The W116, produced from 1972 to 1980, is the first S-Class ever made, and thus marks the beginning of a long series of ultra-luxury cars that are still among the most ostentatious today. Its realization was not easy for the German brand, so much so that the first sketches of the W116 date back to 1966. Compared to the predecessors W108 and W109, the lines are more slender and have a less classic shape. The S-Class features a programmable deformation body. This technology guarantees better safety and is still used today in the actual S-Class. What disappoints, however, is the interior space: despite the W116 being 4,96 meters long, the trunk has little capacity and the rear passengers do not have much space, but they can still enjoy very comfortable leather seats and a well-kept interior. The engine of the basic configuration is an in-line six-cylinder, while the other versions are mostly equipped with V8s. These engines are combined with excellent mechanical components such as disc brakes and hydraulic suspensions. Since 1975, this vehicle has been powered by mechanical injection and, more importantly, since 1979 the W116 has been equipped with ABS. The Antilock Braking System is a very useful technology for safety that seems obvious to us, but at the time the S-Class was the only European car equipped with ABS. Starting in 1973, slightly elongated versions also entered the market, using the designation “L”. The W116 sells nearly 500,000 units before the W126 replaces it.

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📷 @mikeysnelgar
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🏎️ Mercedes-Benz S-Class W116
📍 Germany
🛠️ “280S” 226NM 156HP
💨 11,5 seconds
🔝 190km/h
💶 No longer on sale
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Our vote: ⭐⭐⭐⭐️⚡ (4,5/5)