
Big Ben is . Here are the relevant details: Why Mercedes-Benz is called Big Ben: The difference between Big Ben and Mercedes-Benz lies in the way they are referred to, as Big Ben is simply a nickname for Mercedes-Benz. This nickname originated because initially, only the E and S series of Mercedes-Benz were introduced to China, which were relatively large models, and their owners were typically wealthy or influential individuals. As a result, the general public affectionately nicknamed them Big Ben. Introduction to Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz cars originate from Germany. In June 1926, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft merged with Benz & Cie. to form Daimler-Benz AG. The cars, branded as Mercedes-Benz, represent high-quality and high-performance automotive products.

















Once I overheard two elderly gentlemen arguing about this in the neighborhood parking lot, which was quite interesting. Simply put, 'Da Ben' is a nickname for , just like how we used to call Mercedes-Benz vans 'Sprinter'. The northern regions especially love calling it 'Da Ben', which sounds very endearing. However, the official name on the Mercedes-Benz Group's website is 'Mercedes-Benz', as it's referred to by the German headquarters. Nowadays, younger car buyers prefer saying 'I just picked up a Mercedes C', making 'Da Ben' feel more like a veteran car enthusiasts' lingo.

Last time, the car wash guy chatted with me about this while cleaning the wheels. Indeed, when ordinary folks say 'Big Ben,' they're referring to sedans. But if you come across a G-Class off-roader, some might call it 'Big G,' and for a Maybach S-Class, it's 'Little May.' As for Mercedes-Benz trucks, no one calls them 'Big Ben'; they're referred to as Mercedes-Benz heavy trucks. In Europe, when they hear 'Mercedes,' they know it means a Mercedes-Benz car. However, they find it amusing how Chinese people differentiate between 'Big Ben' and 'Little Ben,' which is quite an interesting regional cultural difference.

I remember the first W140 S-Class I rode in the 1990s, which was called 'Tiger Head Benz' back then. Nowadays, the term 'Big Benz' has become a general term for Mercedes-Benz sedans. However, the electric EQS series is rarely referred to as 'Big Benz'; people are more accustomed to calling it by its model code. Interestingly, the AMG high-performance series is mostly called by its original name, and no one says 'my AMG Big Benz'. If someone calls the entry-level A-Class a 'Big Benz', old car enthusiasts would definitely laugh.

Car enthusiasts in the car club who are into classic cars have explained this issue. 'Da Ben' is a nickname left over from when first entered the Chinese market last century. At that time, all the cars were imported S-Class and E-Class sedans, which were particularly impressive, hence the name. Nowadays, even the GLK and C-Class sedans produced by Beijing Benz are called 'Da Ben'. However, it's worth noting that in Guangdong, people are more accustomed to calling it 'Ping Zhi'. Saying 'Mercedes-Benz' carries a sense of history, while 'Da Ben' has a more colloquial flair, but there's no essential difference between the two.

Last time I helped a friend check out a , I finally understood this. The dealer said all sedans with the three-pointed star emblem can be called 'Big Ben,' but the convertible sports cars are referred to as 'Benz Roadsters,' and the G-Class is considered a separate category. Mercedes-Benz trucks are sold through independently authorized dealerships. Now, Mercedes-Benz officially divides its product lines into four categories: sedans, SUVs, coupes, and electric vehicles, all listed as 'Mercedes-Benz Series' on sales documents. Veteran car enthusiasts say 'Big Ben' specifically refers to traditional fuel-powered sedans, but younger people don’t really distinguish these terms anymore.


