The year 1886 marked the beginning of a new age in the automotive industry. Karl Benz launched the world's first automobile, a three-wheeled vehicle, the Benz Patent Motor Car. A few months later, Gottlieb Daimler and his chief engineer Wilhelm Maybach introduced a four-wheeled vehicle powered by the Daimler engine. The first Mercedes vehicle was created in 1901. The car was commissioned by Emil Jellinek, one of Daimler's primary distributors and built by Maybach. It was named after Jellinek's daughter, Mercedes (meaning grace in Spanish). The companies founded by Daimler and Benz merged to form Daimler-Benz AG and the Mercedes-Benz brand was born in 1926. One of the automaker's earliest vehicles, the 1931 Mercedes-Benz 170, was the world's first production car to offer four-wheel independent suspension. In the '30s and '40s, Mercedes established itself as the producer of ultimate luxury cars, thanks to its models, such as the 380 and 540K.

In the '50s, Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing", a sports car described as the world's first supercar, made its debut. The Daimler-Benz also made efforts in the field of safety technology. The Mercedes-Benz 220 sedans were the first vehicles to incorporate the company's patented "crumple zone" body design to absorb impact in the event of a crash. In 1963, the company launched the Mercedes-Benz 600 sedan. It featured a 300-horsepower V8 engine and an air suspension system. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 made its debut in the '60s. This full-size sedan propelled from zero to 60 within seven seconds and had the distinction of being the fastest luxury car of that time. The '70s saw the birth of the brand's S-Class line of vehicles, sedans and coupes that offered potent engines and numerous luxury features. Mercedes continued its stride in safety technology and became the first to offer anti-lock brakes in its vehicles, during this decade. It was also the first to offer airbags and traction control. Multi-link rear suspension technology was introduced on the Mercedes-Benz 190 E for ride comfort and handling. This technology continues to be an essential component of the brand's core engineering even today. The '90s witnessed Mercedes-Benz entering into a partnership with AMG, a performance and tuning shop, to add extra power to its vehicles. Later, Mercedes-Benz purchased AMG. The sporty C36 AMG was the first AMG model in the US in 1995.

The company's present lineup of vehicles is expansive with sedans, wagons, convertibles, coupes, roadsters and light trucks, such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, CL-Class, CLK-Class, CLS-Class, E-Class, G-Class, GL-Class, M-Class, R-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, SLK-Class and SLR-McLaren.


Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class (starting at $32,425) has been completely redesigned for 2008. The entry-level luxury sedan gets more standard features this year. Available in two versions - Sport and Luxury - with two engine types, the C-Class is available in five trim levels. Both the C300 Luxury and C300 Sport get the 228-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 engine, while the C350 Sport is powered by a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 engine. An all-new C63 AMG model will make its debut later this year.

Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (starting at $104,425) is a classy, comfortable and fast coupe that sets new standards in the grand touring coupe class. The four-passenger CL-Class features cutting-edge safety gadgets and luxury amenities. New additions for 2008 include a pair of AMG versions- the 518-hp CL63 and 604-hp CL65.

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (starting at $47,275) is a stylish coupe that offers power and comfort. It boasts of a fast power top operation and a robust 500-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 engine with a track-ready suspension. New for 2008 is the CLK63 AMG Black Series coupe.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (starting at $68,775) is a sleek four-door coupe. Equipped with powerful V-8 engines, the CLS550 and CLS63 AMG trim levels of the CLS-Class line offer a fast and smooth ride. For 2008, new wheel designs make a debut and satellite radio comes as standard.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (starting at $52,025) is available as a midsize sedan or wagon. It offers superb driving dynamics, innumerable luxury and safety features and a variety of fuel-efficient and powerful engines. Noteworthy addition for 2008 includes the new AMG Sport Package available on the E350 and E550.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class (starting at $89,025) is a five-passenger luxury SUV. Available in G500 and G55 AMG trim levels, it boasts of a potent V-8 engine with great off-road capability. When properly equipped, the G-Class is capable of towing a maximum of 7,000 pounds.

Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (starting at $54,225) is a full-size luxury SUV and is more refined for 2008. The seven-passenger vehicle is motivated by either a V-8 or a turbo diesel V-6 engine. The top-of-the-line GL550 joins the GL-Class trims for the current year.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class (starting at $44,825) is a midsize, versatile SUV with the traditional Mercedes characteristics of quality, safety and prestige. The five-passenger vehicle offers four trim levels and a variety of engines, including the turbo diesel V-6 and V-8.

Mercedes-Benz R-Class
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class (starting at $42,925) is a full-size luxury crossover wagon that can accommodate six to seven passengers. For 2008, the R-Class is offered in three trim levels and the R350 trim makes its debut. The AMG styling cues become standard equipment for the current year, while the optional V8 power has been eliminated.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (starting at $87,525) is a large and ultra-premium sedan with precise engineering, superior technologies and state-of-the-art luxury features. Satellite radio becomes a standard feature for the 2008 S-Class. Available in five trim levels, the Mercedes flagship gets a V-8 engine.

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class (starting at $96,125) is a two-seater luxury roadster that comes in four trim levels. A power-operated quick-folding retractable hardtop is standard on all SL-Class convertibles. The SL550 trim gets a new 18-inch wheel design for 2008.

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (starting at $44,975) is a two-seater roadster with a power-retractable hardtop. Offered in three trim levels, the SLK is powered either by a V-6 or V-8 engine. New for 2008 is the Edition 10 package, which celebrates the SLK's 10 years in production and features special 10-spoke wheels along with other amenities.

Mercedes-Benz SLR-McLaren
The new Mercedes-Benz SLR-McLaren (starting at $497,750) is a combination of McLaren Formula One technology, typical Mercedes-Benz styling and AMG performance. The supercar comes with a fully retractable semi-automatic soft top. It is powered by a supercharged 5.5 liter, 617-horsepower AMG V-8 engine.