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

In anticipation of the opening of the exhibition ( from 3 to 13 March) we decided to take a short digression into the history of the car dealership and acquaint our readers with the greatest innovations of Mercedes-Benz, presented in Geneva since 1924.

Benz booth at the International Motor Show in Geneva, 1924

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

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

Success: The Mercedes-Benz booth attracts everyone's attention at an exhibition, 1950

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

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

A dizzying success: Mercedes-Benz presented a fire truck with a turntable at the exhibition, 1954

Trendsetter: Mercedes-Benz 220 Ponton, 1954

Quality cars from Germany: Mercedes-Benz showcases 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 on display, 1968

Attracting attention: an experimental model of the Mercedes-Benz 111 car, 1970

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

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

Engines and technology: motor show in 1975

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

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

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

Beginning of a new era: Mercedes-Benz 190 ("Baby-Benz") was exhibited along with models of the 123 series and S-class (W126) in Geneva, 1983

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

Interesting to young people and people of respectable age: Mercedes-Benz 300 D presented to the public at an exhibition in 1985

In the ranks: Mercedes-Benz at the International Motor Show in Geneva, 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 introduces four headlight design, 1993

Future-oriented: the concept car presented at the exhibition in 1996 formed the first impression of the new Mercedes-Benz M-Class

New Model: Mercedes-Benz introduced the A-Class at the 1997 Geneva Motor Show

Diversity: from A-class to SL - Mercedes-Benz introduced the entire range, 1998

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

World premiere: Mercedes-Benz CLK, 1998

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

Attractive to all kinds of senses: that was the company's motto at the 2000 show. Mercedes-Benz introduced the E-class, CL, CLK, SLK and SL

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

Nearest neighbors: Mercedes-Benz introduced its new products next to Chrysler and Jeep, 2002

Under the same roof: at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz and smart presented their lineups side by side

Jigsaw puzzle: using sophisticated booth design Mercedes-Benz answers mobility questions, 2003

Aesthetic appeal: Mercedes-Benz at the show, 2004

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

Spotlight: Mercedes-Benz, 2005

Despite the fact that this modification has never been equipped with a 1.9-liter engine in its entire history. From that moment on, there was some confusion in the designation of new machines. In order not to mislead buyers, it was decided to indicate, in addition to the volume of the engine, the number of valves and the fact of pressurization. Classification bodies of Mercedes and various classes from that time became quite difficult for the uninitiated.

It is important to keep in mind the various designations, classification difficulties when purchasing body parts, as well as for individual models. Some nuances:

• AMG is the designation for sports Mercedes cars With powerful engine;
• Kompressor - the machine is equipped with a special mechanical power supercharger;
• D - the letter was used before the beginning of the "zero" to designate a car 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 thus designated.

The classification of Mercedes bodies may seem complicated and confusing at first, but to understand it is enough to remember just a few symbols. See photo if necessary. different cars. This will simplify the process of getting acquainted with the classification.

Mercedes is a well-known worldwide car brand who became famous for her high quality since ancient times. On any edge of our planet, people know what a Mercedes is. Previously, even before the 90s, brand manufacturers classified their cars only by engine size, which at that time was enough. But in order to make it more convenient for themselves and customers, Mercedes began to be divided into classes and according to others. important parameters. Now you can see completely different volumes of engines in one body. After changing the classification, they began to take into account extraneous criteria, such as comfort and size of the car. The client always pays attention to the size and convenience when choosing a car, so it is quite fair to take into account such data in the classification.

Mercedes car classes

The body type of the car is the main parameter when dividing into classes. Leaning on it, all machines brand Mercedes are divided into categories, which are indicated in the form of Latin letters: A, B, C, E, G, M, S, V. The classification begins with "A", which means the most compact body type. The farther, the greater the size and degree of comfort. In addition to conveniences, the equipment with power is also taken into account, which significantly affects the price. In most cases, the price increases with the increase in the category of the car. Mercedes has proven itself over time and models of some classes are examples of prestige and luxury.

As mentioned, Class A Mercedes is distinguished by its dimensions, which is much smaller than the others. Although this is the last class on the list, which is designed for compactness and accessibility, it is difficult to complain about comfort. The company has always been famous for its quality, so even in the most oversized car it will be quite comfortable. Manufacturers have focused on the small size of the body, combined with convenience, and they succeeded. This class is great for young people who want to buy affordable, but at the same time reliable car. This Mercedes is great for getting around the city, which is also a big plus for many. The price for A class is much more affordable than for subsequent ones.

Class B models have good capacity. In addition, they are quite economical. The design of the machine is designed for a high degree of safety, combining a beautiful design. These qualities are well suited for family people, as the price of the car is quite low. The dimensions of the car allow you to fit a small family with your things and successfully go on vacation. It differs from A class only in dimensions. The body of the B class is also a hatchback, but already noticeable large sizes. As in the A class, only 4-cylinder engines are used. Design, as always, respects the rigor and restraint inherent in the company.

Class C cars can rightly be considered the most common. They gained their popularity due to the balance in relation to the price. The design of the car is made in a strict and restrained style, which makes it suitable for a large number of car enthusiasts. Moreover, the lineup distinguished by its diversity: station wagon, sedan and coupe. Cars can have economical engines running on diesel or gasoline W6. There are also five-door CLAs that do not differ in technical parameters from C class models.

The E class models are distinguished by their high degree of comfort. The body of the models has been updated and made in the familiar classic style of the Mercedes brand. Externally, the design is very conservative and therefore the E class is great for the role of corporate cars. The developers have done everything to make this class of cars as convenient as possible for the driver and equip it with the latest means of communication. E class provides a choice of several types of body: sedan, coupe, station wagon and convertible. The choice of motors is no less wide, which can be a powerful W8. Car enthusiasts looking for style, performance and dynamism will opt for the CLS class five-door coupe.

The most basic priority of the S class is the increased comfort and prestige of the car. Discuss convenience. Vehicle This class can be very long and list a huge number of pluses. A huge amount of space inside the car allows you to feel comfortable behind the wheel and people with high growth. The highest comfort is the main difference of the class. Almost all innovative technologies used in S class models, which ensures smooth running and communication properties. As a rule, this class is popular among people who prefer prestige and luxury. There is only one body option - a sedan. But the car's engine can be an economical diesel and a serious W12 that compares the performance of your car to a sports car.

This class is suitable for people who appreciate large and comfortable models. Gelendvagen is a vehicle that can cope with both the passage of a difficult route and the movement around the city. At the same time, comfort is felt absolutely in any conditions. The G class is in first place among all SUVs and because of this they are often used as government cars. Body types for the class: convertible and SUV.

This class also refers to luxury and increased comfort. The M class are wonderful SUVs with a very stylish design. In the category, it is important to note the excellent crossover GLK class, which has a very modest size. The GL class SUV is recommended for those who wish to be the owner of a large and comfortable car, made in excellent business design.

Viano- minivan supplied in different trim levels. There are options suitable for a family trip, but there are also models for a business person. In fact, there is only one model, but it changes very much, in accordance with the desires of the buyer. Viano may vary in length, power units and wheelbase options. Due to the variety of trim levels, you might mistakenly think that this is a whole model range.

In addition to the listed categories, the company is also engaged in the production of light high-speed models: SL, SLK, SLS,. Although they do not bypass the same classification and differ in the same parameters. Basically, the difference is in the cost of the car, engine size, degree of convenience, dimensions and equipment options.

The German company Daimler-Motoren-Gesselschaft, which produces cars Mercedes was founded in 1901 by Gottlieb Daimler, the legendary author of the world's first four-wheeled car with a gasoline engine. The well-known designer Wilhelm Maybach helped Gottlieb Daimler build this car. Despite a number of shortcomings, this undertaking was actively supported by the Consul of the Austro-Hungarian Empire Emil Jellinek, in honor of whose daughter the first model Mercedes-35P5 was named. Specifications Mercedes-35P5 allowed the car to reach speeds of up to 90 km per hour, which at that time was considered an impressive figure.

In the early years of its existence, Daimler-Motoren-Gessellschaft built not only cars, but also developed engines for aircraft and ships, which is the reason for the appearance of the Mercedes logo in the form of a three-pointed star. Such a figure symbolizes the success of the German company on land, in the air, and in water.

After merging with another automobile manufacturer, Benz, in 1926, this star became surrounded by a laurel wreath in the form of a ring, which reflected the victories of Benz in the motorsport arena. The new Daimler-Benz concern was headed by Ferdinand Porsche, who significantly updated the Mercedes lineup. It was he who launched the "compressor" series K, which included such a famous model as the Mercedes 24/110/160 PS with a six-cylinder engine. The car, equipped with a 6.3-liter engine, accelerated to a fantastic speed of 145 km per hour for those times, for which it was nicknamed the "death trap".

Hans Niebel, who succeeded Ferdinand Porsche in 1928, took an active part in the development of such machines as the Manheim-370 and Nurburg-500. In 1930, under his leadership, the Mercedes-Benz 770 was introduced to the car market with a powerful 200-horsepower engine, the working volume of which was 7.6 liters. In addition, the car was equipped with a supercharger. In the 1930s, Mercedes-200 cars and Mercedes-380 sports cars were presented to the public, on the basis of which the “compressor” Mercedes-Benz-540K models were built a little later.

In 1935, Max Seiler, the creator of the world's first mass-produced passenger car with a diesel power plant Mercedes-260D, turned out to be the chief designer. During his reign, machines were built that were actively used by the leaders of the Nazi movement. We are talking about the Mercedes-770, equipped with an oval beam frame, with a spring rear suspension.

During the Second World War German concern produced not only Mercedes cars, but also trucks. The hostilities caused great damage to the main plants of the company, whose activities were able to resume only a year after the end of the war.

One of the first post-war developments of the company was the Mercedes-180 model, designed in 1953 with load-bearing body pontoon type. Three years later, the Mercedes-300SL Gullwing sports coupe with unusual gullwing doors, which at that time had no analogues in the world, saw the light of day.

At the end of the 50s, the serial production of Mercedes-Benz was updated due to Robert Bosch engines with mechanical system fuel injection. One of the first models with this innovation was the Mercedes-Benz 220 SE.

The latest achievements of the automotive industry of those years were embodied in a completely new family of middle class cars, which was offered to customers in 1959. Models Mercedes-220, 220S, 220SE demonstrated the highest technical level versions: spacious luggage compartment, absolutely independent suspension for all wheels, a stylish body with vertical headlight blocks delighted fans of the German brand.

The executive class in the Mercedes line was introduced a little later - in 1963, with the release of the Mercedes-600 model. The car immediately became a contender for the title of the best on the planet for real comfort and prestige. It was equipped with a 6.3-liter engine with a capacity of 250 Horse power and a four-speed automatic. A nice addition to the development was a comfortable wheel suspension on pneumatic elements. The body length of the executive car was more than six meters.

The sports models were replaced by more modest ones, for example, the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL, known to the common people as the "pagoda" because of the original shape of the roof with the middle part just below the sidewalls. If ten years ago German mark managed to firmly establish itself in the car market of post-war Europe, then by the end of the 60s the whole world was talking about Mercedes. A completely different scale of production gave rise to new styling standards, which made Mercedes cars even more elegant.

The first novelty of the 70s, which replaced the Pagoda, was the Mercedes SL R107 model, which successfully captured the American market and existed on it for 18 years.

The oil crisis of 1973 adversely affected car sales, but the company managed to get out of the predicament by launching the W114/W115 series with more economical engines. Buyers wanted not only luxury and convenience, but also reliability. As a result, against the background of ruined competitors, the Mercedes brand stayed afloat.

In the early 80s, the legendary Gelandewagen appeared in the Mercedes lineup - an all-wheel drive SUV of the 460 series, which was famous for its high cross-country ability and reliability. The first such car was made to order for the Iranian Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, a shareholder of Daimler-Benz.

In 1984, it began to be produced fundamentally new row business class sedans - Mercedes W124, once again showing the possibility of creating stylish and modern cars with a solid body. In the W124 family, the most advanced developments of that time were embodied. A plastic molding to direct air under the car improved the car's aerodynamics. Fuel consumption was reduced, as was the noise level from the oncoming air flow.

In 1990, a new product was released, which still has many fans today - the Mercedes 124 500E series. Equipped with a five-liter V-shaped "eight" with a capacity of 326 horsepower, this Mercedes has design differences from the usual W124 - it is not without reason that it is called a "wolf in sheep's clothing." The legendary top, assembled at the Porsche factory, received rear suspension with hydropneumatic level control, doubled catalytic converter, electronic system LH-Jetronic injection instead of the traditional KE-Jetronic system. External differences"top" from the rest of the "Mercedes" 124 series are extended wheel arches and the presence of additional foglights at the bottom of the front bumper.

Mercedes W124 500E is widely used in the CIS countries and is widely recognized in show business circles and mafiosi. Among the famous owners of the model are director Nikita Mikhalkov, musicians Yuri Loza, Dmitry Malikov, politician Gennady Zyuganov. "Top" - a real legend of the 90s - was captured in the serial film "Brigade".

By the beginning of the new millennium, the Mercedes lineup was expanded twice: instead of five classes of cars (which were in 1993), there were ten. In 2005, new S- and CL-class models were launched, demonstrating the brand's new style with retro elements. stuffed the latest technologies, S65 CL65 AMG with a powerful V12 under the hood became the flagship of the series, instead of the 600 models.

The C-class also went through the update: in 2007 there was a premiere new Mercedes W204 sedan and station wagon with three performance lines.

In 2008, the Mercedes lineup was replenished with the CLC-class (Comfort-Leicht-Coupe - translated as “easy comfortable coupe”).

In the first decade of the 21st century, the Mercedes lineup included GL- and GLK-class SUVs (Gelandewagen-Leicht-Kurz - translated as “short light SUV”).

The new E-Class W212 family, launched in early 2009, is making huge strides in terms of economic and environmental performance. Instead of gasoline engines with superchargers - engines with a new type direct injection CGI twin turbo.

Now the German brand Mercedes-Benz is associated with the buyer with reliability, high quality workmanship and a rich history.

Model range Mercedes

The Mercedes-Benz lineup includes compact cars of the small middle class, serious business class sedans, executive segment, SUVs, coupes, convertibles, roadsters and minivans.

Mercedes cost

The cost of Mercedes-Benz depends on which class the selected car belongs to. The most inexpensive are A-class five-doors priced from 900 thousand rubles. The cost of a middle-class Mercedes varies from one and a half million to four. Business class reaches six million, executive - up to eight. One of the most expensive models is the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG roadster for 10 million.

The history of the Mercedes-Benz brand (Mercedes-Benz) began in 1890, it was then that Gottlieb Daimler founded his company on the outskirts of Stuttgart. He named 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 the Daimler company, she successfully worked on German market another company called Benz & Cie, owned by Karl Benz. Gottlieb Daimler died in 1900 and Wilhelm Maybach took over 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 have been produced under the name Mercedes. It was registered as trademark in 1902. Let us recall the long history of the Mercedes-Benz brand on the examples of models that have left a noticeable mark on its activities.

Daimler and Benz merged in 1926 to form the Daimler-Benz concern, Ferdinand Porsche became its head. His first new development was the K series, which uses a compressor, and the most famous model- 24/110/160 PS, which developed a crazy speed of 145 km/h at that time.

In the 30s of the last century, the company came to grips with the production of respectable cars, such as the 770 Grosser, with a 7.7 liter engine that developed 200 hp, and then, after improvement, 230 hp.

In the 1940s, 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 cars with rear wheel drive under the indices 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 was restored only in 1946. Type 170 V, developed before the war, became 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 with two luxury models at the Frankfurt Motor Show: Mercedes-Benz 220 and 300. They were equipped with 2.2 and 3.0 liter engines respectively. Since 1957, the company began to install an automatic transmission on the Mercedes-Benz 300. The 300 was the most expensive model in the 50s.

Since 1954, the production of the 300SL has begun, which won the victory in motor racing. This car has become a legend, and the engine, which has reached speeds of up to 260 km / h, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. The 300Sl had gull-wing doors that opened upwards.

In 1963, the famous "six hundredth" Mercedes (the legendary model 600) was released - a car executive class with a new powerful V8 engine with a volume of 6.3 liters, automatic transmission, 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 forerunner of the future C-class and was very popular in the period 1983-1993.

In the late 90s, several notable events occurred: Mercedes launched Smart, a small car brand, and also merged with Chrysler Corporation in 1998, though 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 the classic layout.

A-class (W-168), a small-sized model began to be produced since 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 upgraded 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 included in the group sports models, were first shown in the spring of 1996. and since 1997, CLK-type coupes have been produced on the C-class chassis. SL (two-seat coupe and roadster) and CL (luxury coupe, 4-, 5-seater) respectively were produced from 1989 and 1992. G-class - four-wheel drive vehicles has been known since 1979. 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 - station wagons with increased capacity have been produced since 1996.

In the new millennium, as before, the company releases new models one by one and updates the lineup.

In 2008 compact SUV Mercedes-Benz GLK expanded the lineup. The car was built on the chassis of the C-class station wagon and was intended for comfortable ride 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 vehicles around the world have become examples of sophisticated style, an icon for the luxury class of cars, combining technological engines and innovative equipment systems with comfort and elegance. The company also contributes to the protection of the environment, it constantly improves engines, develops hybrid power plants and electric vehicles.

We can say with confidence that all Mercedes cars are designed for daily intensive use. According to car owners, the main advantages of these cars are: high security, reliable steering, modern equipment and a powerful engine.

On our site you can always find out last news about this brand, as well as see photos and descriptions in the catalog of models.