Vehicle highlights
Mercedes stars: icons, legends and passion
The three-pointed star in a laurel wreath was created in 1925. This marks the birth of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Experience the most impressive vehicle highlights that have shaped the legendary brand up to now
1954 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SL "Gullwing"
Born in motorsport: in 1952, Mercedes-Benz achieved great international success with the 300 SL race car (W 194). "SL" – the letters stand for "super light". Since 1954, the legendary SL has lived through series production vehicles, starting with the 300 SL "Gullwing". Every generation continues the unique tradition.
1963 | Mercedes-Benz 600 "Large Mercedes"
The presentation of the 600 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show Germany in September 1963 was a real sensation. Conceived as an exclusive representative vehicle for the highest demands, the new top-of-the-line model was equipped as standard with technical features that were unique and represented the state of the art at the time.
1968 | Mercedes-Benz “Stroke Eight”
The four-cylinder models 200 D to 220 were combined in the W 115 model series, while the two six-cylinder models 230 and 250 were assigned the W 114 model series designation. The "new generation” models after their release in 1968 are still commonly referred to as "Stroke 8 models".
1977 | Mercedes-Benz 123 model series estate
With great diversity, in January 1976 the new mid-range generation (W 123) impressed customers who waited up to a year at first for their car due to the high demand. The saloon was followed in 1977 by the coupé, a saloon with a long wheelbase and with the first ever factory-built estate.
Milestones
Automobile History: Innovations & Highlights
The fascinating success story begins in 1886 with the inventions of Carl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler. The development of motors for land, water, and air was in full swing. The world's first automobile was followed by other inventions that decisively shaped the history of automotive development. Experience the milestones of Mercedes-Benz.
1886 | Benz patent motorcar
The Benz patent motorcar is the world's first automobile. Carl Benz designed it in 1885 and filed for a patent on 29 January 1886 under the name "vehicle with gas engine operation". The patent number 37435, granted by the Imperial Patent Office in Berlin, is the birth certificate of the automobile.
1900 | Mercedes 35 hp
In 1900, on the initiative of Emil Jellinek, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft developed a vehicle that deviated significantly from the carriage construction principle usually used up to then. Emil Jellinek initiated the development of a completely new automobile with a light, powerful engine, long wheelbase and low centre of gravity. According to Jellinek's then ten-year-old daughter, the new model to be developed first bore the name "Mercedes".
1959 | Safety bodyshell with crumple zones: Mercedes-Benz "Fintail" (W 111)
In 1959, Mercedes-Benz introduced an industry-leading innovation – the safety bodyshell. The concept of designer Béla Barényi: crumple zones at the front and rear and a strong passenger compartment in between. The first vehicle was the high-class saloon of the 111 model series, affectionately called the "fintail”.
1981 | Airbag in series production passenger cars: Mercedes-Benz S-Class (126 model series)
The world's first production vehicle with a driver's airbag and seat belt tensioner on the front passenger side was the Mercedes-Benz 126 model series S-Class in 1981. In the even of a crash, an airbag unfolds from the steering wheel within milliseconds and forms a padding between the driver and the wheel. It was to complement the seat belt. Today, there are numerous airbags in the entire vehicle.
Discover how history was made
Mercedes-Benz Museum Stuttgart
Nine levels showcasing stunning vehicles and more than 1,500 exhibits across 16,500 square metres. Discover automotive and contemporary history dating back to 1886. From the world's first patented car to the hydrogen-powered vehicle from this millennium.
Brands
Mercedes-Benz World
In addition to Mercedes-Benz, the most valuable luxury automotive brand in the world (source: Interbrand study, 03.11.2022), Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach also belong to the brand portfolio.Mercedes-Benz Classic combines the know-how and services of Mercedes-Benz in all aspects for vehicles bearing the three-pointed star.
Mercedes-AMG
Welcome to the world of Mercedes-AMG. We believe in competition, ideas, peak performance, and superiority. The meeting point between engineering and a very special attitude. With this claim, we create automotive performance for the racetrack, and for the road.
Mercedes-Maybach
Mercedes-Maybach pairs Mercedes-Benz innovation with Maybach’s unique brand of luxury. Here, performance is paired with exclusivity. Traditional craftsmanship with modern digital technologies.
Mercedes-Benz Classic
Experience all the milestones of the Mercedes-Benz brand and enjoy exciting insights into the history of the inventor of the automobile.
1977 | Mercedes-Benz 123 model series estate
With great diversity, in January 1976 the new mid-range generation (W 123) impressed customers who waited up to a year at first for their car due to the high demand. The saloon was followed in 1977 by the coupé, a saloon with a long wheelbase and with the first ever factory-built estate.