5 Of The Most Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models Ever Made

Mercedes-Benz is likely one of the most celebrated automakers of all time, and one of many oldest automotive corporations to exist, relationship again to Karl Benz when he determined that inner combustion engines have been higher than horses in 1890. Over the corporate’s lengthy historical past, it is onerous to search out any automobiles which might be conventionally “bad” in the identical manner a Pontiac Aztek was lower than fascinating. In reality, it is fairly the alternative, the Mercedes-Benz huge catalog of merchandise is stuffed with automobiles that, on reflection, are rather a lot higher than they have been initially given credit score for.

Any Mercedes public sale is sure to be stuffed with basic roadsters and AMG automobiles with obscene quantities of horsepower. But it is unlikely you will see a first-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class behind bullet-resistant glass at museums or reaching eight figures at an public sale like its siblings from the identical marque. The American public first turned conscious of the M-Class in 1997 when it featured within the Jurassic Park: Lost World sequel the place it skilled a litany of dinosaur-related mishaps. But in actuality, it is a compact and comfy off-roader that is not as ostentatious as gargantuan truck-based SUVs from the period.

The Mercedes SL roadsters have at all times been an instance of one of the best the model needed to supply. The unique gull-wing 300 SL from the Fifties is usually heralded as one of many best-looking automobiles ever made. That automotive impressed the legendary Mercedes SLS AMG.

When the Nineteen Nineties rolled round, Mercedes debuted its new SL with the interior designation of R 129. This technology, constituted of 1989 to 2001, was a departure from the lengthy swooping strains and curves of earlier SLs. To detractors, it appeared like a fiberglass shovel and never a German roadster. Looks apart, the 300 SL base mannequin for the primary mannequin 12 months had a 190 horsepower six-cylinder engine and will speed up from o to 60 miles per hour in 9.3 seconds. Not notably fast, however a guide transmission mixed with the SL’s light-weight meant a whole lot of enjoyable canyon carving. However, beginning in 1992, it was accessible with a V12 that threw down 394 horsepower and will rocket to 60 in 6.1 seconds, a speedy time for over 30 years in the past.

In addition to an enormous V12, this technology noticed the addition of computerized roll bars that may spring up when the automotive detected it was the other way up. 

Mercedes just isn’t usually the primary model individuals consider when contemplating utility vans. When the van was first provided within the United States in 2001, it wasn’t even badged as a Benz, however as an alternative wore Dodge and Freightliner badges till 2010 when the three-pointed star returned to the grille. The Sprinter van in all iterations is likely one of the few autos that may both act as a bus to choose up senior residents for bingo evening or haul all the stock of a plumbing retailer whereas out on a job. 

Sprinters can be found in a wide selection of physique types, starting from chassis cab configurations for field vehicles, high-roof cargo vans for tradesmen, or multi-passenger buses for homeschool mothers. Its diesel engine decisions throughout all generations weren’t notably quick, however while you’re getting paid by the hour, velocity’s not that necessary. Mercedes nonetheless makes the Sprinter and it may be configured with a 170-inch wheelbase and all-wheel drive. It could appear like a beluga whale, however it may well carry absolutely anything. 

The Mercedes SL roadster steals all of the highlight amongst Mercedes sports activities automobiles. But that does not imply the smaller SLK roadster is not value its salt, even when Mercedes does not promote it anymore. The diminutive roadster first confirmed up in 1996 and by 2000 could possibly be AMG-ified with a supercharged V6 that produced 349 horsepower, an absolute riot in a automotive that weighs about 3,100 kilos. For the 2005 mannequin 12 months, it was redesigned to look virtually like a tiny Mercedes-McLaren SLR with its nose-mounted grille badging. The AMG model benefitted from a V8 that threw down 355 horsepower to the rear wheels. 

The SLK took the whole lot nice in regards to the SL and made it smaller and extra compact, like a German built-Miata. 2016 was the final mannequin 12 months for the mini-Mercedes and given the model’s transfer in the direction of electrical autos and the latest cuts made to the lineup, it is unlikely the car-buying public will see a tiny roadster just like the SLK from the model anytime quickly. 

The Mercedes Metris is one other automobile sporting the star badge that does not at all times get the credit score it deserves. First, it may be configured as an eight-passenger minivan, making it rather more helpful for carrying individuals round than some a lot bigger SUVs. Secondly, the right-hand drive Metris vans, in-built South Carolina, have additionally been adopted in some areas by the United States Postal Service for mail truck obligation, making it maybe one of the crucial helpful compact vans at the moment in the marketplace.

The van itself is very like a scaled-down Sprinter for when you do not want a van that may match a planet within the again. In addition to a extra typical cargo van or minivan setup, the Metris could be fitted to incorporate a wheelchair ramp and a lot of different accessibility choices proper from the manufacturing facility. Plus, it may be fitted with all method of photo voltaic panels, moveable kitchens, and awnings for the final word VanLife possibility.