A clear division into classes, which remains to this day, began in 1993. We will not go into the evolution of markings since the 20s of the last century, and will simply note that in the 80s there were digital indices indicating engine volume (300 for three-liter models, 280 for 2.8-liter models, and so on), and the easiest way to navigate the model range was by body. For example, the indices W123 and W124 denoted cars that today we would classify as the E-class. The exception was the S-Class, which received this official name since 1972, when the W116 debuted. By the way, S is sonder, “special”.

It is curious that the Mercedes-Benz 190 in the W201 body, which appeared in 1982, never had a 1.9-liter engine, either gasoline or diesel. We will talk about these “motor” digital indices soon in a separate article, but here you just need to understand: already in the 80s, a new classification clearly suggested itself, because one could get confused in the old one. And she was not slow in appearing.

Car and off-road classes

On business sedans of the W124 family, the letter E ceased to indicate fuel injection and began to stand for E-class (Exekutivklasse). The compact sedans of the W201 family were not affected by these changes (the model was on its way out), but the successor of the “two hundred and first”, a car with the factory designation W202, received the name Comfortklasse, abbreviated as C-class.

Later, more compact A-Class and B-Class appeared. At first they both played in the compact van segment, and then the A-Class was transferred to the “golf hatchback” category. For a short time, from 2006 to 2013, there was also a large R-Class minivan, but it sold poorly and is now out of production.

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The brutal G-Wagen SUV became the G-Class - everything was simple here. And when off-road vehicles began to gain popularity at the turn of the century, the mid-size M-Class crossover first appeared in the Mercedes-Benz line, and then the large GL-Class and compact GLK-Class joined it.

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Sports classes

The “hot” segment of the model range deserves special mention. Even people knowledgeable in cars are constantly confused by them, and we will try to briefly trace the history of the models and understand their position in the hierarchy.

The SL-class has always stood apart from everyone else and stands for Sehr Leicht - “ultra-light”. Initially, these letters stood after the digital index, for example - 190SL, 300SL and so on. After the 1993 reform, they simply changed places. The model is still produced today in its seventh generation.

The SLK Roadster has nothing to do with the SL Coupe. It stands for Sportlich, Leicht, Kurz, that is, “Sporty, light, short.” In its first version, it was based on the C-class platform, but then it was “spun off” and began to be produced on a separate compact platform. The model occupies the niche of the “junior” coupe and is still sold to this day.

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The SLR sports car was a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren, and the car was produced in the UK from 2003 to 2010. The class stood for Sport Leicht Rennsport, that is, “sport, light, racing.” Then the AMG studio took over the initiative, and the next generation was called SLS AMG (Sport Leicht Super - I don’t think there’s any need to decipher this). The car was produced until 2014 and was presented as the “successor” of the first 300SL of 1954, since its doors opened like a “gull wing” in the same way. The new generation of the car is now called Mercedes AMG GT.

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In 1998, the CL-class appeared. To be precise, this is what they began to call the coupe based on the S-Class, which previously bore the logical name S-Class Coupe. For some reason, the abbreviation stood for Coupe Leicht (“light coupe”), although you can’t call it light at all. In 2014, everything returned to normal, and the new two-door S-Class again acquired its historical name.

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As is often the case with Mercedes, the similar CLS-Class is not a “relative” of the CL-Class. Guess what CLS stands for? The first and last letters are on the surface. These are Coupe and Sport. But “average” is not Luxe at all, as fans of the brand mistakenly write on forums, but even Leicht, that is, again “light”. The CLS, which appeared in 2004, marked the beginning of a whole class of so-called “four-door coupes”. In fact, this is an E-class with very rich equipment, an understated silhouette and a retouched appearance. Until 1995, by the way, the concern’s lineup already included an E-class Coupe based on the W124, but only a two-door one. Now the second generation of CLS is being produced, where the sedan has been complemented by a spectacular Shooting Brake station wagon. Well, the concept of a “four-door coupe” was enthusiastically picked up by competitors. BMW released the 4 Series based on the 3, while Audi released the A5 based on the A4 and the A7 based on the A6. Next up is the A9 based on... that's right, the new A8. But we're talking about Mercedes now, so let's not get distracted.

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Next up is CLK. It appeared in the lineup at the same time as the SLK, and is a direct relative of it, since in the first generation it was based on the C-class platform in the back of the W202. Then the paths diverged. SLK moved to its own platform, and CLK remained the “compartment” version of the C-Class. In 2010, it was discontinued, and for some reason the “successor” is considered the E-class Coupe, which appeared in the lineup at the same time.

What's the result?

As of 2015, the Mercedes-Benz model range has a new name. The changes mainly affected the line of crossovers. The name Mercedes ML will fall into oblivion: starting with the new generation, the premiere of which is just around the corner, the car will be called GLE. Its more dynamic version with a sloping roof at the rear, created in defiance of the BMW X6, was called GLE Coupe. The large seven-seat crossover GL will be dubbed GLS, the compact GLK will change its name to GLC. Everything remains unchanged for the subcompact GLA. Here everything looks harmonious: along with the dimensions, the last letter also changes: A, C, E, S.

What about sports cars and coupes? At the top is the Mercedes AMG GT supercar, which even got rid of the Benz prefix. Next come two-door sports cars-roadsters on their own platforms: the larger SL and the smaller SLC (formerly SLK). Coupes that are made on foreign bases and do not have a pronounced sporting character have been “demoted”: now they are simply E-Class Coupe and S-Class Coupe.

Well, if we remember the history of the brand, the model line looks clearer than ever. But there is one catch - four-door coupes with the letters CL. There is the CLS - a rich and lowered by 5.6 centimeters E-Class.

And there is CLA, which is made according to a completely different recipe! In fact, it's just a sedan, cobbled together by gluing the trunk to the A-Class, with exactly the same equipment and market positioning. And in height it is only 1 millimeter inferior to the hatchback... This is clearly not a four-door coupe, although it bears the letters CL.

In general, even after the reform, the hierarchy of the Stuttgart concern will remain to a certain extent a “dark forest”. But this doesn’t bother the Mercedes people themselves. Despite the fact that the buyer is clearly confused about the classes, sales are steadily going up, and competitors can only envy the loyalty of Mercedes-Benz owners. Therefore, happiness does not lie in the clarity of classification!

Mercedes-Benz is a brand of premium cars produced by the German concern Daimler AG. It is one of the three German automakers that sell the largest number of premium cars in the world.

For some time, two automobile companies - Benz and Daimler - developed in parallel. In 1926 they merged to form the Daimler-Benz concern.

The birth of the Benz brand dates back to 1886, when Karl Benz created the world's first three-wheeled car with an internal combustion engine running on gasoline.

He was a talented engineer who already had considerable experience working with mechanical machines. Since 1878, Karl Benz intensively developed the two-stroke engine to create a vehicle without horses.

He received his first engine on the eve of 1879. What followed was a series of changes in business partners, with whom Karl parted ways, most often because of their skepticism towards the idea of ​​​​creating a car.

On January 29, 1886, Benz received a patent for the invention of a three-wheeled car. The horizontal single-cylinder four-stroke engine weighed about 100 kg and was very light for its time. Its volume was 954 cubic meters. cm, and the power is 0.55 kW at 400 rpm. It had the same design elements that characterize internal combustion engines today: a crankshaft with counterweights, electric ignition and water cooling. To travel 100 km, the car needed about 10 liters of gasoline.

First Mercedes-Benz car (1886)

In 1893, Benz produced the first four-wheeled cars, based on a three-wheeled design. They were a little old fashioned, but practical, durable and affordable.

Later, Benz began equipping its cars with two-cylinder engines. In 1900, his company faced financial difficulties, so first French and then German engineers were invited.

Over time, four-cylinder engines began to be installed on cars, and the company’s business went uphill.

In 1909, the Blitzen Benz appeared, a racing car with improved aerodynamics, which was equipped with a 21,500 cc engine. cm and power 200 hp.

Another company, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, was founded in 1890 by Gottlieb Daimler. She immediately began producing a four-wheeled car created 4 years earlier. It was designed by Daimler himself and car designer Wilhelm Maybach.

At first, the company did not produce anything noteworthy, although the cars sold out well. In 1901, the Mercedes-35hp appeared, the engine power of which was implied in its name. This model is considered the first representative of the modern car. It was originally developed as a racing car and then developed as a road vehicle.

The car received its name at the insistence of the head of the Daimler representative office in France and the consul of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in Nice, Emil Jellinek. He proposed to name the model in honor of the Virgin Mary of Mercy, who in French is called Maria de las Mercedes.

The car was equipped with a four-cylinder engine with a capacity of 5,913 cc. cm. After many modifications, the Mercedes-35hp developed 75 km/h, which amazed car enthusiasts of that time.

Mercedes 35 HP (1901)

The history of the brand in Russia began almost immediately after its appearance on the automotive horizon. In 1890, the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft company supplied its engines to Russia. In 1894, the first Benz car appeared in our country, designed for two passengers, with a 1.5 hp engine. A year later, the first Benz car was sold in St. Petersburg, on the basis of which the serial vehicle of Yakovlev’s Gasoline and Gas Engine Factory was being developed.

In 1910, the Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft company opened its first showroom in Moscow, and two years later it became a supplier to the imperial court.

Before the outbreak of the First World War, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft formed a wide model line, which included cars with engines from 1,568 to 9,575 cc. cm, as well as luxury cars that used engines with valveless gas distribution.

After the war, Daimler began working on creating a compressor that would increase engine power by one and a half times. The work was completed with the help of Ferdinand Porsche, who joined the company in 1923. He designed the Mercedes 24/100/140 PS with a 6,240 cc six-cylinder compressor engine. cm and power from 100 to 140 hp. After the merger of Daimler and Benz, the car became known as the Mercedes-Benz Type 630.

In the same year, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft opened a representative office in Moscow. The brand takes first place in the all-Russian test run.

Mercedes 24/100/140 PS (1924-1929)

The economic situation in Germany after the First World War forced longtime competitors Benz and Daimler to begin negotiations on cooperation. As a result, in 1926, a new automobile manufacturing enterprise appeared - the Daimler-Benz concern. The companies began joint development of cars, and Ferdinand Porsche became the head of the design bureau.

He began to work on improving compressor cars, in particular the 24/100/140, which became the ancestor of the S series. This family of cars combined comfort, luxury and sporting performance. They were more powerful, lighter and more maneuverable. Their appearance at racing competitions immediately brought the car company a double victory. Because of their color and size, they began to be called “White Elephants.”

Mercedes-Benz SSK (1927-1933)

In 1928, Porsche left the company, deciding to found his own company, and engineer Hans Nibel took his place. It continues to develop the developments of its predecessor, producing the Mannheim 370 with a six-cylinder 3.7-liter engine and the Nürburg 500 with an eight-cylinder 4.9-liter power unit.

In 1930, the luxurious Mercedes-Benz 770, or “Big Mercedes,” appeared, which belonged to the Pope, Emperor Hirohito, Adolf Hitler, Paul von Hindenburg, Hermann Goering and Wilhelm II.

It was equipped with a 7,655 cc inline eight-cylinder engine. cm, which developed 150 hp. at 2800 rpm. With supercharging, its power increased to 200 hp, and the maximum speed was 160 km/h. The engine was coupled with a four-speed gearbox.

The second generation of the model was equipped with a 155 hp engine. naturally aspirated and 230 hp. supercharged. From 1940 to 1943, armored versions of the car weighing 5,400 kg and a maximum speed of 80 km/h were produced.

Mercedes-Benz 770 (1930-1943)

Under the leadership of Hans Niebel, very successful models are created, including the 170 compact car with independent front wheel suspension, the 380 sports car with a 140-horsepower 3.8-liter supercharged engine, the 130 with a rear-mounted 1,308 cc engine. cm.

In 1935, Max Sailer became the chief designer, who oversaw the creation of the inexpensive 170V model, the diesel 260D and the new generation 770, so beloved by Nazi leaders.

Mercedes-Benz 260 D became the first passenger car with a diesel engine. It was presented at the Berlin Motor Show in February 1936. Until 1940, when the Daimler-Benz concern had to devote its entire production to military needs, about 2,000 units of this model were produced.

It was equipped with a four-cylinder 4-liter engine with overhead valves, which was coupled with a four-speed gearbox. Mercedes-Benz 260 D received an independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes.

Mercedes-Benz 260 D (1936-1940)

During World War II, the concern focused on producing trucks and cars for the army. The enterprises operated until September 1944, when they were almost completely destroyed by bombing. In January 1945, the company's board of directors decided that Daimler-Benz no longer had any physical assets.

In the post-war years, automobile production recovered extremely slowly. Therefore, Daimler-Benz built mainly already produced models with an obsolete design. The first car produced after the war was the W136 subcompact sedan with a 38-horsepower engine. Then came the W191 with an enlarged body and the 80-horsepower W187, which was later renamed 220. By 1955, the production of models 170 and 220 had reached such volumes that the company could count on successful and uninterrupted operations in the future.

The concern supplies its cars to the USSR. Thus, from 1946 to 1969, 604 cars, 20 trucks, 7 buses, and 14 Unimogs were exported to Soviet countries.

Amid the financial and engineering problems associated with the destruction of war, the brand never forgot its ambitions as a manufacturer of luxury cars.

In November 1951, during the Paris Motor Show, the 300 executive limousine debuted with a powerful six-cylinder 3-liter engine with an overhead camshaft. Thanks to its bright appearance, high-quality manual assembly, the presence of a radio, telephone and other technical innovations, the model received enormous success among politicians, celebrities and large businessmen. One of the copies belonged to Konrad Adenauer, Federal Chancellor of Germany, in whose honor the cars began to be called “Adenauers”.

The model was constantly modernized as it was assembled by hand. In 1954, the 300b was released with new brake drums and front windows, in 1955 - the 300c with automatic transmission, as well as the 300Sc with a revolutionary fuel injection system.

Mercedes-Benz 300 (1951-1958)

In 1953, the Mercedes-Benz 180 debuted, which was supposed to replace the outdated 170 and 200, but at the same time be more affordable than the luxurious 300. The car was based on a monocoque body with classic lines of wheel arches, which became known as pontoon. “Ponton,” as it was called, featured a roomy and comfortable interior and was equipped with a gasoline or diesel engine. Later the 190 model came out with a more luxurious interior and a powerful engine, as well as a roadster.

Large "pontoons" with a six-cylinder 220a engine began to be produced in 1954. Two years later, the flagship appeared - 220S with a 105-horsepower engine.

“Pontoons” were exported to 136 countries and glorified the brand throughout the world. A total of 585,250 units of the model were produced.

Mercedes-Benz W120 (1953-1962)

Along with road cars, the company enthusiastically designed racing cars. The 1950s were marked by a number of high-profile victories for the sports Mercedes-Benz W196. However, after the tragic death of driver Pierre Levegh and 82 spectators at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Mercedes-Benz left the world of sports competition, despite winning the championship title.

In 1953, businessman Max Goffman suggested that the company create a road version of the W194 sports car for the American market. The latter featured a futuristic body shape and doors that opened upward to reduce weight and increase strength.

The premiere of the Mercedes-Benz W198 (300SL) took place in 1954 and meant unprecedented success: 80% of all cars of the model were delivered to the USA, where they were sold at auctions. The car was equipped with an engine with a Bosch fuel injection system, which developed 215 hp. and allowed her to accelerate to 250 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz 300SL (1955-1963)

In the late 1950s, a family of cars appeared, called "fins" due to the characteristic body design elements borrowed from American cars. They featured elegant lines, a spacious interior and a 35% increase in glass area, which improved the car's visibility.

In 1963, the Pagoda was released, the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL - a sports car with a durable interior and a passive safety system. It was especially popular among women, who appreciated the automatic transmission and the ease of driving the car. A copy of the model, which belonged to John Lennon, was sold in 2001 for almost half a million dollars.

Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (1963-1971)

At the end of 1963, the Mercedes-Benz 600 limousine debuted with a 6.3-liter engine producing 250 hp, an automatic 4-speed transmission and air suspension. Despite its length of almost 5.5 meters, the car could accelerate to 205 km/h. This model was used by the Vatican as the Popemobile and was purchased by the heads of other countries.

In 1965, the S-Class debuts, the brand's most prestigious car family after the 600 model. And three years later, new middle-class cars come out - W114 and W115.

In 1972, the S-Class W116 model was introduced, which was the first in the world to receive an anti-lock braking system. It was also equipped with hydropneumatic suspension and a three-speed transmission. Particular attention was paid to safety when developing the car. Thus, it received a reinforced body structure, high-strength roof and door pillars, a flexible dashboard and a fuel tank located above the rear axle.

Mercedes-Benz W116 (1972-1980)

In 1974, Mercedes-Benz was the first among foreign automakers to open its representative office in Russia.

In 1979, the new S-Class W126 appeared, the design of which was developed by the Italian Brunno Sacco. It was truly revolutionary and featured excellent aerodynamic characteristics.

In 1980, the first SUV of the 460 series appeared, and in 1982 the compact sedan W201 190 debuted, designed to compete with the BMW 3 Series.

In 1994, AOZT Mercedes-Benz Automobiles was founded in Russia; a year later, a technical center and spare parts warehouse were opened in Moscow.

In 1996, the SLK-class debuted - a light, short sports car with an all-metal top that can be stowed in the trunk.

Mercedes-Benz SLK (1996)

In 1999, the company bought the tuning company AMG, which became its division for the production of more expensive versions of cars for sports driving.

In 2000, new classes appeared, among which there were SUVs that were gaining popularity. Thus, an extended GL-class appeared with three rows of seats and a capacity of 7 to 9 people.

Mercedes-Benz GL (2006)

In the 2000s, cars of the C, S and CL class families were updated, and the automaker’s model range was significantly expanded. The company is developing the direction of environmentally friendly transport, and also improving the technological “stuffing” of its cars in order to continue to occupy a leading position in the automobile market when the next revolution in the development of vehicles comes.

Despite the fact that this modification has never been equipped with a 1.9 liter engine in its entire history. From this moment on, some confusion arose in the designation of new cars. In order not to mislead buyers, it was decided to indicate, in addition to the engine size, the number of valves and the presence of supercharging. The classification of Mercedes bodies and various classes has since become quite difficult for the uninitiated.

It is important to remember the different designations and classification difficulties when purchasing body parts, as well as for individual models. Some nuances:

• AMG is a designation for Mercedes sports cars with a powerful engine;
• Kompressor - the machine is equipped with a special mechanical supercharger;
• D – the letter was used before the beginning of the 2000s to designate cars with diesel engines;
• CDI - after the cessation of the use of the letter D to designate “diesels”, this letter code began to be used (stands for Controlled Direct Injection);
• E – in the nineties, cars with an injection-type gasoline engine were designated in this way.

The classification of Mercedes bodies may seem complicated and confusing at first, but to understand it enough, remember just a few designations. If necessary, it is worth considering photos of various cars. This will simplify the process of familiarizing yourself with the classification.

The annual Geneva International Motor Show is one of the five leading automobile shows in the world. One of the most anticipated events is the premiere of the new brainchild of Mercedes-Benz - GLC Coupe.

On the eve of the opening of the exhibition ( from 3 to 13 March) we decided to take a short excursion into the history of the auto show and introduce our readers to the greatest new products from Mercedes-Benz, presented in Geneva since 1924.

Benz stand at the Geneva International Motor Show, 1924

The first Mercedes-Benz stand after the merger of Daimler and Benz, 1926

Elegance on wheels: Mercedes-Benz stand at the Geneva Motor Show, 1928

Success: Mercedes-Benz stand attracts everyone's attention at the exhibition, 1950

Vehicles of interest: Mercedes-Benz at the Geneva Motor Show, 1952

Model range: Mercedes-Benz 170 s, 220 and 300 (from left to right), 1952

A stunning success: Mercedes-Benz presented a fire truck with a rotating ladder at an exhibition, 1954

Trendsetter: Mercedes-Benz 220 Ponton, 1954

Quality cars from Germany: Mercedes-Benz displays the 300 and 190 SL, 1954

Spotlight: the big Mercedes-Benz Coupe at the 31st Geneva Motor Show, 1961

Power under the hood: Mercedes-Benz Coupe at an exhibition, 1968

Eye-catching: experimental model of the Mercedes-Benz 111, 1970

Magnetic effect: presentation of the S-Class and SL at the Geneva International Motor Show, 1973

Safety comes first: at the 1974 Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz presented a wrecked car with the surviving passenger compartment, as well as the ESV 22, an experimental safety vehicle

Engines and technology: motor show in 1975

Roomy: the first estate car from Mercedes-Benz S 123 series, 1978

Sports car success: luxury sports car coupe becomes the main attraction of the exhibition, 1980

Clear structure: presentation of Mercedes-Benz at the Geneva Motor Show, 1981

The beginning of a new era: Mercedes-Benz 190 (Baby Benz) was exhibited together with the 123 Series and S-Class (W126) models in Geneva, 1983

Compact dynamism: Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 at the Geneva Motor Show, 1984

Interesting for young people and older people: the Mercedes-Benz 300 D was presented to the public at an exhibition in 1985

In the ranks: Mercedes-Benz at the Geneva International Motor Show, 1987

Spotlight: Mercedes-Benz SL (R129) at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show

Powerful: long wheelbase version of the Mercedes-Benz 600 SEL (S-Class, W140) at the 1991 show

World premiere: Mercedes-Benz presented a design development with four headlights, 1993

Focused on the future: the concept car presented at the exhibition in 1996 formed the first impression of the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class

New model: Mercedes-Benz presented the A-Class at the 1997 Geneva Motor Show

Variety: from A-Class to SL - Mercedes-Benz presented the entire model range, 1998

Pleasant atmosphere: Mercedes-Benz always welcomes visitors to the Geneva International Motor Show with a stand with a special architectural design, 1998

World premiere: Mercedes-Benz CLK, 1998

Question: How do you envision the future of cars? Answer: self-confident, like CL. New coupe from Mercedes-Benz, 1999

Appealing to all senses: that was the company's motto at the 2000 exhibition. Mercedes-Benz presented the E-Class, CL, CLK, SLK and SL

Unflagging interest: The A-Class also attracted huge crowds at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show

Closest neighbors: Mercedes-Benz presented its new products next to Chrysler and Jeep, 2002

Under one roof: Mercedes-Benz and Smart presented their model ranges side by side at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show

Puzzle: Using a sophisticated stand design, Mercedes-Benz answered mobility questions, 2003

Aesthetic appeal: Mercedes-Benz on display, 2004

Attractive: the Mercedes-Benz stand at the Geneva Motor Show has always attracted crowds, 2005

In the spotlight: Mercedes-Benz, 2005

Mercedes models are numerous. It is simply impossible to remember them all at once. After all, there are so many classes, and each of them has several dozen representatives. Well, it’s worth at least talking about the most popular models, and also paying attention to the “German classics” - that is, those cars that today are already considered quite “adult”.

E-Class: the beginning

The most reliable Mercedes models are produced in this segment. And the history of the E-class begins back in 1947. It was a car known as “170”. Then others appeared - 180, and then 190. Over nine years, the concern sold about 468 thousand copies (including diesel ones). However, this is already a rarity. The w123 Mercedes is rightfully considered one of the most famous old ones. Old models are in demand even today. And the W123 is a classic. Taxi drivers in Germany loved this car so much that when it was decided to discontinue it, they went on strike. Also interesting is the fact that diesel versions of this model were more popular than gasoline ones. Of which 53% were sold. And Russia, before the Moscow Olympic Games, purchased a thousand cars of this particular model - for police and VIP transportation. It would seem that now there are new Mercedes models, and the W123 is no longer relevant. But that's not true. Many fans of German classic cars are still eager to own such a car. Fortunately, nowadays you can find an advertisement for the sale of the W123.

Famous w124

This is a successor to the aforementioned w123. The new Mercedes E-Class model has won the hearts of car enthusiasts. This executive car left no one indifferent. A new, perfect design, stunning optics, interestingly shaped headlights, an improved interior and, of course, powerful technical characteristics - this is how the versions made in the w124 body could be characterized. Of course, the famous “five hundredth” attracted (and continues to attract) special attention. The so-called “gangster” Mercedes was equipped with a 5-liter 326-horsepower unit and reached a speed of 250 km/h, accelerating to hundreds in just over six seconds. Looking at such characteristics, you involuntarily understand that many modern cars are an order of magnitude lower than the Mercedes of the nineties. And this is the brightest representative of the E-class.

“Special” class

When talking about Mercedes models, one cannot help but mention the S-Class. “Sonderklasse” is where the letter designation comes from. And this is translated as a “special” class. The first representative of this segment appeared in 1972. The first model became known as the W116. And, I must say, it became popular, which marked the beginning of the active production of new cars.

The S-Class is considered one of the best. And the quality is really decent. Needless to say, even the first model had a V8 engine under the hood that produced 200 horsepower! A little later, potential buyers had the opportunity to purchase 6-cylinder ones, among which there was even a carburetor option.

Surprisingly, the Mercedes car models of those years even now look much more profitable than many cars produced in the 2000s, and even in the 2010s. But they are already more than forty years old. But, I must say, the same 450 SEL w116 with a 6.3-liter 286-horsepower engine can last just as long, unlike some weak new products that will begin to break down after a couple of years.

“Six hundredth”

It, like the “five hundredth”, is today considered an indicator of the prestige, status, wealth and excellent taste of the owner. Only the “six hundredth” is a representative of a different class - not “E”, but “S”. Well, this is the largest series in the entire history of this segment. It was in this model that a V12 engine was installed for the first time in the history of the concern.

Interestingly, over the last forty years, about 2,700,000 cars of this class have been produced. The most numerous body was w126. And the new one, w222, continues to be produced to this day. And this is a truly luxurious car, which pleases not only with its design and comfortable interior, but also with impeccable technical characteristics. Look at just one version of the 65 AMG - with a 630-horsepower biturbo engine. It is not surprising that modern Mercedes models are considered the best cars all over the world.

C-class

These are mid-size cars, which the concern itself positioned as “comfortable”. Hence the name of the class - “Comfortklasse”. In 1993, the first data on the Mercedes model appeared. It is interesting to trace the history of the development of cars over the years - they changed rapidly. The first was a machine that became known as the Model became popular. And production began in full swing. The main principle was to create machines that were simple but reliable. The company was experiencing a certain crisis at that time, so they needed to make money. However, the developers did not abandon the principles of creating good cars. Well, this led to the C-Class.

The latest model in this segment is It looks great. Its fast, sporty design with the expressive “look” of the headlights instantly attracts the eye. According to the Euro NCAP test, the car received a full five stars in terms of safety - the highest rating, and rightfully deserved. In general, the car is an ideal option for people who value comfort and convenience.

AMG

In 1967, the world learned about such an enterprise as AMG. Today it is the most popular tuning studio, which is also a division of Mercedes. But at that time, AMG was a simple office of two engineer friends who tuned Mercedes themselves. However, success came to them quite quickly, and today everyone knows that the AMG mark means that a person faces a powerful, fast, impressive car.

Take, for example, the CLS 63 version, first released in 2011. The model was amazing. However, the manufacturers decided to improve it. 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 unit, sports suspension, 7-speed gearbox with instant start, all-wheel drive (known as 4Matic), parametric sports steering. This car could truly be called the dream of any person who loves supercars and high speed. However, this turned out to be not the limit.

New for 2015

The new product, which became known as the GT-S AMG, caused a storm of emotions among Mercedes connoisseurs. The car was presented in 2014, but released for sale only in 2015. Few Mercedes car models have caused so much controversy. This car doesn't look like it drives. This two-seater supercar is capable of reaching a speed of 310 kilometers per hour, it is excellent in handling, reacts to any movement of the driver, accelerates to hundreds in just over 3.5 seconds, and its engine power reaches 510 hp. Just an amazing car with a twin-turbo engine. But the design could be better. The same CL AMG (which first appeared in 1996) looks much more interesting. But how many people - so many opinions. In any case, the new product is already being snapped up.