Ever since the 1885 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, generally accepted to be the very first self-propelled car with an internal-combustion engine, Mercedes-Benz has been a prolific carmaker that has striven to fill every niche, with varying degrees of success. The German automaker has sold everything from compact hatchbacks and a range of sedans, coupes, and convertibles through to high-performance supercars, full-size cargo vans, and even mid-size trucks over the years, taking its total up to well over two million units sold per year.

More hits than misses

While excellent sales and an uninterrupted run of 136 years bear testimony to the brand’s strength and the general esteem in which its products are held, there have been failures, too. A precipitous dip in quality control in the ’90s and 2000s coincided with a very unhappy marriage to Chrysler that ended in a parting of ways that left Mercedes somewhat worse for wear. The Nissan-based X-Class mid-size pickup truck sold in some parts of the world was disappointing, too. But it goes to show that no automaker is perfect, after all.

Yet, there are high points such as the virtually indestructible W123, W124, and W126 sedans of blessed memory that sold like hotcakes during the last three decades of the previous century, cementing Mercedes’ reputation as a purveyor of superbly engineered cars. In modern times, the enormous influence of icons such as AMG, the classic and reincarnated G-Class, and the perennial luxury-class favorite, the S-Class, cannot be overstated. Each nameplate continues to be a defining influence in its respective market.

Looking towards the future

To transition toward an electric future, Mercedes-Benz has already started its EV onslaught in other markets, having launched the EQC and EQA luxury electric crossovers in other parts of the world. These cars, and the forthcoming EQB, are still based on a powertrain-flexible platform as transitional models. However, for the US market, Mercedes wants to follow the top-down approach and will be launching its EQS large luxury EV sedan first, to do battle with the Tesla Model S, Audi e-tron GT, and Porsche Taycan. A slew of additional models will be based on its dedicated large electric (EVA) platform and the EQE, EQE SUV, and EQS SUV will all be the types of cars American buyers want.

Also in the works is an “MMA” dedicated compact and mid-size electric platform that will spawn a multitude of EVs in the short term as Mercedes expands its EV effort into the smaller classes. However, unlike Karl Benz’s 1885 breakthrough in future mobility, Mercedes is playing catch-up with Tesla and the Volkswagen Group this time as automakers vie for top-selling EV honors. Once its ambitious EV plans are in full swing, the three-pointed star will no doubt be right up with the best again.