Mercedes-Benz A-Class

An amazing number of versions are available by the time one tots up 1.4-, 1.6- and 1.9-litre petrol engines and a 1.7-litre turbodiesel, and then multiply them by basic, Elegance and Avantgarde trim levels, and THEN by 2 for the LWB version. It must work, because the numbers sold this year are significantly greater than in 2001. Something about that rear kickup styling never quite caught my fancy, but the A-Class certainly did bring the M-B badge into a different buyer level. As a package it still maintains a lead in some clever bits, like the location of the engine under the floor at the front. The ride is not good on less-than-perfect road surfaces, though the long-wheelbase version is likely to be better than the standard car in this regard, and it can also truly lay claim to being a compact MPV. Stars: 6/10

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The biggest seller in M-B terms and indeed in the whole large car segment for the last couple of years, and may only be threatened next year for that slot if they can get enough of the new E-Class to meet demand. Some say the current C doesn’t feel as solid as the predecessors, but that’s probably more a matter of easier controls and a lighter touch in the trimmings design than anything else. In the usual M-B way, there’s a large posse of version options, with the engines starting at 2-litre and running through 2.2- and 2.6- (V6) to 3.2-litre petrol as well as a pokey 5-cylinder turbodiesel of 2.7-litre capacity. The car drives as close as is possible to its arch-rival BMW 3-series, and there’s now little to choose between them. Estate and a coupe that’s sweet and considerably cheaper than the bottom-end saloon. More go for autos when they opt for the 2.2-litre engines. Stars: N/A

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The latest version of the Mercedes E Class has a completely new body, with a reinterpreted twin headlamp ‘face’ of what has become a classic M-B styling cue. Engine choices include three petrol 6- and 8-cylinder units, with power outputs ranging from 177-306bhp. There are also two CDI diesel engines with outputs from 150bhp. There’s a strong emphasis on safety, with Sensotronic Brake Control and the M-B Electronic Stability Program (ESP) as standard along with newly developed ‘intelligent’ restraint systems. AIRMATIC air suspension is standard in the top-of-the-range E500 V8 model, and is available for all other models. A wider track and a longer wheelbase improves interior space and ride comfort. Options include a multicontour air-cushioned seat with massage function, active seat ventilation, and a solar-powered auxiliary ventilation system to keep the car cool while parked. The E-Class is the biggest-selling luxury car in the world, and this latest version is likely to help it keep that slot. Stars: N/A

Mercedes-Benz S Class

This one looks smaller than the barges of its past, but don’t be fooled - the interior is just as commodius as the original plutocratwagen, and the exterior is just as big. The current version just has a nicer look and is also more, particularly with its bright interiors. And if you can’t find comfort here, there’s something seriously wrong with you. If you love high-tech goodies, you should also find satisfaction, although the arrival of the latest BMW 7-Series has evened up the odds, though the S is still selling at higher levels than last year despite a good takeup of the BMW. There’s still an opportunity to wipe the floor with any comeptition, though, if you go for the 600L, perfect for ferrying all those requested documents to tribunals. Stars: N/A

Mercedes-Benz CLK

Virtually all the 240 or so copies which will be available this year have already been sold. The new version of the coupe has a newly-developed suspension and more powerful engines, while design features include frameless fully retractable side windows with no ‘B’ pillar, and a reinterpretation of the classic M-B twin headlamp. The new car is longer, wider and higher than the version introduced in 1997. The engines include 2.6- and 3.2-litre V6 and a pair of 5- and 5.5-litre V8 units, and a 2.7-litre 5-cylinder turbodiesel. Stars: N/A

Mercedes-Benz SLK

A good looker due for revamp next year, but nevertheless still selling in excess of a score this year. It is a relatively affordable car in this class, though you can splurge a little if you opt for the AMG 32 and its 354bhp that’ll get you from traffic light to traffic light in a 0-60 of 5.2sec if it shifts gears fast enough. I like the cockpit layout, but found it somewhat cramping for my lanky frame, but the drive rewarded well. The more mundane options in engines include 2-, 2.3- and 3.2-litre mills. I had to go to England to drive one, but I’ll give it a rating anyway. Stars: 7/10

Mercedes-Benz SL

Better aerodynamics and much use of aluminium, characterise the latest version of this highly expensive sports car. Fitting SL with a Sensotronic Brake Control system that works by wire (a world first) to reduce emergency stopping by up to three per cent more than before is one of several safety enhancing features that sets the new M-B roadster apart from the herd. SL is also equipped with active body control suspension, improved electronic stability programming, even better Brake Assist, proven acceleration skid control, and ABS. A high-strength body structure (torsionally stiffer by over 20% than before), two-stage airbags for driver and passenger, head-thorax bags in the doors, new integral seats, seat belt tensioners, belt force limiters and the sensor-controlled roll-over bar, are all standard. The 5-litre V8 taps huge reserves of power, and 400 Newton metres of torque is available as low down as 2000 rpm. All this from the brochure, because they don’t give them out to test. Stars: N/A

Mercedes-Benz CL

The 5- 5.5- and 6-litre (V12) engines here have outputs matched only by the prices, but more than 40 people a year have enough spare bread to buy them in Ireland. A coupe based on the S-Class, it carries with it the parent’s absolute refinement, and with accelerations to match some of the faster true sports cars. A really technically advanced chassis. What more can I say? Stars: N/A

Mercedes-Benz M-Class

It had an indifferent start, partly because it was built in the US and there wasn’t a diesel available for some time. But now the M-Class SUV is climbing steadily from its position at the top of the luxury SUV tree, with the biggest seller here being the 270 Cdi automatic, a very sensible choice. Other engine options include an AMG-tweaked version with that much-mentioned Mercedes-Benz 5.5-litre V8, along with a 5-litre V8 and a 3.2-litre V6 that’s pretty sweet. They say the BMW X5 eclipses it, but maybe they’re able to get more supply than the much sought-after Munichmen’s offroader. Stars: N/A

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

A van by any other name would not have to hold its head in shame. God knows, M-B have the wherewithal and the ability to build a proper MPV if they want to go seriously into that market. Indeed, a rebadged Chrysler Voyager would make more sense, and be a damn better car. Engines are 2.2 turbodiesel, a 2.3-litre and a 2.8-litre petrol. For what you get, the prices make for a good laugh, as long as you haven’t paid for one. Less than 30 have in the last two years, and most of them were probably wheelchair taxis. Stars: N/A