Skip to main content

15 Iconic Mercedes-Benz Cars Destined to Be Future Classics

Mercedes-Benz has a way of building cars that age like fine wine. Some models keep improving, and car enthusiasts can’t stop drooling over them. Whether it’s iconic design, impressive performance, or sheer luxury, these Mercs are on their way to becoming future classics. Here are 15 you should keep your eyes on! 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 …
M 93/Wikimedia Commons

Mercedes-Benz has a way of building cars that age like fine wine. Some models keep improving, and car enthusiasts can’t stop drooling over them. Whether it’s iconic design, impressive performance, or sheer luxury, these Mercs are on their way to becoming future classics. Here are 15 you should keep your eyes on!

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500

Tim Dobbelaere from Ieper, Belgium/Wikimedia Commons

The original “four-door coupe” that kicked off a design trend! The 2006 CLS500 combines sleek styling with a 5.0-liter V8 under the hood, making it both a beauty and a beast. Its unique and stunning silhouette still turns heads today, and you can bet its rarity will make it a sought-after classic.

1999 Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R129

Alexander Migl/Wikimedia Commons

If James Bond drove an SL500, you know it’s destined for classic status! The R129 series is pure Mercedes engineering at its best—timeless design, four-valve V8 engine, and advanced features such as an automatic roll bar that still impress today. This car is classy no matter where you take it.

2004 Mercedes-Benz S600

JanS/Wikimedia Commons

Ever heard of V12 power? The 2004 S600 hides a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V12 under the hood, making it one of the most powerful sedans of its time. Luxury and power don’t usually go hand in hand like this, which is why the S600 will soon have a reserved spot in classic car shows.

2005 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

Rich7333/Wikimedia Commons

This isn’t just any E-Class—it’s an AMG. The E55’s supercharged 5.4-liter V8 churns out a whopping 469 horsepower. It’s a sleeper sedan with the heart of a sports car, and trust me, it’ll be a future collector’s favorite. Who doesn’t love a family car that can outrun a Porsche?

1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL

Jeremy from Sydney, Australia/Wikimedia Commons

The 560SEL represents the peak of the 1980s Mercedes luxury. It’s big, bold, and packed with wood, leather, and chrome. But don’t let its size fool you—this flagship sedan could cruise at Autobahn speeds all day. Owning one of these bad boys is like rolling in a private jet on wheels.

2002 Mercedes-Benz G500

Jakub “flyz1” Maciejewski/Wikimedia Commons

The G-Wagen before it went all Hollywood! The early 2000s G500s were rugged, boxy, and packed with off-road capability. It’s the kind of SUV you could take up a mountain or down Rodeo Drive—either way, you’re making a statement. Rugged but luxurious, it’s no wonder collectors are eyeing this one.

1995 Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG

davocano/Wikimedia Commons

The C36 AMG marked AMG’s first official collaboration with Mercedes-Benz. Its 3.6-liter inline-six engine and understated styling make it a wolf in sheep’s clothing. A true underdog of the 90s performance sedans, and with AMG’s growing legacy, this one is bound to be a future classic.

1989 Mercedes-Benz 560SL (R107)

Granada/Wikimedia Commons

Few cars scream “80s cool” like this model. As the last of the R107 series, it perfected the blend of a refined grand tourer and a powerful V8 engine. Its iconic design and high collector demand ensure that the 560SL remains a standout gem in the automotive world.

2005 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG

Matti Blume/Wikimedia Commons

The CL65 AMG is a rare gem. Only a few hundred of these V12 twin-turbo coupes were ever made, and they packed a jaw-dropping 604 horsepower. It’s the ultimate in Mercedes grand touring luxury and performance—so if you see one for sale, snap it up before it hits the auction block at crazy prices.

2001 Mercedes-Benz E320 (W210)

Alexander-93/Wikimedia Commons

While the W210 E-Class might not look like much, its bulletproof reliability and understated elegance have made it a sleeper hit. The E320’s smooth V6 engine and comfortable ride make it a perfect daily driver—and as people wise up to just how solid this generation was, it’s gaining appreciation in the classic car scene.


1992 Mercedes-Benz 500E

Mr.choppers/Wikimedia Commons

The 500E was a sports sedan built in collaboration with Porsche, which is enough reason to make it a future classic. Its 5.0-liter V8 and flared fenders make it a sleeper car that’s all about performance. Back in the 90s, this car flew under the radar, but now collectors are waking up.

2006 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG

Alexandre Prévot from Nancy, France/ Wikimedia Commons

Talk about overkill. The S65 AMG packs a 6.0-liter V12 with twin turbos, making over 600 horsepower in a luxury sedan. It’s big, fast, and ridiculously expensive when new. For those who appreciate raw power wrapped in leather and wood, it’s the ultimate performance sedan.

1998 Mercedes-Benz SLK230

MercurySable99/ Wikimedia Commons

The SLK230 may not have been the fastest roadster, but its retractable hardtop was revolutionary then. A compact, stylish convertible that’s easy to live with, the SLK230 was all about open-air fun. With nostalgia for quirky 90s cars on the rise, this little roadster is set to shine.

2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG

FotoSleuth/Wikimedia Commons

A two-door coupe with muscle car power? Sign us up. The CLK55 AMG packed a 5.4-liter V8 into a sleek and elegant body, creating the perfect mix of luxury and performance. As AMG’s legend grows, this sleeper coupe is bound to appreciate in value and desirability.

1997 Mercedes-Benz S500 (W140)

M93/Wikimedia Commons

The W140 S-Class was known as the “Big Benz,” and it’s hard to argue with that nickname. This car was over-engineered to the max, with luxury features ahead of their time. Its solid build quality and timeless design mean it’ll be cruising its way into collectible status in no time.

Related

What’s the Difference Between Gas and Diesel Truck Maintenance?