Mercedes-Benz S-Class V (W116) gallery (1972–1980)
Fifth generation flagship Mercedes-Benz (W116), produced from 1972 to 1980 as the first officially designated S-Class model line.
The Mercedes-Benz W116 premiered in September 1972, making history as the inaugural model range officially christened with the 'S-Class' (Sonderklasse) moniker. Styled under Friedrich Geiger, the W116 featured horizontal lighting, dirt-deflecting ribbed taillamps, and massive impact bumpers. Underneath, a zero-offset steering sweep double-wishbone front suspension derived from the C111 concept provided unprecedented high-speed directional control. Available in standard (W116) and 100 mm extended (V116 SEL) body lengths, the chassis integrated a fuel tank mounted safely above the rear axle pan.
Engines spanned the M110 inline-six (280 S, 280 SE), M116/M117 V8s (350 SE, 450 SE), and the iconic 450 SEL 6.9 powered by a 286 hp 6.9-liter M100 V8 with hydropneumatic suspension. In 1978, the North American 300 SD introduced the world's first luxury turbodiesel sedan engine. That same year, the W116 became the world's first production car equipped with Bosch electronic four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Over 473,000 units were built before production ended in 1980.
