The Mercedes-Benz Logo, Explained

The iconic Mercedes-Benz 3-pointed star is synonymous with the renowned luxury auto brand but is one of the more recent Mercedes-Benz logos. So what made Mercedes-Benz choose this logo? What is the history of the Mercedes-Benz logo and what makes the Mercedes-Benz 3-pointed star significant? Learn about this Mercedes-Benz symbol today before visiting our dealership in Foothill Ranch. Mercedes-Benz of Foothill Ranch offers a wide selection of new and pre-owned Mercedes-Benz vehicles to drivers throughout Irvine and the surrounding areas, all of which feature that well-known logo. Contact us to schedule a test drive at your convenience.

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 years to come.

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 would acquire the logo and begin emblazoning it on all of their 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 is a reminder of the company’s heritage–beginning with the dream of one man, who wanted to engineer the ultimate performance vehicles.

Is the Mercedes-Benz logo meaning simply a marker of the Daimler sons’ filial piety, or is there a deeper story to be told? It depends in part on who you ask, but according to Mercedes-Benz officials, there’s 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 that 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.

Test-Drive Mercedes-Benz Vehicles at Mercedes-Benz of Foothill Ranch Near Orange County

Now you have a working knowledge of the famous and fascinating Mercedes-Benz 3-pointed star. If you would like to test-drive a Mercedes-Benz model at our dealership near Trabuco Canyon, call 949-415-3136 or contact us online today to make an appointment. Should you want to continue your Mercedes-Benz research before visiting us, review our posts on Mercedes AMG® and the fastest Mercedes-Benz vehicles. We also encourage you to read our buying vs. leasing guide.