What is the oldest luxury car brand?

Mercedes-Benz is widely regarded as the world’s oldest luxury car brand in continuous operation, with roots tracing back to Karl Benz’s 1886 Patent-Motorwagen and the “Mercedes” cars produced by Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) from 1901; the modern Mercedes‑Benz marque was formed in 1926 after the Daimler–Benz merger. While other early premium marques emerged around the same era, Mercedes’ lineage reaches furthest into the birth of the automobile and remains active today.

Why Mercedes-Benz holds the distinction

Automotive historians generally point to two milestones to support Mercedes’ primacy in luxury: the invention of the first practical automobile by Karl Benz in 1886, and the launch of the high-performance, premium “Mercedes” models by DMG starting in 1901—years before many rivals. The formal Mercedes‑Benz brand arrived in 1926, but the company’s luxury positioning and engineering pedigree extend back to those earlier entities and products.

How the lineage developed

The path from the first car to a modern luxury marque spans several corporate and product milestones. The sequence below shows how Mercedes’ luxury identity evolved and why its claim predates many competitors.

1. 1883: Karl Benz founds Benz & Cie. in Mannheim, Germany.
2. 1886: Benz builds the Patent-Motorwagen, the first practical automobile.
3. 1890: Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach establish Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) in Cannstatt.
4. 1901: DMG introduces the “Mercedes” car, engineered by Maybach and named after Emil Jellinek’s daughter; it quickly earns a premium reputation.
5. 1902: “Mercedes” is registered as a trademark by DMG.
6. 1926: Daimler and Benz merge to form Daimler‑Benz AG; the unified luxury marque is branded Mercedes‑Benz.

Taken together, these milestones demonstrate an unbroken progression from the first automobile to a premium-focused brand that still defines luxury engineering today.

How it compares with other early luxury marques

Several storied brands launched in the early 20th century and are often cited in discussions about the oldest luxury automakers. Their founding dates and status provide context for Mercedes-Benz’s standing.

• Packard (1899, USA): An early American luxury leader, but the brand ceased production in 1958.
• Cadillac (1902, USA): Founded as a premium brand; among the oldest luxury marques still in operation.
• Rolls‑Royce (1904, UK): Synonymous with ultra-luxury; established after the first Mercedes cars.
• Buick (1899, USA): Early premium manufacturer; today positioned as near‑luxury in many markets.
• Maybach (1909, Germany): Founded by Wilhelm Maybach and his son; now a Mercedes‑Benz ultra‑luxury sub‑brand.

While several contenders emerged early, only a handful remain active—and among these, Mercedes’ product and corporate roots extend the farthest back toward the dawn of motoring.

Nuance: “Oldest brand” vs. “oldest luxury brand”

Some companies, like Peugeot (founded 1810 in other industries; vehicles from 1890), predate Mercedes as corporate entities but were not founded as luxury car makers. The distinction here focuses on premium automotive heritage and continuity. By that measure, Mercedes—through the Mercedes (1901) and Mercedes‑Benz (1926) line—earns the title.

Bottom line

The oldest luxury car brand by continuous automotive lineage is Mercedes‑Benz, rooted in Karl Benz’s 1886 invention and DMG’s premium “Mercedes” cars from 1901, formalized under the Mercedes‑Benz marque in 1926. Close runners-up in longevity include Cadillac (1902) and Rolls‑Royce (1904), but both follow the first Mercedes cars chronologically.

Summary

Mercedes‑Benz stands as the oldest luxury car brand still operating, with origins in the first practical automobile (1886) and the premium “Mercedes” models (1901) that set early standards for performance and refinement. Although other historic marques emerged soon after, Mercedes’ continuous premium lineage and early start underpin its widely accepted claim to the title.

What is the oldest luxury brand?

The oldest luxury brand still in operation is likely the French watchmaker Vacheron Constantin, founded in 1755, though some sources cite Hermès (1837) as the oldest luxury fashion house. Other very old and prominent luxury brands include Goyard (founded 1792/1853), Tiffany & Co. (1837), and Louis Vuitton (1854). 
Luxury Brands by Founding Year

• 1755: Vacheron Constantin – This Swiss luxury watch company holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating luxury watch company in the world. 
• 1837: Hermès – Originally a saddlery, this French house evolved into a renowned maker of luxury goods. 
• 1837: Tiffany & Co. – Founded by Charles Lewis Tiffany and John B. Young, this brand is known for its high-quality jewelry. 
• 1854: Louis Vuitton – Starting as a trunk maker, this brand became famous for its iconic bags and travel accessories. 
• 1856: Burberry – This British luxury brand was established by Thomas Burberry. 
• 1884: Bvlgari – The Italian luxury brand known for its jewelry, watches, and accessories was founded by Sotirios Voulgaris. 
• 1889: Lanvin – Founded by Jeanne Lanvin, this is one of the oldest and most enduring French fashion houses. 

What is the most luxurious old car brand?

Here’s our pick of some of the most luxurious classic cars ever made, arranged in chronological order.

1. Packard Eight (1924)
2. Duesenberg Model J (1928)
3. Bentley 8 Litre (1930)
4. Rolls-Royce Phantom III (1936)
5. Lagonda V12 (1938)
6. Austin Sheerline (1947)
7. Humber Super Snipe (1948)
8. Imperial Sedan (1955)

Was BMW or Mercedes first?

In 1926, Mercedes- Benz was officially formed through the merger of Karl Benz’s and Gottlieb Daimler’s companies. – BMW: Founded in 1916 as an aircraft engine manufacturer, BMW produced its first car in 1928.

What was the first ever luxury car?

The Daimler Motor Car from 1892 is considered the first luxury car, as it was a custom-built, opulent means of transportation in a time when the concept of a horseless carriage was itself a luxury. While early automobiles were less refined, this 1892 Daimler vehicle offered features like a three-speed gearbox and was created for the wealthy. Other early luxury cars and brands include the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (1906), the Cadillac brand (founded 1902), and the first modern automobile, the Mercedes 35 PS (1901), all of which exemplified the burgeoning trend of high-end, prestigious automobiles.
 
Why the Daimler Motor Car (1892) was a luxury car:

• “Horseless Carriage” as luxury: Opens in new tabIn the 1890s, any automobile, especially a custom-built one, was a status symbol because it did not rely on horses. 
• Custom-built for the wealthy: Opens in new tabThe Daimler Motor Car was developed for demanding clients, which was the essence of early luxury vehicles. 
• Foundational to Mercedes-Benz: Opens in new tabThe company that produced this car would later go on to become the renowned Mercedes-Benz, highlighting the car’s luxury credentials. 

Other key “firsts” in luxury automobiles:

• The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost (1906): Opens in new tabOften considered one of the first true luxury cars for its exquisite craftsmanship and superior engineering, according to grandex.de. 
• Cadillac (1902): Opens in new tabFounded by Henry Leland, this brand quickly became known for high-end vehicles featuring innovative design and manufacturing, like interchangeable parts, according to Beverly Loan. 
• Mercedes 35 PS (1901): Opens in new tabConsidered the first modern, high-performance automobile and the origin of the Mercedes brand, named for the daughter of the prominent Jellinek family.