It's that time of the month again, when I walk you down the aisle once more. Memory isle, that is. In September's history lesson, I have none other than the legendary Silver Arrows brand. My subject today is none other than the legendary three-syllable word, Mer-Ce-Des. I'll talk about both Benz as well as AMG and the history of how each came to have its own brand identity. Maybach, we'll save for another article. So then, what is Mercedes all about? A simple question, with a simple answer. Pistons, Performance, and prodigious luxury, so let’s dive right in. The Pioneering Days Picture this: it's 1886, and the world is teetering on the brink of a revolution that would change the very fabric of society. No, I'm not talking about the invention of sliced bread or the discovery of penicillin. I'm referring to the birth of the automobile. In a modest workshop in Mannheim, Germany, a chap named Karl Benz was putting the finishing touches on what would become the Benz Patent-Motorwagen. This three-wheeled contraption, powered by a 0.75 horsepower single-cylinder four-stroke engine, was capable of reaching a blistering top speed of about 16 km/h (10 mph). It might not sound like much now, but back then, it was faster than a galloping horse and didn't leave any unpleasant surprises on the road. The Patent-Motorwagen wasn't just a novelty; it was a fully realized concept of a self-propelled vehicle. Benz had thought of everything, from the electric ignition to the differential gears. It was, for all intents and purposes, the world's first automobile. But Benz wasn't the only visionary tinkering away in Germany. Over in Cannstatt, near Stuttgart, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach were busy creating their own horseless carriage. In 1886, the same year as Benz's invention, they fitted a petrol engine to a stagecoach, creating what they called a "motor carriage." Daimler and Maybach's creation was different from Benz's in several key ways. For one, it had four wheels, making it more stable and familiar to those used to horse-drawn carriages. Their engine, the "Grandfather Clock" (so named because of its tall, narrow profile), was also more powerful and ran at higher speeds than Benz's. The Merger that Changed Everything For the next four decades, Benz & Cie. (founded by Karl Benz) and Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG, founded by Daimler and Maybach) operated as separate entities, each pushing the boundaries of automotive technology in their own way. Benz & Cie. focused on refining the automobile concept, introducing innovations like double-pivot steering, which is still used in cars today. They also created the first truck in 1895 and the first bus in 1898.Meanwhile, DMG was busy creating some of the world's most luxurious and powerful automobiles. In 1901, they introduced the Mercedes 35 HP, a car that is widely considered to be the first modern automobile. It featured a pressed-steel chassis, a front-mounted engine, and a honeycomb radiator - all revolutionary concepts at the time. The name "Mercedes," by the way, comes from the daughter of Emil Jellinek, a wealthy Austrian businessman and automobile enthusiast who ordered a batch of cars from DMG. He was so pleased with them that he insisted the company use his daughter's name for their cars. Talk about a birthday present that keeps on giving! Fast forward to 1926, and we witness a momentous occasion in automotive history. In the aftermath of World War I and the economic troubles that followed, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie. decided to join forces, resulting in the birth of Daimler-Benz AG. This merger brought together two of the most innovative minds in the automotive world, setting the stage for decades of engineering excellence. The newly formed company adopted the Mercedes-Benz name, combining the Mercedes brand that DMG had been using since 1901 with the Benz name. The merger was symbolized by the new logo - a three-pointed star enclosed in a circle. The star, originally used by DMG, represented Daimler's ambition for his engines to dominate land, sea, and air. The laurel wreath, from Benz's logo, was incorporated into the circle surrounding the star. It was a perfect marriage of two great legacies, like combining fish and chips or bangers and mash. Innovation Through the Decades Now, I could prattle on for hours about every model Mercedes-Benz has ever produced, but I suspect you'd rather not be here until the next ice age. So, let's hit some of the high points, shall we? 1930s: The Mercedes-Benz 770 "Großer Mercedes" becomes the epitome of luxury. This behemoth of a car was powered by an inline eight-cylinder engine that, in its supercharged form, produced 230 horsepower - a truly staggering figure for the time. It was favored by heads of state and celebrities alike, becoming the automotive equivalent of a very posh mobile living room. Unfortunately, its association with certain unsavory historical figures has somewhat tarnished its legacy. And then, in the 1950s, the iconic 300 SL "Gullwing" made its debut. This car wasn't just a pretty face with fancy doors; it was a technological tour de force. Its 3.0-liter straight-six engine was the first to feature direct fuel injection in a production car, helping it produce 215 horsepower and achieve a top speed of 163 mph. The tubular spaceframe chassis was so rigid and encompassing that conventional doors weren't possible, hence the iconic gullwing design. It's the kind of car that makes you feel like you're about to take flight every time you get in. 1960s: Mercedes introduces the W111 "Fintail" series. Named for its distinctive rear fins (or "Heckflosse" in German), these cars were a nod to the American automotive design trends of the time. But being Mercedes, they weren't just about style. The W111 was one of the first cars to feature crumple zones and a rigid passenger cell, innovations that have saved countless lives since. It proved that even Germans can occasionally indulge in a bit of American-inspired flamboyance, albeit with a healthy dose of pragmatism. 1970s: The R107 SL-Class arrives, becoming one of the company's longest-running series. Produced from 1971 to 1989, these cars saw eight US presidents come and go. They were the preferred mode of transport for wealthy divorcées and successful dentists everywhere. The R107 was also the first SL to use V8 engines, marking a shift towards more powerful, luxurious grand tourers. 1980s: The W124 E-Class sets new standards for build quality and reliability. These cars are so well-made, I suspect there are several still running around with their original engine oil from 1985. The W124 also introduced several innovations, including multi-link independent rear suspension for improved handling and ride comfort. It was available in a wide range of body styles, from sedans and wagons to coupes and convertibles, cementing its place as a versatile, do-it-all luxury car. 1990s: Mercedes ventures into the world of SUVs with the M-Class. Launched in 1997, the M-Class was Mercedes' answer to the growing demand for luxury SUVs. It was built in a new factory in Alabama, marking Mercedes' first full manufacturing plant in the US. The M-Class combined typical Mercedes luxury with genuine off-road capability because, apparently, some people find it necessary to tackle the Rubicon Trail on their way to Waitrose. 2000s and beyond: The company embraces new technologies, introducing hybrid and electric vehicles. The S400 Hybrid, introduced in 2009, was the world's first production car with a lithium-ion battery. In 2014, Mercedes launched the B-Class Electric Drive, their first all-electric vehicle. More recently, the EQC SUV and EQS luxury saloon have shown Mercedes' commitment to an electric future. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?The AMG Story: When Mercedes Got Its Mojo From Humble Beginnings to Performance Powerhouse Now, let's shift gears and talk about AMG, the performance division that turns ordinary Mercedes-Benz vehicles into tire-shredding monsters. It's like giving Beethoven an electric guitar and a Marshall stack. AMG's story begins in 1967 in Burgstall an der Murr, near Stuttgart. Two former Mercedes-Benz engineers, Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, decided to start tinkering with Mercedes engines in their spare time. The 'A' and 'M' in AMG come from their surnames, while the 'G' stands for Großaspach, Aufrecht's birthplace. It's a bit like a very engineering-focused boy band, really. Initially, AMG operated out of an old mill, focusing on developing and testing racing engines for Mercedes-Benz. Their first major project was working on the 300 SE racing engine for Manfred Schiek, a privateer racer. Schiek's success with the AMG-tuned engine put the company on the map in the racing world. The Red Pig: AMG's Coming Out Party AMG's first major success came in 1971 at the 24 Hours of Spa. They took a Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3, a large luxury saloon, and turned it into a race car. This wasn't just any 300 SEL, mind you. AMG bored out the engine to 6.8 liters, boosting its output to a whopping 428 horsepower. They also stripped out the interior, fitted wider wheels, and added massive fender flares to accommodate them. The result was a car that looked like a mutant taxi cab and was affectionately known as the "Rote Sau" or "Red Pig." Despite weighing nearly two tons - positively corpulent by racing standards - the Red Pig finished first in its class and second overall at Spa. It was as if someone had entered a sumo wrestler in the 100-meter sprint and watched him waddle to victory.The Red Pig's success was a watershed moment for AMG. It proved that they could take Mercedes' luxury barges and turn them into genuine racing machines. More importantly, it caught the attention of performance enthusiasts worldwide, setting the stage for AMG's future as a premier tuning house. The Path to Official Recognition Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, AMG continued to modify and tune Mercedes-Benz vehicles, building a reputation for creating some of the most bonkers performance cars on the road. They weren't just about straight-line speed, either. AMG-modified cars featured comprehensive upgrades to the engine, suspension, brakes, and aerodynamics. One of their most famous creations from this era was the AMG Hammer. Based on the W124 E-Class, the Hammer featured a 5.6-liter V8 engine that produced anywhere from 360 to 396 horsepower, depending on the specification. In a time when the Ferrari Testarossa made 390 horsepower, the idea of a family sedan matching it was nothing short of revolutionary. It wasn't until 1990 that Mercedes-Benz officially recognized AMG's potential, signing a cooperation agreement. This allowed AMG to leverage Mercedes' considerable resources and distribution network, while Mercedes could offer factory-approved performance upgrades to its customers. In 1993, they launched their first joint model, the C36 AMG. Based on the W202 C-Class, the C36 AMG was powered by a hand-built 3.6-liter straight-six engine producing 280 horsepower. It was AMG's answer to the BMW M3, and it marked the beginning of a new era of factory-produced, high-performance Mercedes vehicles. This was followed by the absolutely mental E50 AMG in 1996. Based on the W210 E-Class, the E50 AMG featured a 5.0-liter V8 producing 347 horsepower. I remember driving one of these and thinking it was like being strapped to a very comfortable rocket. It could sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds - supercar territory in the mid-90s - all while coddling its occupants in supreme luxury. Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler-Benz AG (now Mercedes-Benz Group AG) acquired a majority stake in AMG in 1999, with the remaining shares transferred in 2005. This marked the full integration of AMG into the Mercedes-Benz family, like adopting a rather loud and energetic child who insists on filling the house with the smell of burnt rubber. Under Mercedes ownership, AMG has flourished. They've expanded their lineup to include high-performance versions of nearly every Mercedes model, from the compact A-Class to the gargantuan G-Class. Each AMG model is thoroughly re-engineered, featuring bespoke engines, upgraded transmissions, enhanced suspension systems, and more aggressive styling. AMG in the Modern Era Today, AMG is responsible for developing the high-performance variants of nearly every Mercedes-Benz model. They've even created their own bespoke sports car, the AMG GT, which is about as subtle as a brick through a window, but infinitely more enjoyable. The AMG GT, introduced in 2014, is a front-mid-engined sports car that serves as a halo vehicle for the brand. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, depending on the variant, produces anywhere from 469 to 720 horsepower. The GT R Pro version has lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7:04.632 minutes, putting it in the company of much more expensive supercars. AMG has also made significant contributions to Mercedes-Benz's motorsport efforts, including their highly successful Formula 1 team. Since entering F1 as a constructor in 2010, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has won eight consecutive Constructors' Championships from 2014 to 2021, a period of dominance unmatched in the sport's history. It turns out that all those years of making fast road cars translate quite well to the track. Who would have thought?In recent years, AMG has also embraced electrification. The AMG One hypercar, which features a hybrid powertrain derived from their Formula 1 cars, is a testament to this. With over 1,000 horsepower from its combination of a 1.6-liter V6 turbo engine and four electric motors, it's the closest thing to a road-going F1 car we're ever likely to see. The Technological Marvels: Innovations that Shaped the Industry Engine Excellence: Pushing the Boundaries of PerformanceBoth Mercedes-Benz and AMG have been at the forefront of engine technology. Here are a few notable examples that showcase their commitment to performance and efficiency: Supercharging: Mercedes was among the first to use superchargers in production cars in the 1920s, giving their vehicles a significant performance boost. The 1923 Daimler 6/25/40 HP was one of the first production cars to feature a supercharger, which engaged only when the accelerator was fully depressed. Fuel Injection: Mercedes-Benz introduced mechanical fuel injection in the iconic 300SL in 1954, improving both performance and efficiency. This system, developed by Bosch, was the first direct fuel injection system used in a gasoline-powered production car. It increased power output by 25% compared to the carbureted version of the same engine. This was a quantum leap in engine technology, akin to switching from a quill to a ballpoint pen. Diesel Innovation: Mercedes has long been at the forefront of diesel engine technology. In 1936, they introduced the 260D, the world's first diesel-powered passenger car. Fast forward to 2004, and Mercedes introduced their BlueTEC system, which significantly reduced diesel emissions. It's like giving your car a very efficient gas mask. The BlueTEC system uses a series of advanced emissions controls, including a particulate filter and a system that injects a urea solution into the exhaust stream to reduce NOx emissions. AMG's "One Man, One Engine" Philosophy: Since 1990, each AMG engine has been hand-built by a single technician, who then signs the engine. This approach ensures unparalleled attention to detail and quality control. It's a bit like having an artisanal, small-batch engine in your car. This philosophy extends to AMG's most extreme creations, like the M159 engine found in the SLS AMG, which produces 622 horsepower in its most powerful form. Biturbo Engines: In recent years, Mercedes and AMG have embraced twin-turbocharging (or "biturbo" in Mercedes-speak) across their range. The AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, introduced in 2014, is a masterpiece of compact power. In its most potent form, as found in the AMG GT Black Series, it produces a whopping 720 horsepower. That's enough to make your eyeballs flatten against the back of your skull under hard acceleration. The Future: Electrification and Beyond In recent years, Mercedes-Benz and AMG have been at the forefront of electrification, recognizing the need to balance performance with environmental responsibility: EQ Sub-brand: Mercedes-Benz launched its all-electric EQ sub-brand in 2016, with models like the EQC SUV and EQS luxury saloon. The EQS, launched in 2021, is particularly noteworthy. It's built on a bespoke electric vehicle platform and boasts a WLTP range of up to 770 km (478 miles), making it one of the longest-range EVs on the market. AMG E Performance: AMG has developed its own performance hybrid technology, combining powerful combustion engines with electric motors.The AMG GT 63 S E Performance, for instance, pairs a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine with an electric motor to produce a combined 843 horsepower. It's the automotive equivalent of having your cake and eating it too, but the cake is made of carbon fiber and goes very, very fast. Vision EQXX: Unveiled in 2022, the Vision EQXX is Mercedes' ultra-efficient electric vehicle concept. It achieved a real-world range of over 1,000 km (621 miles) on a single charge, thanks to its impressive aerodynamics (with a drag coefficient of just 0.17) and energy-dense battery pack. Autonomous Driving: Mercedes-Benz has been a pioneer in driver assistance systems and is working towards fully autonomous vehicles. In 2021, they became the first automotive company to meet the legal requirements for a Level 3 autonomous driving system, which they call DRIVE PILOT. This system allows for hands-free driving in certain conditions, like heavy traffic on the motorway. Conclusion: A Legacy of Excellence As we come to the end of our journey through the history of Mercedes-Benz and AMG, one thing becomes abundantly clear: these are companies that have consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible in automotive engineering. From Karl Benz's Patent-Motorwagen to the latest electric EQS, from the "Hammer" to the AMG One hypercar, Mercedes-Benz and AMG have been at the forefront of innovation for over a century. They've given us practical safety features that have saved countless lives, engines that have redefined performance, and luxury vehicles that make you feel like royalty (or at least a moderately successful orthodontist). The story of Mercedes-Benz and AMG is one of constant evolution, of never being satisfied with the status quo. It's a tale of engineering brilliance, of the pursuit of perfection, and occasionally, of creating cars that are so powerful they're borderline irresponsible. But then again, that's half the fun, isn't it? As we look to the future, one thing is certain: whatever comes next in the world of automobiles, you can bet that Mercedes-Benz and AMG will be right there at the cutting edge, probably with a three-pointed star leading the way. Whether it's electric powertrains, autonomous driving, or some new technology we haven't even dreamed of yet, Mercedes and AMG will likely be among the first to perfect it, polish it, and make it go faster than strictly necessary. And on that, I'd end our little soiree down memory lane.
