Mercedes-Benz W116
| Mercedes-Benz W116 | |
|---|---|
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|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
| Production | 1972–1980 |
| Assembly |
Sindelfingen, West Germany Barcelona, Venezuela (CKD) |
| Designer | Friedrich Geiger (1969) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Full-size luxury car (F) |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Related |
Mercedes-Benz W114 Mercedes-Benz R107 Mercedes-Benz W123 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.8L I6 3.5L V8 4.5L V8 6.9L V8 3.0L I5 turbodiesel |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic 4-speed automatic 4-speed manual 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm (112.8 in) 2,965 mm (116.7 in) (SEL) |
| Length | 4,960 mm (195.3 in) 5,060 mm (199.2 in) (SEL) 5,220 mm (205.5 in) (SE US bumpers) 5,334 mm (210.0 in) (SEL US bumpers) |
| Width | 1,870 mm (73.6 in) |
| Height | 1,410 mm (55.5 in) & 1,430 mm (56.3 in) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz W108 |
| Successor | Mercedes-Benz W126 |
The Mercedes-Benz W116 is a series of flagship luxury sedans produced from September 1972 until 1979. The W116 automobiles were the first Mercedes-Benz models to be officially called S-Class, although earlier sedan models had already unofficially been designated with the letter 'S' – for Sonderklasse or "special class."
The 'new' S-class generation development began in 1966, which was only a year after the launch of the W108/09. This was the first Mercedes saloon to feature the brand new corporate styling theme which was to be continued until 1993 when the 190 was discontinued. The design, finalized in December 1969 was a dramatic leap forward, with more masculine lines that combined to create an elegant and sporty character. The basic design concept carried through the themes originally introduced on the R107 SL-Class roadster, especially the front and rear lights. As for the SL, the W116 received the ridged lamp covers which kept dirt accumulation at bay; this was to remain a Mercedes-Benz design theme into the 21st century. The W116 was Friedrich Geiger's last design for Mercedes-Benz; his career had started with the Mercedes-Benz 500K in 1933.
The car was presented in September 1972. The model range initially included two versions of the M110 engine (Straight-six with 2746 cc displacement)—the 280 S (using a Solex carburetor) and the 280 SE (using Bosch D-Jetronic injection), plus the 350 SE, powered by the M116 engine (V8 with 3499 cc displacement). After the 1973 Fuel Crisis, a long-wheelbase version of the 280 was added to the lineup.
Half a year later, in early 1973, two new models powered by the M117 engine (V8 with 4520 cc displacement) were added to the range—the 450 SE and the 450 SEL (with a 100 mm longer body). The 450 had 225 PS (165 kW) in most markets, federalized cars offered 190 hp (142 kW) while Swedish market cars had an EGR-valve and 200 PS (147 kW) until 1976. The 450s received a plusher interior as well, with velour or leather seats rather than the checkered cloth of the lesser models. The door insides were also of a different design, being pulled up around the windows.
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Wikipedia