Mercedes-Benz welcomes a new flagship SLS AMG sports car, new E-Class wagon, and a limited-production hydrogen F-Cell vehicle for 2011

In addition to option changes across the board, there are two all-new, twin-turbo V-8 engines, a facelifted CL-Class, and the diesel powerplant finds a new home

History
Mercedes-Benz Motor Company, a German automaker, was founded in 1881, making it the world's oldest automotive brand still in operation today. The company is often credited with inventing the world's first motor-driven automobile, a gasoline-powered "Benz Patent Motorwagen," in early 1886. The company underwent many changes in ownership in its early years, and it wasn't until the merger of Karl Benz's and Gottlieb Daimler's companies that the Daimler-Benz company was formed. Today, Daimler-Benz is a division of Daimler AG.

Mercedes-Benz isn't just known for its passenger vehicles. The company's history includes commercial vehicles such as busses and vans (the company is the world's largest manufacturer of trucks). In addition, Mercedes-Benz has developed a successful racing program over the past several decades. Its most notable models include the 300SL "Gullwing," 450SEL 6.9, SLR McLaren, and current SLS AMG.

Today, Mercedes-Benz manufactures a full range of passenger automobiles and commercial vehicles. The current lineup of passenger cars contains coupes, sedans and sport utility vehicles with up-to-7-passenger seating capacities. Mercedes-Benz vehicles run with gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and fuel-cell powerplants. Models include both rear- and all-wheel drive. Mercedes-Benz vehicles are manufactured and sold around the globe.

2011 Mercedes-Benz Models at a Glance:

• C-Class-Several option equipment changes
• CL-Class-New engines, new technology, and a facelift
• CLS-Class-Carryover with a replacement on the horizon
• E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet-Option changes
• E-Class Sedan and Wagon-New wagon and diesel offerings
• G-Class-Minor changes
• GL-Class-Minor changes
• GLK-Class-Option changes
• M-Class-Option changes
• R-Class-Exterior and interior refresh
• S-Class-Two new twin-turbocharged engines and new options
• SL-Class-New limited-edition model
• SLK-Class-Minor changes
• SLS-Class-All-new model for 2011