Mercedes-Benz traces its origins to Karl Benz's creation of the first petrol-powered car, the Benz Patent Motorwagen, financed by Bertha Benz and patented in January 1886, and Gottlieb Daimler and engineer Wilhelm Maybach's conversion of a stagecoach by the addition of a petrol engine later that year.
Mercedes-Benzi juured ulatuvad Karl Benzi loodud esimese bensiinimootoriga autoni, Benz Patent Motorwagenini, finantseeritud Bertha Benzi poolt ja patenteeritud jaanuaris 1886,  Gottlieb Daimleri ja insener Wilhelm Maybachi reisivankri ümbermuutmiseni, lisades bensiinimootori hiljem samal aastal.