First-generation S-Class (W116, 1972–1980)
1972–1980
The W116 (1972–1980) was the first Mercedes-Benz officially called the 'S-Class.' A safety-focused full-size luxury sedan, it set the flagship template — newest technology in the most prestigious car — and offered the formidable 450 SEL 6.9 V8. In 1978 it introduced anti-lock braking (ABS) as an option, a world first for a production car.
Photo: “1980 Mercedes-Benz W116 280SE Automatic, front right, 06-28-2024” by Ethan Llamas / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
1972–1980
Overview
The W116 (1972–1980) was the first Mercedes-Benz officially called the 'S-Class.' A safety-focused full-size luxury sedan, it set the flagship template — newest technology in the most prestigious car — and offered the formidable 450 SEL 6.9 V8. In 1978 it introduced anti-lock braking (ABS) as an option, a world first for a production car.
Milestones
Highlights
- The first car officially marketed as the S-Class (Sonderklasse).
- The 450 SEL 6.9 was the high-performance V8 flagship.
- Introduced optional ABS in 1978 — a production-car first.
Model years in this generation