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 see 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
The history of the Mercedes-Benz brand began in 1890, when Gottlieb Daimler founded his company on the outskirts of Stuttgart. He called it Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft.
Wilhelm Maybach, a brilliant engineer, joined the staff of this enterprise. He subsequently became an authoritative figure in the global automotive industry. In parallel with Daimler’s company, another company called Benz & Cie successfully worked on the German market, its owner was Karl Benz. Gottlieb Daimler died in 1900 and Wilhelm Maybach took over control of the company. In 1901, Maybach designed a car that was equipped with a four-cylinder engine that developed 35 hp. This model was named after the daughter of one of the co-founders of the company, racer Emil Jellinek, Mercedes. Since that time, absolutely all Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft models began to be produced under the name Mercedes. It was registered as a trademark in 1902. Let us recall the long history of the Mercedes-Benz brand using examples of models that left a noticeable mark on its activities.
The Daimler and Benz companies merged in 1926 to form the Daimler-Benz concern, with Ferdinand Porsche becoming its head. His first new development was the K series, which used a compressor, and the most famous model was the 24/110/160 PS, which developed a speed of 145 km/h, which was crazy at that time.
In the 30s of the last century, the company began to produce respectable cars such as the 770 Grosser, with a 7.7 liter engine that developed a power of 200 hp, and then, after improvements, 230 hp.
In the 40s, the company began producing cars with diesel engines. The first such car was the Type 260 D. At the same time, the company's designers mastered the production of rear-wheel drive cars under the designations 130N, 150N and 170N.
During WW2, the company produced many models of both cars and trucks, incl. and military modifications. After the defeat of Germany, car production resumed only in 1946. The Type 170 V, developed before the war, was the first car to roll off the assembly line, and 3 years later its diesel version was released.
The company returned to the luxury car segment in 1951, presenting two luxury models at the Frankfurt Motor Show: the Mercedes-Benz 220 and 300. They were equipped with 2.2 and 3.0 liter engines, respectively. Since 1957, the company began installing an automatic transmission on the Mercedes-Benz 300. The 300th model was the most expensive in the 50s.
Since 1954, production of the 300SL began, which won in auto racing. This car became a legend, and the engine, which reached speeds of up to 260 km/h, became a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The 300Sl had upward-opening gullwing doors.
In 1963, the famous “six hundredth” Mercedes was released (the legendary model 600) - a luxury car with a new powerful 6.3-liter V8 engine, automatic transmission, and air suspension, which provided a new level of comfort. The car was also available in an extended version.
In 1983, compact models appeared: the Mercedes-Benz 190 series was introduced. It became the predecessor of the future C-Class and was very popular in the period 1983-1993.
In the late 90s, several notable events occurred: Mercedes began producing Smart, a small car brand, and also merged in 1998 with Chrysler Corporation, although not for long. The company introduced products for several new market sectors. The basis of the program, however, remained the C and E series - cars of a classic layout.
A-class (W-168), a small-sized model that began production in 1997, was front-wheel drive, with engines of 1397 and 1689 cm3 with a power of 60 and 102 hp. The C-class (W-202) appeared on the market in 1993 and was significantly modernized in 1997. The E-class (W-210) has been produced since 1995 with a wide range of engines of various displacements and types. The S-Class (W-140) has been in production since 1991. SLK cars, part of the group of sports models, were first shown in the spring of 1996. and since 1997, coupes of the CLK type were produced on the C-class chassis. SL (two-seater coupe and roadster) and CL (luxury coupe, 4-, 5-seater) were produced respectively from 1989 and 1992. G-class - all-wheel drive cars, known since 1979. The 1998 models were equipped with diesel and gasoline engines. ML-class - new comfortable all-wheel drive cars have been produced in the USA since 1997. V-class - high-capacity station wagons began to be produced in 1996.
In the new millennium, as before, the company releases new models one after another and updates its lineup.
In 2008, the compact SUV Mercedes-Benz GLK joined the lineup. The car was built on a C-class station wagon chassis and was intended for comfortable driving in the city and country trips.
In 2012-2013, new models were released in almost all classes A, B, C, E and S.
Mercedes-Benz cars around the world have become examples of refined style, an icon for the luxury car class, combining technologically advanced engines and innovative equipment systems with comfort and elegance. The company also contributes to environmental protection by constantly improving engines, developing hybrid powertrains and electric vehicles.
We can say with confidence that all Mercedes cars are designed for daily intensive use. According to reviews from car owners, the main advantages of these cars are: high safety, reliable steering, modern equipment and a powerful engine.
On our website you can always find out the latest news about this brand, as well as look at photos and descriptions in the model catalog.
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.
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.
