Mercedes

The Mercedes first rose to acclaim when it dominated Grand Prix racing from 1934 until WWII. With the Mercedes, Daimler-Benz solidified its place as a center of German technological prowess, a position they used to build the DB-601 aeronautical engines that powered the combat planes of the German air force and the Luftwaffe.

There was a time when the German car manufacturer was known for staid but powerful luxury sedans and sleepy, long-lasting diesels. Now, the once-conservative company regularly receives accolades for their innovative design, high-quality materials, and cutting-edge technology.

The venerated luxury automaker has a proud legacy of quality craftsmanship that makes the nameplate highly sought after, both in its traditional gas- and diesel-powered cars, trucks and SUVs and in its newer green vehicle segment the B-Class, a compact, all-electric that sports a stylish but understated shell over Tesla technology.

Quick Facts

• Daimler-Benz produced the massive 1,200-horsepower diesel engines that powered the Hindenburg and Graf Zeppelin airships
• In 2009, Hitler's Mercedes-Benz 770K open-air limousine sold at auction for a whopping $8 million
• An exceedingly rare 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster was sold in January 2016 by RM Sotheby’s for $9.9 million