The Mercedes-Benz Logo Explained

Although the Mercedes-Benz logo has undergone several refinements over the years, today’s models are distinguished by the iconic Mercedes-Benz 3-pointedstar, which most drivers recognize instantly. Although the image itself is enough to set some hearts racing, the Mercedes-Benz logo’s meaning is sure to strike an even deeper chord with our neighbors near Queens and Union City. Curious about what the Mercedes-Benz logo means? Keep reading below as the team at Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan breaks it down.

The Mercedes-Benz Logo History

Gottlieb Daimler founded the company that would become Mercedes-Benz back in 1890. Although Wilhelm Maybach and Emil Jellinek took over the company (then called Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, or DMG) in 1890, Daimler’s sons Paul and Adolf would stay involved for many years.

In 1909, the two brothers must have been reflecting on their heritage when they recalled a postcard, sent by their father in 1872, which marked the location of their home with a distinctive 3-pointed star. In the same year, DMG acquired the logo and began emblazoning it on all of its vehicles. 

Although it was initially colored in blue, the image was revised with a laurel border in 1926. The color of the Mercedes-Benz 3-pointed star was only changed to silver in 1934.

The Mercedes-Benz Logo Meaning

As can be ascertained from the story above, the Mercedes-Benz logo serves as a reminder of the company’s heritage, which started with the dream of one man who wanted to engineer the ultimate performance vehicles.

Is the Mercedes-Benz logo simply a marker of the Daimler sons’ sentimental feelings toward their father, or is there a deeper story to be told? It depends in part on who you ask, but according to Mercedes-Benz officials, there is still more to be said:

• The Mercedes-Benz 3-pointed star refers to the company’s drive for universal motorization. Each point on the star represents an environment—Land, Sea, or Air—which the Daimler brothers believed their company would one day conquer.

In fact, we think that this symbolic importance may have been what attracted the Daimler brothers to their father’s 3-pointed star in the first place.

What About The Mercedes-AMG® Logo?

At first glance, the Mercedes-AMG® logo might appear even more cryptic, like something derived from a treasure map or adopted from an ancient secret society. The truth is hardly so esoteric:

• The right side of the Mercedes-AMG® logo depicts a cam, valve, and valve spring. Quite naturally, these crucial engine components symbolize the passion for engineering that goes into every Mercedes-AMG® engine.
• The left side of the Mercedes-AMG® emblem depicts an apple tree, or more precisely, an apple tree located along a river. This is the historic coat of arms of the town of Affalterbach, Germany, where the Mercedes-AMG® headquarters is located.

Learn More About Mercedes-Benz Vehicle With Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan

You have learned about the official Mercedes-Benz logo’s meaning, but to understand what these vehicles represent, you will need to get behind the wheel at Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan. Explore our full new vehicle inventory or current AMG® lineup today and schedule a test drive you will never forget.

As always, keep up with our blog for the latest news and interesting stories related to your favorite high-performance vehicles, and feel free to contact us today with any questions you have.