There's something about them. The way the three-pointed star slices through the air, a presence felt long after they roll off the production line and an image of prestige among themselves. A brand that truly lives up to its motto; Mercedes-Benz, the best or nothing. Cars are now an essential commodity in our lives. But various brands have taken it upon themselves to create vehicles that are not a dull bland variety. They put passion, complex and beautiful engineering, or charm in their creations that live on the road. Mercedes has continued to do this since their inception. They were the company to create the first car, so you could say without them, we would have waited longer before enjoying the freedom the roads have given us. Since Karl Benz created the first production automobile in 1886, his automotive empire has spread from his German homeland to span the entire globe. Thank you, because today, Mercedes has given us some of the best production cars to grace all roads.
My love affair with this automotive manufacturer began when I received my first car. I was waiting to be picked up after a rehearsal at school when a car pulled up, and my family's SUV behind it. Out of habit, I began walking to the SUV. But my dad who was behind the wheel began furiously pointing at the car in front of him. I turned and my mom was exiting the vehicle displaying a set of keys. I looked at the car for the first time. A 2001 silver Mercedes-Benz E320. I went ballistic. Ran up to her, hugged her, and suffered from an overwhelming sense of joy being expelled from my body as I began to study the car. I was falling in love. I graciously accepted the keys and we (this really did happen) drove off into the sunset to my home. She was the perfect first car. I vividly remember the smell every time I sat down on the plush driver's seat. You see, there is something great about Mercedes, all their cars have THE smell. I can't explain it, but it's there. A slight perfume that continually emanates from the vehicle. Not in your face, but in the background, always pleasant, warm, and welcoming. The way it glided over the road, a smooth drive characteristic of all other models, made driving a pleasure. I could feel where I was on the road, and I just sailed over everything as if on a boat with full sails on a smooth ocean. Her cabin was full of little features that I loved to play with and show my friends. A cup holder that appeared out of the armrest, a disc changer that hid behind the radio, headrests that popped up and down in the rear at the touch of a button, the little quirks that made it feel truly special. Add into that I was now driving a tank and, well, you can guess that every time I opened the door, I was excited to get to my destination. I did learn that she was safe too. I experienced a collision with a postal truck on a dark stormy December night, which my car did not survive. I escaped with no injuries. A 40 mph collision where my airbag did not deploy, and I was unconscious after the moment of impact, I was lucky my car came to stop without hitting anyone else. Walking away was hard, but my family and I were glad that my first car was a vehicle that had the ability to protect me from harm.
After a brief stint with some vehicles that were not up to the mark with what I had once had, I was gifted with something truly amazing. After graduating high school my grandfather gifted me his 2003 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sports Coupe. A black Hatchback with a 6-speed manual gearbox, cloth interior, and specialized headlights. Now, a Mercedes Hatchback is rare in America, even rarer is a manual transmission, and interior not covered in swathes of leather is almost unheard of in the States. A tad rebellious to the brand which I liked, similar to me actually, and ever since the keys were placed in my hand, I began to feel the incessant joy of driving again. She is still with me too. Getting me through college, and I hope beyond, with a lovely smirk on her face and a slight growl from her exhaust. Thank you, Papa. I have, and will take the utmost care of her every day, so our reign on the road will be a long and happy one.
When I want a car I want an eclectic combination. I want something with prestige, safety, comfort, and a sportsman-like attitude. Mercedes delivers in spades all of these attributes. They have such a diverse portfolio as well so that the needs of all customers can be met. Work trucks, buses, construction vehicles, military vehicles, consumer models, all are produced so they have a hold on every possible demand from the world for any type of vehicle. Add into that they make some cool sports cars and everybody is on board. Owning a Mercedes has the air of saying someone had made it. Established themselves in life and expects the best out of things. I am a young college student so I cannot justify by saying I have made it in life, I still have a long way to go, but I have come to learned to expect the best, because why should we ever settle for mediocrity? In the short span, we are given we should be able to enjoy as much of it as possible with what is available. After owning two in my lifetime, I will strive to always have a least one in my garage for the rest of my life. Yes, there are other brands that create nothing nut tire eviscerating sports cars, or models containing so much luxury they're practically houses on tarmac, but Mercedes has the perfect balance that everyone needs from a car, and then a slew of extras that make the journey that much better, They really are the perfect brand, And although some of them may be finicky when it comes to maintenance, they can last a lifetime if treated right. So if you're ever in the market for a new car, explore used models and see what kind of Benz is out there for you. With some help to get them back on their feet and in their prime again you will feel it on the road as you drive. They truly embody their slogan and will never let you down. Mercedes-Benz; the best or nothing.
