the early 1900s, Jellinek became a key dealer for the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG), notably selling the Phoenix model. In addition to his business ventures, he was deeply involved in motorsport, showcasing these cars that he considered exceptional. Jellinek, known for naming his prized possessions after his daughter, such as his yacht and homes, chose to name the cars he sold and raced after her. This connection between his daughter's name and DMG's cars became synonymous, leading to the birth of Mercedes-Benz in 1926, after the merger of DMG and Benz.

Since that time, Mercedes-Benz has continued to shape the history of the automobile. Innovation has always been at the core of its DNA, and this is reflected in the exceptional models that have marked each decade. But beyond its prestigious history, what truly sets Mercedes-Benz apart today is its ability to combine luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology.

Mercedes-Benz: A Story of Pioneers

Over the decades, Mercedes-Benz has shone through its technological innovation and audacity. You may not know this, but it was Mercedes-Benz that created the very first diesel engine in a production car with the 260 D in 1936, long before this technology became common. The brand also became the first to integrate ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), a breakthrough that is now mandatory on all modern cars. Mercedes-Benz was also the first to integrate airbags into a vehicle in 1981, a revolution in driver and passenger protection that remains standard today.

But Mercedes didn’t just innovate in safety: in 1952, it unveiled the 300 SL, a legendary model with its iconic gullwing doors. A design that defined its era and still inspires car enthusiasts today. Another standout innovation was the introduction of hydraulic suspension in the Mercedes 600, a flagship model of the 1960s. It was both the most comfortable car of its time, with crazy options like hydraulically controlled window curtains (because why stretch your arm to pull them down?), and one of the fastest, capable of rivaling Ferrari models of the era. A jewel that became the vehicle of choice for heads of state and high-profile personalities around the world. Elvis Presley himself owned a Mercedes 600!

The Silver Arrow

And how can we talk about Mercedes’ past without mentioning the legend surrounding the Silver Arrow? The story goes that Mercedes, unable to win in motorsport, stripped the lead paint off its cars – the W125 to be exact – before a race. This made the car ultra-light and ultra-reflective, dramatically improving its performance and making it a serious contender. The car, known as the "Silver Arrow", went on to dominate the competition.

How Mercedes-Benz Classes Work

Mercedes-Benz’s range is incredibly vast and varied. Each class represents a series of vehicles designed to meet specific needs and tastes. For example, the A-Class and B-Class are compact models, perfect for drivers looking for comfort and manoeuvrability. The C-Class is a more premium offering, with luxury finishes and a refined drive. As for the S-Class, it embodies excellence in terms of comfort and technology, ideal for those looking to travel in luxury. When you add AMG to the mix, Mercedes takes automobile performance to an art form.

AMG: What is it?

Like many manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz wants to offer more than just a luxury experience to its customers—it wants to offer a taste of performance by integrating innovations proven in motorsport into their production cars. The term AMG stands for Aufrecht, Melcher, and Großaspach, the creators of the brand's "high-performance" division that has since become legendary. It was these pioneers who, in the 1970s, began transforming already impressive Mercedes cars into pure performance machines, setting the foundations for what we know today.

Take, for example, the G63 AMG, a true icon of luxury SUVs, combining both ruggedness and performance. With its V8 biturbo engine delivering 577 horsepower, it offers spectacular performance on all types of terrain, while providing unrivalled comfort and luxury. Driving this car is a unique experience (and yes, we offer it to our members and for day rentals at MotorShare 😉).

The Mercedes-AMG GT, a true sports car, with a design that screams power and elegance. This model is powered by a V8 biturbo engine that delivers jaw-dropping power. If you’re looking to experience pure adrenaline, the AMG GT is for you (also available to MotorShare members).

The C63S AMG strikes the perfect balance between a luxury saloon and a sports car. Its V8 engine delivers phenomenal performance, while its refined interior ensures comfort worthy of the finest sedans. (What are you waiting for to drive it with MotorShare?!)

The Future of Mercedes: Electrification and Cutting-Edge Technology

Mercedes-Benz is not just limited to its thermal models. The future of the brand lies in electrification, and the EQ series is here to testify to that. The Mercedes EQC, for example, is an all-electric SUV that combines green innovation with the performance Mercedes is known for. Mercedes is thus committed to sustainability without compromising its commitment to excellence.

From the Benz Patent Motorwagen in 1885 to today’s most modern models, Mercedes-Benz has shaped the history of the automobile. Each car tells a story of innovation, passion, and luxury. Whether you’re a fan of sports cars or looking for an ultra-high-performance family sedan, Mercedes-Benz has something for everyone.

Mercedes-Benz isn’t just a brand; it’s an experience. An experience of luxury, performance, and innovation that turns every journey into an extraordinary moment. And you can experience it now at MotorShare!