Mercedes-Benz Buyer’s Guide

One of the world’s largest and most respected car manufacturers, Mercedes-Benz produces a whole host of different models, from more affordable sedans to top-tier prestige supercars. 

With a wide range of options for people from every walk of life, finding the best finance plan to buy your Mercedes-Benz requires careful consideration. 

Luckily, we’re here to give you all the information you need to ensure you get the prestige car of your dreams. 

If you’re interested in buying a Mercedes-Benz, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll cover:

• The history of Mercedes-Benz
• How to finance a Mercedes-Benz
• What Mercedes-Benz cars are currently on the market
• Our picks for the best Mercedes-Benz models to buy
• Mercedes-Benz finance packages with Magnitude
• Frequently asked questions 

By the end of this guide, you’ll have everything you’ll need to find the newest addition to your collection.

 But for additional insights, be sure to check out our Car Finance Academy for the latest car industry highlights – written by our team of passionate car fans and finance experts. 

History of Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz is one of the biggest automobile brands in the world today and has a lineage stretching back more than a hundred years. The brand is the brainchild of German engineer Carl Benz, who founded his first company in 1871 with the dream of powering a vehicle without the need for horses.

Benz got his gas-driven, two-stroke engine to run for the first time on New Year’s Eve 1879. A few years later, at the beginning of 1883, Benz founded Benz & Cie in Mannheim, the first automobile plant in the world, where he launched the two-stroke System Benz engine. 

In 1885, Benz built the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which is widely regarded as the first practical automobile ever built. He launched it in the summer of 1888, where it became the first ever commercially available automobile. 

The first long-distance automobile trip

Shortly before the launch, Carl’s wife Bertha undertook the first ever long-distance automobile trip when she took the Patent-Motorwagen 65 miles from Mannheim to Pforzheim. Today, you can follow the same route with the Bertha Benz Memorial Route, which opened in 2008.

Mercedes-Benz

As a result of the German economic crisis after World War I, Benz & Cie merged with fellow automobile manufacturer Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (DMG) in 1926. This merger led to the creation of the Mercedes-Benz brand. 

Today, Mercedes-Benz is one of the biggest global automobile brands, with factories and dealerships all over the world and an annual revenue of around £154 million. 

Like many other automobile brands, Mercedes-Benz made use of motor racing as a way to promote their brand and reach a global audience. The Mercedes-Benz Formula One team has seen enormous success with multiple world titles, boasting some of the finest drivers of all time, including Sir Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button and Michael Schumacher. 

How to finance a Mercedes-Benz

Buying a Mercedes-Benz can be a significant investment, but thankfully there are many options available to you when it comes to purchasing your new car. 

Car finance (the process of borrowing money to pay for the car) remains one of the most attractive options for many people – even those who can afford to pay upfront. 

At Magnitude, we know there are many reasons why car financing can be a good option if you’re looking to buy a prestige vehicle. 

Firstly, you don’t have to pay the whole cost upfront, instead spreading the cost over a few years. This means that you can get your new car immediately without having to pay all at once, although, as with any loan, be mindful that you will be expected to pay back the amount in full even if your circumstances change.

During the formal process of applying for car finance, your credit score will be checked. This is standard as for our industry, but more often than not, there’s nothing to worry about. 

There will typically be certain conditions that must be met during your finance period, such as not exceeding a mileage limit and keeping the car in good condition.

Deciding which finance package is best

Before you decide on which financing package you want, it’s important to take the entire payment period into account. As you’d expect, with financing, you will be required to keep up with your payment schedule for the lease length – so when making your choice, think long term. 

At Magnitude, competitive rates are our speciality. 

We tailor our car finance packages with flexible funding, giving you your dream car at a dream price. 

What’s more, we offer custom lease lengths to suit your needs, giving you a deal that not only works for you but with you.

We offer a range of financing options to help you pay for your car – each with its own benefit. Whether you’re a first-time leaser or a seasoned collector, you’ll be able to find the right option for you. The options available to you are:

• Hire Purchase Finance
• Hire Purchase with a Balloon
• Balanced Payments
• Personal Contract Purchase

We’ll go over these options in more detail later on in the guide.

Financing a Mercedes-Benz with Magnitude

There is a range of perks when you finance with Magnitude. Whatever your plans for your new car, whether you plan to keep it, return it to the dealer or part exchange it for your next purchase, you’ll find the right package for you.

Buying a Mercedes-Benz is a big decision, so it’s important you’re sure of everything before you pull the trigger. 

When you come to us for a bespoke solution, you’ll have access to an expert concierge team who’ll help you with all the stages of financing, as well as a car finance settlement calculator that will give you an accurate quote across a range of financing options.

As an independent broker, we’ll help you secure money from established lenders, with financing packages available for the finest prestige cars out there. 

With our finance packages, once the agreement period is up (at 24 to 48 months into your payment period), you’ll have several options available to you: 

• You can return your car to the dealer
• You can pay off the outstanding balance and the car is yours forever
• You can trade in your car for part-exchange and upgrade to a newer – or simply different – car

The final option is fantastic for those who want to drive as much as possible, but whatever your intentions, Magnitude offers flexible financing options tailored to every customer – so you can find the perfect plan for you and your wallet.

You can find more tips on how to finance your car here.

What Mercedes-Benz cars are currently on the market?

If you’re interested in buying a Mercedes-Benz but you’re not sure where to start, this guide is for you. The current line-up of Mercedes-Benz features a wide range of models in several categories, including hatchbacks, saloons, SUVs and Coupés. 

There’s a wide variety of cars here, so whatever your wants and needs are, you’re sure to find something that suits you. In this section, we’ll guide you through the latest models currently on the market, so you’ll know exactly what to go for when you’re buying a Mercedes-Benz.

A-Class 

Originally launched in 1997, this model has since been through four generations. A solid and reliable car, the Mercedes-Benz A-class is a good choice for small families. 

Available in three different model lines – the standard Sports Executive, AMG Line Executive and AMG Line Premium – the A-Class has a range of features including:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Privacy glass
• 10.25-inch touchscreen media display
• Smartphone integration, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• LED performance headlamps
• Three-spoke multifunction steering wheel

The A-Class is available with both petrol and diesel engines in a variety of sizes. Typically priced around £30,000, it’s a solid and reliable entry-level Mercedes-Benz.

B-Class

Originally launched in 2005, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class is a good choice for a larger family. A spacious hatchback boasting the same features as the A-Class, and with keyless entry. 

The B-Class includes similar AMG Executive and Premium Line models, and engine-wise is available with diesel, petrol, petrol hybrid and electric variants. Slightly more expensive than the A-Class at around £31,000, the B-Class is nonetheless a great option if you’re looking for a spacious ride.

CLA Class 

This smaller executive coupé/sedan was first launched in 2013 and has been through two generations since. As it’s a newer model it features some top-of-the-line additions, including: 

• Active Brake Assist
• Active Lane-Keeping Assist
• Heated front seats
• LINGUATRONIC voice control system

Engine-wise, it’s available in diesel or petrol.

C-Class

Produced in 1993, this executive vehicle is available in saloon, coupé, cabriolet and estate models. The C-Class is a great entry-level choice for a Mercedes-Benz, as the range of models makes it suitable for customers with any need – whether you want a car that looks stylish in the summer, a good company car for your daily commute or a more spacious model for you and your friends or family.

CLS Class

A sleek four-door coupe, the CLS Class features multiple designs, multicolour ambient lighting and the MBUX intelligent multimedia system. It also has a multitude of safety features, including: 

• Active Steering Assist
• Active Distance Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist

E-Class

Available in saloon, coupe, cabriolet and estate models, the E-Class is a luxurious option for customers looking to stand out. 

The E-Class features a spacious, opulent interior with an eye-catching exterior. It has room for a four, six or eight-cylinder engine in petrol, diesel, petrol hybrid and diesel hybrid (featuring plug-in hybrid) variants. 

The E-Class is the mid-size option in the Mercedes-Benz line-up and prioritises comfort and sophistication above all else.

S-Class

The S-Class is the flagship vehicle of the Mercedes-Benz line-up. Available as a Saloon, the newest generation of the S-Class boasts a slick design, a luxurious interior and a range of entertainment features, such as 3D surround sound and a next-generation multimedia system. 

The S-Class has been a staple of the Mercedes-Benz line-up for 50 years. The S-Class is one of the more expensive Mercedes-Benz models, with prices starting at more than £80,000. Nevertheless, if you want a top-of-the-line luxury vehicle with an abundance of technological features, the S-Class is the one to go for.

EQS

One of the newer models in the Mercedes-Benz line-up, the EQS is an all-electric saloon. Fully charged, the EQS can travel up to 453 miles and takes on half an hour to charge, which can be done at home with a home charger or at any rapid charging station. 

Using the Mercedes me Charge function, the EQS can be charged at a charging station using any provider, either with the Mercedes me Charge card or Plug & Charge. 

GLA-Class

The GLA-Class is the smallest in the Mercedes-Benz SUV line-up. Now in its second generation, the GLA-Class is similar in functionality to the A-Class but offers a higher driving position and a bit more space.  

GLB-Class

First debuting in 2020, the GLB model is a larger and more traditional SUV than the GLA. It is able to seat up to seven people and also features full voice control and safety features like Active Braking Assist and Speed Limit Assist, as well as a 180-degree reversing camera. 

GLC-Class

Together with the C-Class saloon, the GLC-class mid-level SUV is one of the most popular Mercedes-Benz cars in the world. As well as the SUV, the GLC-Class is also available as a Coupe. 

A new model of the GLC-Class SUV will become available later this year, boasting a host of new features including the newest generation MBUX multimedia system & Voice Assistant, massage seats and lights that constantly adapt to their surroundings. 

It also includes the PRE-SAFE Impulse Side, which can detect an impending side collision and will move the passenger closest to the impact to the centre of the car, thereby reducing the risk of serious injury. 

GLE-Class

The GLE is the SUV equivalent of the E-Class models, also available as a Coupe. It’s a direct descendant of the M-Class, which was Mercedes’ first luxury SUV in 1997 and was rebranded as the GLE-Class in 2015. 

The GLE can be fitted with either five or seven seats, as well as inline-four, inline-six and V8 engines. Mercedes defines the GLE as ‘a dynamic expression of power, defined by its smooth surfaces and muscular lines’, making it a good choice for customers looking to go off-road.

GLS-Class

The GLS-Class is Mercedes’ full-size SUV and the largest SUV it makes, with three rows of seating and wheels of up to 22 inches in size. It’s ideal for both on-road and off-road, thanks to an abundance of safety features including: 

• Adaptive Brake Lights
• Airbags in the front, back, side and windows 
• Remote-Control Locking 
• Automatic Child Seat Recognition Sensor

All of these features make it a good choice as a family car.

G-Class

Finally, there’s the G-Class, also known as the G-Wagen. The G-Class is Mercedes’ boxy, body-on-frame off-roader. Originally designed in 1979 as a military vehicle, its iconic design and the addition of more luxurious models have seen the G-Class become one of the most consistently popular vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz line-up. 

The second-generation G-Class arrived in 2018, almost 40 years after the original. Available with a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine, multibeam LED headlights and a full 360-degree camera, the G-Class is a great all-rounder, perfectly at home either on-road or off-road. 

Having been in production for more than 40 years, the G-Class is a solidly reliable car. 

Mercedes is planning to launch a new G-brand based on the G-Class, and one of its upcoming projects is an all-electric version of the G-Class, titled the EQC, which will enter production in 2024.

What are the best Mercedes-Benz models to buy?

As you can see, Mercedes-Benz has a diverse line-up of vehicles that fulfil a number of needs. Every Mercedes-Benz model will give you luxury and prestige, but which Mercedes-Benz model is the best to buy depends on what you want to mainly use it for. 

Do you have a large family, or do you want an option that will help you with your daily city-bound commute while still standing out? 

Do you prefer diesel and petrol engines, or do you want to go all-electric? 

Here, we’ll go into a little more detail about which Mercedes-Benz model is right for you.

The best Mercedes-Benz for families

Whether you have a small or a large family, there are plenty of good options to consider when buying a Mercedes-Benz. The newer generations of Mercedes-Benz have multiple features that are great for parents and kids alike. 

These include a diverse multimedia system, spacious interiors and smart safety features that will put your mind at ease. There are plentiful options for families, but these models, in particular, stand out:

• C-Class: The C-Class comes in a range of models, so you can tailor your choice based on the size of your family and their hobbies and interests. Either way, you’ll be getting a spacious car with plenty of space for belongings and legroom, a quiet interior and a wide range of safety features.
• SUVs: Of course, an SUV is a failsafe option for families. From the smallest SUV, the GLA-class, to the largest option, the GLS-Class, a Mercedes-Benz SUV is a high-quality choice for a growing family.

The best Mercedes-Benz for business

If you’re a company car driver, Mercedes has a wide range of options for you.

• E-Class: The E-Class model features a lot of benefits that make it a great company car. The engine features a plug-in hybrid system with a diesel engine and electric motor, which reduces fuel consumption and lowers fuel costs. This makes it a great option if you’re driving every day. What’s more, the E-Class has a stylish, well-built interior and some good technological features, making it a good choice when it comes to style and comfort.
• A-Class: The A-Class is another popular choice among company car drivers. This model also features a hybrid engine system and can drive up to 40 miles on electric power alone. This makes it ideal for short city commutes.
• C-Class: The C-Class also features a hybrid engine but can go from 0-60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. It’s a sleek design but also has enough space for up to five people. It’s ideal as a company car, whether for a daily commute or for a longer journey.

The best Mercedes-Benz for the environmentally minded

The latest Mercedes-Benz models all take the environment into account, with many offering a hybrid engine solution that reduces fuel consumption among other features. 

However, if you’re looking to ditch petrol and diesel completely, the best option is the EQS, which is all-electric. The EQS saloon is great as an all-round electric car, but if you spend a lot of your time off-road then it’s worth keeping an eye on the upcoming all-electric G-Class EQC.

The best Mercedes-Benz for going off-road

The GLA-GLS Classes of SUVs all feature off-road capabilities, but the best model for pure off-road traversal is the G-Class. This big, boxy vehicle has been consistently popular for more than 40 years, and for good reason. Powered by a V8 engine and with excellent ground clearance, the G-Class is the one to get when it comes to intense off-roading.

Buying a Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has a lot of history that makes it one of the most prestigious automobile brands in the world, and even today it remains a popular choice with discerning enthusiasts. This is due in large part to the reputation that Mercedes-Benz enjoys. 

Mercedes-Benz is considered by many luxury car buyers to be the best automobile brand when it comes to prestige. What’s more, Mercedes-Benz has shown it is prepared to innovate to keep up with changing demands, as seen by its new all-electric models.

Hopefully, by now, you’ll have a good idea of the models that Mercedes-Benz produces. 

However, there are still many other important factors to consider before you can be sure what’s right for you. 

In this section, we’ll look at how much you can typically expect to pay for the various Mercedes-Benz models, as well as how reliable they are.

How much do Mercedes-Benz cars cost?

The price of a Mercedes-Benz varies significantly between the different levels. What’s more, each model has additional designs and optional features that can be added for an increased price. 

For this section, we’ll be looking to give you a general idea of how much you can expect to pay for the different models at a base level. These prices are from Mercedes’ website and are for new cars – you may be able to find them cheaper used, but this is how much you can expect to pay for the premium Mercedes-Benz experience. 

• A-Class: The cheapest option of all the Mercedes-Benz models, the A-Class hatchback starts at £30,750.
• B-Class: The more spacious hatchback is slightly more expensive, starting at £31,475.
• CLA-Class: This newer model comes in at a base price of £34,070.
• C-Class: The price of the C-Class varies based on the type of car. The cheapest is the saloon at £39,860, while the cabriolet is the most expensive at £45,455.
• CLS-Class: The CLS-Class Coupe starts at £72,240.
• E-Class: Again, the price of the E-Class varies by the model of the car. Once again the saloon is the cheapest at £45,575 and the cabriolet is the most expensive at £54,095. 
• S-Class: The prestigious S-Class saloon starts at £82,965.
• EQS: The all-electric EQS saloon starts at £102,160.
• SUVs: The different SUV models vary in price: the GLA is the cheapest starting at £36,090 while the G-Class is unsurprisingly the most expensive model at £123,500.

To make the cost manageable, the team here at Magnitude can tailor a flexible finance solution to help you secure your Mercedes-Benz. Just get in touch today, and we’ll be more than happy to talk you through your options.

How reliable are Mercedes-Benz cars?

Mercedes-Benz cars may not come cheap, but thankfully they have a reputation for being reliable. The entry-level C-Class models in particular score quite highly when it comes to reliability. 

The newer generations of Mercedes-Benz tend to boast state-of-the-art technological features, such as the MBUX Multimedia system, voice control systems and electric charging. While these features are undoubtedly a big selling point of the Mercedes-Benz brand, there’s always the risk that this new technology may run into a few problems so always do your research. 

Many of the models also feature highly advanced safety features, such as driving and parking assists. This level of safety makes Mercedes-Benz a good option when it comes to buying a family – or otherwise reliable – car especially.

Is a Mercedes-Benz a worthwhile investment?

It’s an unavoidable fact that the premium Mercedes-Benz experience will cost a good amount of money. But this is true for any luxury automobile brand, and Mercedes-Benz is one of the top luxury automobile brands in the world. 

But does this mean that buying a Mercedes-Benz is a worthwhile investment?

There are many things to consider when attempting to answer this. One of the main considerations is what you want your new car for. If it’s to be used regularly in your day-to-day life, a Mercedes-Benz model can prove to be a reliable long-term purchase. 

If you’re looking at a Mercedes-Benz as a financial investment, however, there’s more to consider. Due to natural car depreciation, many people opt for leasing when it comes to driving a Mercedes-Benz. This way, they can stay up-to-date with being behind the latest wheels without having to worry about the car dipping in value. Once the lease is over, they simply give the car back to the dealer and upgrade to a newer model.

On the flip side, classic Mercedes-Benz cars tend to be very valuable – in 2013, the Historic Automobile Group International (HAGI) released data that showed that classic Mercedes-Benz cars were showing an impressive annual value growth rate of 9% each year since 1980. 

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a quick return on your investment then it may not be worth it. 

Investing in any supercar is always going to be a long game – it can be years or even decades before they show an appreciation in value. 

Over time, however, your Mercedes-Benz supercar may provide a solid return on investment, so it’s worth carefully considering whether it’s the right move for you.

Mercedes-Benz finance packages to secure your dream car

As we’ve established, buying your dream car can be a pricey endeavour. Luckily, there are plenty of options available to help you turn your dream into a reality. At Magnitude, we have a range of financing options available to help you find the best price and lenders. 

Here, you can find information on each of these options so you can find the plan that works for you.

Hire Purchase Finance

One of the most simple finance packages available, Hire Purchase Finance allows you to pay off your prestige purchase over a fixed period – without needing a personal loan. Once the final monthly payment is made, the vehicle is yours to do whatever you want with. 

Hire Purchase Finance is the best finance package for those who want to keep their dream car at the end of the agreement. Following a flexible 10%-40% deposit at the beginning of the plan, customers will essentially hire the car over a period of two to five years and will own the car outright once the final payment has been made.

Personal Contract Purchase

A Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is a good option for customers looking for a package with a lower fixed monthly rate than a traditional Hire Purchase. 

Starting with a deposit of 10%-20%, a PCP is quite similar to Hire Purchase Finance in that it involves a fixed monthly payment over a certain period of time, usually two to five years. However, with a PCP you’ll get three options at the end of your agreement. You can:

• Return the car, and provided it’s still in a good condition, you won’t have to pay any more. 
• Pay off the outstanding Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV) to own the car outright.
• Part exchange the car and use any outstanding equity towards your next purchase. 

This final option is ideal for customers who don’t want to keep the car for the long term and instead prefer to switch to different cars on a regular basis.

Hire Purchase Finance with a Balloon

A Hire Purchase agreement with a Balloon is great for customers looking to get the benefits of Hire Purchase Finance and PCP in one package. 

HP with a Balloon combines the two options, reducing your monthly payments through the use of a ‘balloon payment’ – a fixed amount agreed in advance and retained until the end of your finance term. This is particularly beneficial if you’re a collector of classic cars or limited productions. 

Similar to a Hire Purchase agreement, once all of the payments have been made, the car is yours to keep. However, HP with a Balloon does not include GMFV, so keep in mind that these payments will need to be paid in full at a fixed time in order to keep the car. 

If you’re looking to purchase a classic Mercedes-Benz model, HP with a Balloon could be a good option for you.

Balanced Payment Car Finance

Balanced Payment Car Finance also provides a fixed monthly payment schedule, but does not include fixed rates, instead being subject to changes in national interest rates. This means that the bank that your Balanced Payment plan is with will be tracked for any alterations. 

The determined rate fluctuates over the course of the agreement, as does the amount of interest paid. This means that Balanced Payment Car Finance is the only financing option where the interest is subject to the lender’s reference rate.

Buying a Mercedes-Benz: Your questions answered

Looking to buy a Mercedes-Benz but need a few questions answered first? You’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll answer some of the most common questions customers ask about buying a Mercedes-Benz.

How long does a Mercedes-Benz last?

There are a few factors to take into consideration here. 

Mercedes-Benz models will often prove to be sturdy and reliable when dealing with everyday life.

Depending on the model you purchase and how often you use it, some cars may last longer than others. The entry-level C-Class cars can easily last up to a decade or more with only minor issues. Newer models should also last long, although the cutting-edge technological features may make them more prone to failure than the more basic models.

Ultimately, how long your Mercedes-Benz lasts largely depends on how you use it. If you’re driving regularly without any repairs whatsoever then the life expectancy could be lower. However, as long as you’re not making long-distance trips every day and you’re willing to keep up with the maintenance, your Mercedes-Benz will likely last you a long time.

How often should I take a Mercedes-Benz for maintenance?

To make sure your Mercedes-Benz is in as good a condition as possible, it’s a good idea to take it for maintenance. How long you should wait before taking it in varies from car to car – some are able to go years without needing any work. 

However, if you want to keep your car in the best shape, you should aim to take it in for maintenance every 10,000 miles or 12 months – whichever comes first.

Should I buy the latest generation or an older model?

This depends on what you want from your Mercedes-Benz. Technology is advancing all the time, and the newer generations will often make use of some cutting-edge features that can significantly improve your driving experience. 

On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz cars tend to be quite reliable, so a model from years ago can still give you a great experience. These older models can also naturally be cheaper so, provided you’re willing to forego the innovations included in the newer models, they could be a smart investment.

How hard is it to finance a Mercedes-Benz?

With Magnitude, financing a Mercedes-Benz has never been easier. We have a range of products that can help you on your way toward purchasing your dream car. 

Our expert concierge team will help you identify which of our finance plans works best for you and will work with you every step of the way to ensure you get the best possible deal. Whether you’re looking for a modern supercar or a beloved classic, and whether you want to keep your car or would like to switch to different cars on a regular basis, there’s a plan for you. 

Get in touch with us to start the process of financing a Mercedes-Benz, and we’ll help you from there.

Financing your Mercedes-Benz with Magnitude

Magnitude is one of the world’s leading car finance brokers, with more than 30 years of experience and access to 20 different lenders. Our clientele includes international footballers, social media influencers and YouTubers among many others.

Financing your car with us is easy – our concierge team takes the stress and time out of securing a financial package for prestige vehicles, so you don’t have to take time out of your schedule to find the best deal. 

As well as helping you secure a financial package for a prestige car, we can also help you with other services, including specialist lending for classic and older cars as well as assistance with refinancing your vehicle. 

Get a quote for your Mercedes-Benz using our handy calculators

Our advanced PCP and Hire Purchase Finance calculator can give you a quote in less than 60 seconds, and our Car Finance Settlement calculator will help you calculate the outstanding balance of a loan should you already have an agreement in place. These tools make what is often a complicated endeavour simple and quick. 

Whatever your plans are for purchasing a Mercedes-Benz, we’ll help you find the perfect one for wherever the road takes you.

To find out more about how you could be on your way to purchasing a prestige car, contact Magnitude today and see how we can help make that happen.