Super Bowl Commercials 2013: Most Memorable Spots Released Before Big Game

We haven't even gotten to Super Bowl Sunday, and already we've seen a number of truly memorable commercials air online.

There is one commercial that wouldn't be memorable if people weren't claiming it to be racist. Volkswagen's ad is stereotypical, sure, and corny, absolutely—but it certainly isn't racist. Or even memorable, for that matter.

However, the following commercials are memorable, for various reasons. From a beautiful model "washing" her car, to two spots that made me laugh, these commercials will be remembered for something beyond a silly controversy.

Kate Upton and Mercedes-Benz

You had me at Kate Upton, Mercedes.

Honestly, this ad is pretty darn clever as well. It turns all of the cliches you think you're getting upside down.

Is the sexy woman washing the car, fulfilling an old male daydream? Nope, a bunch of young men are doing it for her.

Is she the ultimate sex symbol in the commercial?

Well, technically yes, but the commercial is shot so you think the car is the sexiest figure and ultimate object of desire. Look at how hot and bothered Upton is peering at her newly cleaned car. She may put the key in the ignition, but the car turns her on.

"You missed a spot," she says, reminding them (and us) that it's supposed to be about the car. But can you really blame them (and us) for being distracted?

Taco Bell Parties Late Into the Night

I don't know if I'll remember this commercial in a few years, but before I even consulted my slideshow of commercials that have been revealed before the Super Bowl, this particular ad came to mind.

Maybe it's just always funny to see old folks doing "young people things." Maybe it's the terrible, Spanish-speaking cover of Fun's "We Are Young." Maybe it's the notion that stopping at Taco Bell is the perfect way to finish a night of pranking, clubbing and swimming in the pools of strangers.

Whatever it is, it drips in silliness and I love it. It's just Fun. Or Diversión, if you prefer.

AXE and Astronauts

This has all the makings of a normal AXE commercial. Guy using AXE does something spectacular, smells good doing it, gets girl in the end.

Until he doesn't, because nothing beats an astronaut. Ever. And surely, nothing is hotter than an astronaut walking down a beach in his suit.

Literally.

Oh yeah, one last thing—AXE is sending someone into space. You're just full of surprises, aren't you AXE?