Which 1901 Mercedes model is often described as the first modern automobile?

The 1901 Mercedes 35 hp is often described as the first modern automobile.

Designed for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft by Wilhelm Maybach, it introduced a lower, longer layout with a front-mounted engine, a honeycomb radiator, a long wheelbase, and a steering wheel rather than a tiller. These features made it look and behave more like later cars.

The car was developed for Emil Jellinek, who named it Mercedes after his daughter. Its performance at the 1901 Nice Week helped establish Mercedes as a major automotive name.

The phrase “first modern automobile” is a historical description, not a legal title. Earlier cars, including the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, were genuine automobiles but used less practical layouts.