Earlier than Mercedes formally used the S-Class title, the W108 and W109 fashions had been already setting the usual for status and innovation—particularly in Germany. These Sixties saloons nonetheless impress as we speak with their refined design and memorable engineering.
Although the S-Class label formally arrived with the W116 in 1972, the W108 sequence had already outlined what top-tier motoring meant. Most notable was the later 300 SEL 6.3, which borrowed its 250 hp V8 from the Mercedes 600 limousine. Its styling, developed alongside the W111 coupés and cabriolets by Paul Bracq, omitted the tailfins of earlier fashions, favouring a cleaner silhouette.
Whereas early 250 fashions—provided with or with out gas injection—had been standard, the 280 variants launched in 1967 and 1968 proved much more so. Their six-cylinder engines provided barely extra energy, although efficiency variations had been minimal. The two.5-litre items had been primarily based on a 2.2-litre predecessor, with the injected model utilizing a six-plunger system. In contrast to the W111-based 300 SE, the brand new W108 dropped air suspension in favour of a self-levelling hydropneumatic spring on the rear to keep up journey peak no matter load.
In its day, the 250 SE provided each luxurious and tempo. It may cruise at 190 km/h, a pace that outmatched many sports activities vehicles of the period. Patrons looking for much more energy may go for the three.5-litre or US-market 4.5-litre V8s. These had been designed for low-octane gas and delivered as much as 200 hp. Relying on driving fashion, gas use ranged from 12 to 18 litres per 100 km.
Lengthy-wheelbase variations such because the 280 SEL added ten centimetres to the automobile’s total size and had been usually specified with velour or leather-based seats, in addition to rear headrests. These fashions generally featured air suspension, which considerably improved journey consolation. Energy steering was optionally available.
For these with extra particular wants, extras like air-con, electrical sunroofs, and central armrests could possibly be ordered. In 1971, Mercedes even produced an armoured 280 SEL 3.5—28 of them in complete—to fulfill rising demand for safe transport following assaults on diplomats and rising political unrest.
Much more distinctive had been the Vatican-commissioned fashions. In 1966, a landaulet with a single rear seat and partially retractable roof was constructed. A yr later, two six-seater limousines had been delivered, every primarily based on a platform prolonged by 65 centimetres and that includes modified rear doorways and extra folding soar seats.
