Written by Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is the German luxury car maker whose roots go back to the very first car, the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen. This guide covers the current lineup, as well as the company’s history and ownership, its safety firsts and its racing history, from the Silver Arrows to Formula 1.
Mercedes-Benz at a Glance
Founded 1926 Daimler and Benz merged; Benz built the first car in 1886
Founders Karl Benz, Gottlieb Daimler With engineer Wilhelm Maybach
Headquarters Stuttgart Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Listed FWB: MBG Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Frankfurt (DAX)
Sales 2025 2.16 million Cars and vans; about 1.8 million cars
Leadership Ola Källenius Chairman of the board of management (CEO) since 2019
Mercedes-Benz Model Lineup
Mercedes-Benz sells a broad range of cars, SUVs and vans, so the list below shows the core models in 2026, grouped by type. Many are offered with gas, plug-in hybrid or electric power. In addition, new electric versions of the CLA, GLC and C-Class arrived in 2025 and 2026, while performance models come from Mercedes-AMG and the most luxurious from Mercedes-Maybach.
Sedans and coupes (7)
Compact sedan
CLA
Electric Hybrid Sedan & wagon
The new CLA arrived in 2025, and the electric version offers up to 792 km of range with 800-volt charging. It was also named European Car of the Year 2026.
Compact executive car
C-Class
Gas Diesel Plug-in hybrid
The current C-Class has been sold since 2021 as a sedan and wagon. In addition, a new C-Class Electric was revealed in April 2026, with production starting in Hungary in July.
Executive car
E-Class
Gas Diesel Plug-in hybrid
The latest E-Class arrived in 2023 as a sedan and wagon. Because it is the company’s core business car, it is sold in most markets.
Luxury sedan
S-Class
Gas Plug-in hybrid Flagship
The S-Class is the brand’s flagship, and it was given a major update in 2026 with more than 2,700 new or changed parts. The plug-in hybrid now offers over 100 km of electric range.
Coupe and convertible
CLE
Gas Mild hybrid
When the CLE arrived in 2023, it replaced both the C-Class and E-Class coupes and convertibles.
Roadster
Mercedes-AMG SL
Gas V8 Soft top
The current SL arrived in 2022, and for the first time it was developed entirely by Mercedes-AMG. It also returned to a fabric roof.
Sports coupe
Mercedes-AMG GT
Gas V8 All-wheel drive
The second-generation AMG GT arrived in 2023 as a 2+2 coupe. It also shares much of its engineering with the SL.
SUVs (5)
Compact SUV
GLA
Gas Plug-in hybrid
The GLA is the company’s smallest SUV, and the current model has been sold since 2020.
Mid-size SUV
GLC
Gas Plug-in hybrid Electric
The GLC has been sold since 2022, and a new electric GLC with up to 713 km of range premiered in 2025. As a result, its order books were full well into 2026.
Large SUV
GLE
Gas Diesel Plug-in hybrid
The GLE is a large SUV, and it is built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The current model arrived in 2019 and was updated in 2023.
Three-row SUV
GLS
Gas 7 seats Maybach version
The GLS is the brand’s largest SUV, with three rows of seats. It is also built in Alabama, while a Mercedes-Maybach version adds extra luxury.
Off-road SUV
G-Class
Gas Electric 4×4
The G-Class has been built in Graz, Austria, since 1979, and it set a sales record of 49,700 in 2025. Since 2024 it has also been offered as the fully electric G 580.
Vans (1)
Large van
Sprinter
Diesel Electric Global
The Sprinter has been the brand’s large van since 1995, and it is sold around the world. An electric eSprinter is also offered.
What Is Mercedes-Benz?
Mercedes-Benz is a German maker of luxury cars and vans, headquartered in Stuttgart. Its story begins with two rival pioneers: Karl Benz, whose Patent-Motorwagen of 1886 is widely seen as the first car, and Gottlieb Daimler, who founded Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft in 1890. In 1901, Daimler’s company built a car named after Mercédès Jellinek, the daughter of a dealer, and then the name stuck.
The two companies merged in 1926 to form Daimler-Benz. Later, they gave the world many safety firsts, especially crumple zones, ABS and airbags. Then in 1998 Daimler-Benz merged with Chrysler, although the deal ended in 2007, while the truck business was spun off in 2021.
Today Mercedes-Benz Group sells cars under the Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Maybach names, as well as vans. In 2025 it sold 2.16 million vehicles, while sales in China fell sharply. Meanwhile, the company celebrates 140 years of the car in 2026, and its Formula 1 team is leading both championships.
Mercedes-Benz History
Mercedes-Benz traces its history back to the invention of the car, and it has led many of the industry’s biggest changes since.
- 1886 Karl Benz patents his Patent-Motorwagen, widely seen as the first car.
- 1888 Bertha Benz drives it to Pforzheim, which becomes the first long-distance car journey.
- 1890 Meanwhile, Gottlieb Daimler and partners found Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft.
- 1901 Later, the first Mercedes, the 35 hp, is built for Emil Jellinek.
- 1926 Finally, Daimler and Benz merge to form Daimler-Benz.
- 1934 Then the W25, the first Silver Arrow, starts racing.
- 1936 The 260 D becomes the world’s first diesel passenger car.
- 1952 Béla Barényi patents the crumple zone, while the W194 wins Le Mans.
- 1954 Two years later, the 300 SL Gullwing goes on sale.
- 1978 The S-Class becomes the first car with modern ABS brakes.
- 1981 In addition, the S-Class introduces the driver airbag.
- 1998 Later, Daimler-Benz merges with Chrysler to form DaimlerChrysler.
- 2007 Chrysler is sold, so the company becomes Daimler AG.
- 2014 The Mercedes F1 team wins the first of eight constructors’ titles in a row.
- 2022 After spinning off Daimler Truck, the company is renamed Mercedes-Benz Group.
- 2026 The brand marks 140 years of the car, and the new electric GLC and C-Class arrive.
Iconic Mercedes Models
These six vehicles shaped the reputation of Mercedes-Benz, from the very first car to the long-lived G-Class.
1886
Benz Patent-Motorwagen
First car Three wheels
Karl Benz’s three-wheeler had a 954 cc single-cylinder engine of less than 1 hp. Even so, it is widely seen as the first true automobile.
1954–1957
300 SL Gullwing
Gullwing doors Fuel injection
The 300 SL was one of the first cars with direct fuel injection, and its upward-opening doors made it famous. However, only 1,400 coupes were built.
1975–1986
W123 (E-Class ancestor)
Sedan Durability
The W123 became known for lasting forever, and 2,696,915 were built. As a result, it is often called the most successful Mercedes-Benz.
1982–1993
190 (W201)
Compact sedan Race winner
When it arrived, the 190 was the brand’s first compact sedan. In addition, the 190 E 2.3-16, with a Cosworth-developed engine, set world endurance records and won in touring car racing.
1979–1991
S-Class (W126)
Luxury sedan Airbag
The W126 introduced the driver airbag in 1981, and 892,123 were built, more than any other S-Class.
1979–today
G-Class
Off-roader Built in Graz
The G-Class began as a rugged off-roader in 1979, and then it became a luxury icon. Finally, the 600,000th example was built in 2025.
Who Owns Mercedes-Benz?
Mercedes-Benz Group is a public company listed in Frankfurt. Its largest single shareholders are China’s BAIC Group, with about 10%, and Geely founder Li Shufu, with about 9.7%, while most shares are held by institutional investors. When AutoGathering has a page for a brand, its name below links to that page.
Largest shareholders BAIC Group and Li Shufu About 10% and 9.7%; the rest widely held
This page Mercedes-Benz Group Stuttgart, Germany · Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Maybach and Vans
100% Mercedes-AMG Performance brand, fully owned since 2005
Brand Mercedes-Maybach Ultra-luxury models
50% smart Joint venture with Geely since 2019
About 35% Daimler Truck Spun off in 2021; partial sale planned in 2026
Partners and stakes
Mercedes-Benz also works with other companies, especially in China, where it builds cars with BAIC.
- Geely (partner in smart; its founder is a major shareholder)
- BAIC (Beijing Benz joint venture and major shareholder)
- Aston Martin (minority stake; supplies AMG engines)
In addition, Mercedes-Benz builds cars in Sindelfingen, Bremen and Rastatt in Germany, in Kecskemét in Hungary, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and in Beijing.
Former partners
- Chrysler (1998–2007) The DaimlerChrysler merger ended when Chrysler was sold to Cerberus in 2007.
- Maybach brand (2002–2012) A separate Maybach brand, later relaunched as Mercedes-Maybach.
- Daimler Truck (until 2021) The truck and bus business, now a separate listed company.
Mercedes-Benz Accomplishments
The record of Mercedes-Benz rests on inventing the car, leading on safety and winning at the highest level of motorsport.
1886
The first car
The Benz Patent-Motorwagen is widely recognized as the first car powered by a gasoline engine.
1936
First diesel car
The 260 D was the first diesel passenger car, long before diesels became common.
3
Safety firsts
Mercedes pioneered crumple zones (patented 1952), modern ABS (1978) and the driver airbag (1981).
8
F1 constructors’ titles in a row
The Mercedes team won every year from 2014 to 2021, while Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg won seven drivers’ titles.
2
Le Mans wins
Mercedes won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1952 and then again in 1989 with the Sauber-Mercedes C9.
5
DTM titles for Schneider
Bernd Schneider won a record five DTM titles, all with Mercedes.
2
Formula E double titles
Mercedes won both Formula E championships in 2020–21 and 2021–22.
49,700
G-Classes sold in 2025
It was a record year for the G-Class, as well as the year its 600,000th example was built.
Mercedes Racing History
Mercedes-Benz has raced since the earliest days of motoring. Its Silver Arrows dominated Grand Prix racing in the 1930s at tracks such as the Nurburgring, and it won the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the Circuit de la Sarthe twice. In addition, Mercedes has won the Formula 1 championship many times, both as a works team and as an engine supplier.
Grand Prix racing, 1934–1939
The Silver Arrows
European titles W25 and W125
The W25 began the Silver Arrows era in 1934, and Rudolf Caracciola won the European championship in 1935, 1937 and 1938. Later, Juan Manuel Fangio won the 1954 and 1955 Formula 1 world titles, mostly driving for Mercedes.
Sports car racing
Sauber-Mercedes at Le Mans
1989 Le Mans win C9
The Sauber-Mercedes C9 won the 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans, which was the brand’s first win there since 1952. Earlier, in 1955, Mercedes had withdrawn from racing after a disaster at the race killed more than 80 spectators.
Formula 1, 2010–today
Mercedes in Formula 1
8 constructors’ titles Leading 2026
Mercedes bought the Brawn team in 2009, and it won eight constructors’ titles in a row from 2014. In 2026 it leads both championships, with Kimi Antonelli ahead of George Russell after the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Talk Mercedes With Other Owners
Mercedes owners have plenty to share, whether it is a classic W123 or a new electric CLA. Soon, AutoGathering will connect this page to a Mercedes community space where owners and enthusiasts can compare models, share maintenance tips and plan meetups.
- AMG performance
- Classic Mercedes restoration
- Electric Mercedes ownership
- Maintenance and repairs
- G-Class and off-roading
- Buying used
- Mercedes clubs and events
- Formula 1
Mercedes-Benz FAQ
Who owns Mercedes-Benz?
Mercedes-Benz Group is a public company listed in Frankfurt. Its largest single shareholders are BAIC Group, with about 10%, and Geely founder Li Shufu, with about 9.7%, while institutional and private investors hold most of the rest.
Is Mercedes-Benz the same as Daimler?
Mostly. Daimler AG renamed itself Mercedes-Benz Group in 2022, after spinning off its truck business as Daimler Truck, a separate company in which Mercedes still holds a stake.
Where does the name Mercedes come from?
It comes from Mercédès Jellinek, the daughter of Emil Jellinek, a car dealer and racer who ordered the first Mercedes car in 1901.
Where are Mercedes-Benz cars made?
They are built mainly in Sindelfingen, Bremen and Rastatt in Germany, as well as in Kecskemét in Hungary, Tuscaloosa in Alabama and Beijing in China. In addition, the G-Class is built in Graz, Austria.
Did Mercedes-Benz invent the car?
Karl Benz, one of the company’s founders, built the Patent-Motorwagen in 1886, and it is widely recognized as the first car with an internal combustion engine.
Is Mercedes in Formula 1?
Yes. The Mercedes works team has raced since 2010, and it won eight constructors’ titles in a row from 2014. In 2026 it is leading both championships.
Does Mercedes-Benz make electric cars?
Yes. The electric CLA, GLC and C-Class are its newest models, while the G-Class is also offered as the electric G 580.
What does AMG stand for?
AMG comes from the surnames of its founders, Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, plus Grossaspach, Aufrecht’s birthplace. Mercedes has fully owned AMG since 2005.
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Photo credits
- Header image: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Mercedes-Benz CLA 220 4MATIC AMG Line (C…: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, cropped and resized.
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206) sedan: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214) sedan: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W223) sedan: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Mercedes-Benz CLE 200 Coupe AMG Line (C…: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, cropped and resized.
- Mercedes-AMG SL 43 roadster (R232): Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Mercedes-AMG GT 63 Pro coupe at the…: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e AMG Line (H…: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, cropped and resized.
- Mercedes-Benz GLC (X254) SUV: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG Line (V 167 facelift): © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, cropped and resized.
- Mercedes-Benz GLS (X167) SUV: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Mercedes-Benz G 580 with EQ Technology in…: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- 2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 314 CDI van: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Replicas of the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen at…: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing coupe: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- 1984 Mercedes-Benz 280 E sedan (W123): Verdict09, CC0, cropped and resized.
- 1993 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3 (W201): Bretbmorgan, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL (W126) S-Class: OSX, Public domain, cropped and resized.
- Mercedes-Benz G 350 BlueTEC (W463) G-Class: Julian Herzog (Website), CC BY 4.0, cropped and resized.
- 1934 Mercedes-Benz W25 Silver Arrow at Goodwood: Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped and resized.
- Sauber-Mercedes C9, the 1989 Le Mans winner…: Matti Blume, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Kimi Antonelli in the Mercedes W16 at…: Jen_ross83, CC BY 4.0, cropped and resized.