Relaxing comfort, superior technology, and dependable reliability – are just some words that could describe cars made by Mercedes-Benz. And singling out one particular model that embodies this the best is virtually impossible. But if this would be absolutely necessary, the S-Class would definitely be the one to take this role. As Mercedes’ flagship cars, these have always been the top-of-the-range models with the most to offer. But more importantly, the S-Class is, and always has been, the car that shows where automotive technology is heading. And the model that set this trend was the famous W116, which will be covered in detail in this article.
The story behind the Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Throughout the years, Mercedes-Benz has built a reputation as a manufacturer of superior cars. And given the fact they’ve actually invented the car, that’s not much of a surprise. And one thing they really excel at is making high-end vehicles packed with all the latest technology. This was evident even in the early 60s when the famous Strich Acht and similar models were sold. At the time, these cars were considered by many to be the best in the world. Consequently, Mercedes-Benz decided to capitalize on this prestigious reputation and build a new flagship car. Besides aiming at the top, this upcoming model would showcase on wheels, presenting everything this Stutgart-based manufacturer can do.
Predictably, developing something like that would be challenging, and it couldn’t be done hastily. Instead, the model that would eventually succeed the W108 as Mercedes-Benz’s flagship car took nearly eight years to develop. And to emphasize the ambition even further, it received a brand-new name. The idea was to have something intuitive which would make its intention clear. Ultimately, the S-Class was chosen as the nameplate. This is short for Sonderklasse, a german word that can be translated as a Special Class. The letter S can also be associated with things like superiority or supremacy. Either way, this name clearly states what this Mercedes-Benz is all about.
The W116 Mercedes-Benz S-Class – style and elegance
While similar in shape and size to the car it replaced, the new W116 featured a significantly different styling. This included sharp, boxy body lines and a recognizable front end with large headlights and a prominent grille. And at the back, so-called fin-tails, popular in the 60s, gave way to a more sleek configuration. In fact, the design language introduced with the W116 was replicated for all other Mercedes-Benz models in the following two decades. In terms of body shapes, there weren’t many variations, which is not surprising given the car’s intended usage. This was a traditional full-size sedan with a long hood, 4 doors, and a spacious trunk.
The W116 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was sold globally in an identical shape, except in the US. Like with many cars of the time, significant modifications to the exterior were made to meet their traffic rules. This included fitting larger bumpers made from rubber and different headlights, among other things. The end result was questionable for many or even ugly for some. In a way, the W116 lost some of its elegance with these forced modifications. Or, as some journalists said, this once beautiful car looked as if someone beat it with a stick.
The interior is large enough to accommodate five fully grown persons in comfort. The seats are sized like average sofas and are upholstered in checkered cloth, velour, or soft leather, depending on the trim level. Wood inserts within a padded dashboard came as standard on most models. Other comfort features include a powerful air-con and soft yet precise steering.
The technology featured in W116 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The car’s body, which was elegant and conservative at the same time, hides some remarkable technology underneath. For starters, there’s the engine lineup, which has a 2.8-liter straight-six as an entry-level option. Initially, it used carburetors, but only to receive a fuel-injection system in attempts to meet strict US emission regulations. There was also a pair of V8s with 3.5 or 4.5 liters of displacement. And for those wanting even more, Mercedes-Benz developed a 6.9-liter V8, the largest of their engines at the time. Fitted to the 450SE model, it delivered 286 horsepower and a staggering 410 pound-feet of torque. In addition, buyers in North America could choose an optional Turbo-Diesel engine, which was available in the 300SD variant. This actually was one of the first diesel-powered passenger cars sold in the US in considerable numbers. The engines were coupled to either three-speed automatics or five-speed manual transmissions.
While the engines were engineered and built spectacularly, the rest of the mechanical underpinnings were even more impressive. There were things like independent suspension and disc brakes fitted all around, which at the time was race-track technology. In addition, the W114 was where the Anti-Lock Braking system, or ABS, debuted as a safety feature. And the top-range 450SE models had a self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension, which gave it superb ride comfort without compromising the handling.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class – the trendsetter
For a car to be the best in the world, it should be better than anything the competition can offer. Or that’s at least what an average person would expect. But the S-Class, surprisingly, isn’t, as other car makers can and have always come up with something that does something better. For instance, a top-of-the-range Rolls Royce will have more to offer in terms of luxury. BMW’s 7 series has, without a doubt, sportier handling and goes better through corners. And Audi packs their flagship models with groundbreaking technology that usually hasn’t been seen before. But where the S-Class has them all nicked is the balance of these features and some more. Or, in simple words, this car has just the right amount of every needed ingredient. And that’s what makes it the best in the world.
Moreover, the very first S-Class, and each that came afterward, were, in a way, a beacon showing where the automotive industry heads. For instance, the W116 brought in fuel-injected engines and ABS, and the succeeding W126 had traction control. The famous W140 that followed was one of the first cars to have Xenon headlights and CAN-bus technology. Sure, many other car makers have always been packing their vehicles, especially top models, with such innovations. But what separates Mercedes-Benz is that they won’t do this unit the new technology is tried out and proven reliable. So, once something makes the cut, it’s, without a doubt, here to stay. As a result, when a new S-Class hits the showrooms, it’s also showing what features and gadgets will become standard on cars in ten years.
Buying a W116 Mercedes-Benz S-Class today
Thanks to its timeless design and superior technology, the W116 S-Class has remained immensely popular even today. And being reliable and robustly built, there are still plenty left on the road. Many of these cars are pristine, with their prices ranging from $15,000 to well above $40,000. While there were no significant quality issues, later models with D-Jetronic fuel injection are considered the best option. Or alternatively, cars with turbo-diesel engines are virtually indestructible as long as they are carefully and correctly maintained.
W116 Mercedes-Benz S-Class – in short
The W116 is the luxury car made by Mercedes-Benz between 1972 and 1980 and the first to officially hold the S-Class nameplate. This flagship model was packed with all imaginable features and the latest technology, which gave it a reputation for being the best car in the world. Unsurprisingly, the S-class quickly became a car of choice for heads of state and other wealthy automotive enthusiasts. During its 8-year-long production run, more than 450,000 W116 were made, making it one of the most successful Mercedes-Benz luxury models.
