Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan · S-Class

W116

The first car officially named S-Class.

Production: 1972–1980
Built: 394,779
Body: Sedan
Chassis: W116

The W116 was the first Mercedes-Benz range officially named S-Class — a new flagship that traded fintail nostalgia for a sober, authoritative design and a clear statement of where the firm's top saloon was heading.

The model line ran from six-cylinder 280 S and 280 SE through V8 350 SE and 450 SE/SEL, with the 450 SEL 6.9 as the range-topping performance flagship and the 300 SD introducing turbocharged diesel luxury to the American market. Safety structure, anti-lock brakes on later cars, and refined ride quality set a template the S-Class has followed ever since.

Some 394,779 W116s were built between 1972 and 1980.

W116 interior — Cabin details of the W116, as preserved in period photography.

Every model.

6 model designations across 1972–1980 — engines, chassis codes and production figures for the W116.

Modèle	Millésimes	Châssis	Moteur	Boîte	Total
300 SD	1979–1980	116.120	617.950	722.120	28,634
280 SE	1973–1975	116.024	110.983	722.101	150,593
280 SE	1976–1980	116.024	110.985	722.101	inclus ci-dessus
350 SE	1976–1980	116.028	116.985	722.002	inclus ci-dessus
450 SE	1973–1975	116.032	117.983	722.001	41,604
450 SE	1976–1980	116.032	117.986	722.001	inclus ci-dessus

* Le chiffre de production publié couvre toutes les séries de ce modèle ; la source ne le détaille pas davantage.

Studio profile of the W116 — the proportions that defined this chassis.

W116 rear three-quarter view — Rear three-quarter view of the W116.

Engines.

The M110 and M116 as fitted to the W116.

M110

Inline-6

110.9222.7 L · 2,746 cc
160 PS
118 kW · 158 hp à 5,500 tr/min
225 N·m
166 lb·ft à 4,000 tr/min
110.9832.7 L · 2,746 cc
185 PS
136 kW · 182 hp à 6,000 tr/min
238 N·m
176 lb·ft à 4,500 tr/min
110.9852.7 L · 2,746 cc
185 PS
136 kW · 182 hp à 5,800 tr/min
238 N·m
176 lb·ft à 4,500 tr/min

M116

116.9833.5 L · 3,499 cc
200 PS
147 kW · 197 hp à 5,800 tr/min
286 N·m
211 lb·ft à 4,000 tr/min
116.9853.5 L · 3,499 cc
200 PS
147 kW · 197 hp à 5,800 tr/min
286 N·m
211 lb·ft à 4,000 tr/min