1949 used Mercedes-Benz cars for sale

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Mercedes-Benz overview

Mercedes-Benz – pronounced muh say deez benz in English – is a symbol of luxury, performance, and technological innovation. This globally recognised German founded brand was a merger between two pioneering automobile companies, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie.

Mercedes-Benz is synonymous with elegance and refinement. Its wide range of models are an excellent blend of style and advanced technology. Thanks to this blend of attentive manufacturing and luxurious interiors, Mercedes-Benz cars are among the most prestigious in the world.

As well as a well-earned reputation for manufacturing excellence and luxury, Mercedes-Benz is also an innovative brand. One of the brand’s founders, Karl Benz, invented the first gasoline-powered automobile in 1886. In 1959, Mercedes-Benz introduced the first impact-absorbing bonnet and in 1981. It became the first brand to include an airbag in its production.

Mercedes-Benz has also taken strides to add hybrid and all-electric models to its range. Unveiled in 2014 the S500 Plug-In Hybrid was the brand’s first-ever hybrid model. It released its first all-electric model, the EQC, in 2019. The company also owns a sub-brand, EQ, dedicated solely to producing electric vehicles.

Recently, Mercedes-Benz has continued to introduce wide-ranging technology to its premium models. This includes the semi-autonomous driving system DISTRONIC PLUS, which uses radar-based technology to maintain a safe following distance from the car ahead. Many also include the AIR BODY CONTROL suspension, which delivers unparalleled ride comfort and handling.

Mercedes-Benz engine and powertrain badging

On Mercedes models manufactured pre-2015, the engine and powertrain naming conventions were quite different. Pre-2015 models included ‘plug-in hybrid’, ‘Bluetec’ and ‘E-Cell’ badging. Since then, Mercedes has simplified this.

If a Mercedes model has a ‘d’ on the boot, this means the car has a diesel powertrain. The ‘d’ replaced ‘CDI’ and ‘Bluetec’ badging. Examples of this include: A180d, E350d or GLA 200d.

If the model has ‘h’ on its boot lid, it is a hybrid model. ‘h’ models can be either petrol (400h) or diesel (300h) combined with electric. ‘h’ models would have previously had ‘Hybrid’ and ‘Bluetec Hybrid’ badging. The letter ‘e’ denotes fully electric or plug-in hybrid models e.g., CLA 250e or C300e. ‘e’ models would have previously adorned ‘Plug-In Hybrid’, ‘Bluetec Plug-In Hybrid’ or ‘Electric Drive’ badging.

If the ‘4MATIC’ badging appears on the model, this means that the model is equipped with Mercedes’ esteemed AWD system. Similarly, if the model features ‘AMG’ badging, this means that the model has a high-performance engine.

The numbers in Mercedes’ badging traditionally referred to the engine size of the model. For example, a C200 would be a C-Class with a 2.0-litre engine. A petrol C200 with 184bh will go from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds. More recently, the numbers refer to the relative power of the engine. Therefore, a C220 is still a 2.0-litre engine (like the C200) but with a higher horsepower output due to the twin-turbo engine. A C220d generates 194bhp and achieves 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds. A C63 is the C-Class with a 6.3-litre engine. A 2018 petrol C63 generates 476bhp and achieves 0-62mph in an extremely impressive 4 seconds.

The A160 is an A-Class with a 1.6-litre petrol engine. This offers 102bhp and goes from 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds. Production of the A160 ceased in 2018 but you may still find some used A160 cars in stock! The A180 and A200 are available with the same 1.3-litre petrol engine - the main difference between them is horsepower. The A180 offers 136bhp and goes from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds, whereas the A200 offers 163bhp and does 0-62mph in 8.2 seconds. The A220 has a 2.0-litre petrol engine, with 190bhp, this A-Class will do 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds.

Popular Mercedes-Benz models

Three sub-brands are encompassed by the Mercedes brand: Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Maybach (high-end luxury) and Mercedes-AMG (high performance).

Mercedes-benz model naming conventions

Mercedes-Benz model naming conventions are centred around a ‘core’ range of models which include the A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, G-Class, M-Class, S-Class and X-Class. The letters which precede ‘Class’ typically denote the body type of the model:

Among Mercedes-Benz’s most popular models is the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. Available in both hatchback and saloon bodies, this compact model boasts a range of powerful engines and plenty of style. The A 200 AMG model also won Family Car of the Year in Carwow’s 2019 awards.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a series of luxury compact cars first launched in 1993. Available as a saloon, estate, convertible and coupé, C-Class models deliver an excellent driving experience thanks to their efficient and powerful engines. And through these engines as well as its exceptionally designed interior, the C 300 De model won Best Executive Car at the 2020 What Car? Awards.

The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a compact SUV that combines great practicality and style. First launched in 2013, it is the smallest SUV in Mercedes-Benz’s range and comes with a select choice of four-cylinder, 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines. It was voted as Auto Express’ Small Premium SUV of the Year in 2022.

A stylish, four-door coupé, the Mercedes-Benz CLA is heavily inspired by the A-Class’s sporty design and performance. It was voted the Best Coupé for more than £30,000 in What Car?’s 2020 awards.

With a well-earned reputation for delivering class-leading comfort, refinement and cabin technology, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the leading executive cars in the market. Winning the award for Best Executive Car of the Year in 2019, it comes with petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines.

The all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQC was the company’s first electric vehicle. Launched in 2019, it is powered by an 80kWh battery which helps take its single charge up to 255 miles.

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a compact SUV with lots of space and practicality. An ideal family car thanks to its five-star safety system, great practicality, and comfort, it was first released in 2005.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is a plug-in hybrid SUV. Luxurious, efficient, and highly practical, it was first unveiled in 2015 and won Best Large SUV at the What Car? 2019 awards.

Manufacturer awards

Over its near century-long existence, Mercedes-Benz has won many prestigious awards. It has won World Luxury Car at the World Car Awards many times, along with Best Luxury Car Brand at the 2021 World Car Awards.

Mercedes-Benz Frequently asked questions

Whether you’re looking to finance a Mercedes-Benz or purchase one, we have a wide range of used Mercedes-Benz cars available to buy online safely with Click & Collect and home delivery options available.

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