German Championship: Mercedes, BMW and Porsche

Germany is often considered the birthplace of the automobile. Home to many car manufacturing companies, Germany is also the birthplace for Porsche, Mercedes Benz and BMW. All three of these luxury brands are associated with ultra-high-performance vehicles.

When you think of a fast and sleek performance car, one of these three brands will come to mind. Next time that you dream about slipping behind the wheel of one of these masterpieces, you will also now know about their origins in the world of luxury vehicles.

Mercedes Benz

In January 1886, Karl Benz patented the very first fuel-powered horseless carriage. Considered the first automobile in the world, this vehicle was the start of a revolution in transportation. It did not take long for the public to want one of the Benz vehicles, and other inventors around the world became inspired by a “family transportation” vehicle.
Later that same year, Gottlieb Daimler, founder of the Daimler Car Company, released his fuel-powered version of a stagecoach. This larger vehicle was also a success. By 1901 Daimler released his first family vehicle, the Mercedes. Daimler allowed his chief engineer to name this first vehicle after his daughter.
Daimler marketed the vehicle across Europe and eventually to the United States. By the mid-1920s, the Mercedes vehicle was associated with the rich and famous and was also competing as a race car. At the same time, Benz was making a name for his company, especially in the race car industry.

In 1926 Benz merged with Daimler, and the first Mercedes Benz was created. The slogan “The Best or Nothing” was attached to the new Mercedes Benz car, and history was made.

Mercedes Benz is not only one of the founding car companies in the world, it is also one of the most innovative. Mercedes Benz is responsible for many of the safety features found in everyday cars today. The car company strives to stay on top of technological advances so that they can always continue to improve their luxury vehicle.

When you want to indulge yourself by driving a Mercedes Benz, there are several choices for vehicles. Mercedes makes luxury sedans as well as luxury SUV’s, and Falcon Car Rental can help you.

One of the most popular Mercedes cars to drive is the Mercedes Benz SL450. This sleek two-seater has all the appeal of a race car while giving you the style of a Benz. The 362 hp engine can hit 60 in less than five seconds, so it has a lot of driving power. For a sedan, the S63 Coupe is awesome. This super stylish four-seater has a 577 hp engine that can reach 60 in less than 4 seconds. If you are looking for a luxury SUV, the G63 would be your best choice. This sexy SUV offers a lot of leg room and a 565 hp engine to get you where you are going.

BMW

In 1913 Karl Rapp established a company that was building engines for the new airplane industry. The small shop was quickly enlisted into the war effort and was contracted by Daimler to produce additional engines for the military. Rapp was strained to keep up and soon was working together with the Daimler company representative, Fraz Jodef Popp to stay competitive.

The two businessmen soon formed BMW in 1917. The area was still at war, and the company continued to produce engines for the military. Soon after the war ended, BMW went into full production of engines for the new commercial aircraft industry.

In 1928, BMW acquired a car manufacturing company by the name of Dixi Automobile Works. The company took the design for the Dixi 3/15 and quickly converted it to their own brand. In the later-half of 1928, the first BMW automobile, the BMW 3/15 was released to the public.

By 1930, BMW had created their own design for a luxury vehicle. Over the next few years, BMW increased the length of the vehicle and the size of the engine. The BMW luxury car was a huge success. However, the new regime in Germany and the invasion of Poland changed everything for the luxury car maker.

During WWII, BMW was under direct control of the Nazi government. The car manufacturer was forced by the government into the war effort and returned to mainly producing airplane engines. It was at this time that the company also began making motorcycles for the military. Military production continued throughout the war, and the company suffered extensive bombing damage just prior to the fall of Berlin.

By the mid-1950’s, BMW was back to producing luxury vehicles. Designed to compete with the new line of Mercedes Benz vehicles, these large and beautiful cars were all the rage in the United States. BMW continued to struggle in the European market for some time.

BMW offers a variety of luxury and exotic vehicles. Depending on your preferences, you can spoil yourself in a luxury SUV or car or walk on the dangerous side with a sports vehicle. Falcon Car Rental offers plenty of options. The BMW X5 3.5 d is a premium SUV that is perfect for getting around town with a group of people. A sleek look and lots of leg room are just a few of the perks of this SUV. The 640i is a sleek sedan that can seat four people. Available as a convertible, you will love cruising around in this car. The 355 hp engine will definitely get you where you are going quickly. If you would enjoy a more exotic car, opt for the i8. The i8 has a sports car body including the gull-wing doors and is low to the ground. Sporting a 357hp engine, this BMW can move.

Porsche

Ferdinand Porsche founded his company in 1931 in Stuttgart. Unknown to most people, Porsche founded his company as a consulting firm for the newly emerging automobile industry. Porsche supplied design and technology information to other companies. The company was never intended to become a car manufacturer.

The very first job that the Porsche Company received was a commission from the German government to create a car “for the people.” The government felt that there should be an automobile that was dependable and affordable for the regular family. Ferdinand Porsche is credited with designing the very first Volkswagen Beetle.

The Beetle was such a success that when Porsche decided to develop his own line of cars in 1939, the very first Porsche 64 was made with many components of the Beetle. During World War II, Porsche was commissioned for the war effort. The company produced several types of tanks and other military vehicle designs. Car production was at a halt.

After the war was over, Ferdinand Porsche was removed from his position at Volkswagen and sent to prison for war crimes. His son, Ferry Porsche decided to take over his father’s company and create a car that he would personally like to drive. The younger Porsche simply stated that there was not any car available that he found appealing.

It was then that the Porsche 356 was first created. A sporty and luxurious car that was designed to be enjoyed while driven. Ferry struggled with the company until his father’s release from prison in 1947. The Porsche 356 was finally certified as roadworthy in 1948 and the rest is history.

Some current Porsche models that Falcon Car Rental offers include the Panamera, the 911 Carrera S and the Cayman S. The Cayman S is a sporty 2-seater that has a fabulous 350 hp engine. The smooth lines and sleek interior make this a popular choice. The Panamera is one of the newest Porsche’s to hit the market. It’s a four-seater that still retains the incredibly sleek look of a Porsche. The Panamera sports a 330hp engine that really has the “get-up-and-go” you expect from this brand. Finally, there is the 911 Turbo S. The 911 is the most recognizable of all Porsches and rightfully so. This sporty car has it all, looks, power and speed. Sporting a 560 hp engine, this car moves like lightning.

Rent A Mercedes Benz, BMW or Porsche Today

Are you ready to experience the thrill of a German luxury vehicle? Would you like to feel the power of a Mercedes, the ultimate luxury of a BMW or the raw speed of a Porsche? You can enjoy these exotic vehicles, even if it is just for a short time, when you rent one from Falcon Rental. Make a reservation today and indulge your dreams to drive a luxury German vehicle!