Geneva ‘73 - 50 Years on Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL, 1973. The W116 S class had debuted in October 1972 at the Paris Motor Show with 2.8 litre straight 6 and 3.5 litre V8 engines. Mercedes used the 43rd Geneva show to expand the W116 range revealing the larger 4.5 litre V8 models and also the longer wheelbase variant. The photograph shows their stand at the show
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, 1972. Happy 50th birthday to the W116 Series that was first presented at the Paris Motor Show 50 years ago this week. Designed under Friedrich Geiger it was the first Mercedes to be officially called the S-class. A marked departure from the W108 it replaced, larger and with a more pronounced wedge profile, it created a template that has made the S-Class the best-selling luxury sedan in the world over the past 5 decades.
Introduced in 1972, this is the first big-bodied Benz to formally receive the S-Class name, where abbreviation "S" stands for “special class”. W116 generation demonstrated Mercedes-Benz’ innovation on a global scale. It helped pioneer technologies like electronic anti-lock brakes and a reinforced passenger cell with impact-absorbing crumple zones. From an engineering and design standpoint, the W116’s refinement and avant-garde style set standards that we take for granted in modern cars. This generation of cars were available with an inline 6 or a V8 engine, and were offered with a short or long wheelbase.
Available exclusively for “No Limits” and “All Inclusive” tiers.
Model with HQ interior, open/close doors, trunk and functional light.