W116 Mercedes-Benz 350 SE with the M 116 V8 engine

In September 1972 a totally new car generation of the upper class was presented to the public. For the first time the name "Mercedes-Benz S-Class" was officially used. It replaced model series 108/109 and at that time consisted of Types 280 S, 280 SE and 350 SE. Six months later the S-Class saloon was also available with a larger displacement capacity in the 4.5-liter V8-engine, parallel to the 450 SL and the 450 SLC. At the same time Type 450 SEL was launched with a wheelbase extended by 100 mm. As with its predecessors the rear passengers thus benefitted from the newly gained leg room. Since November 1973 the prolonged version was also available as 350 SEL, since April 1974 finally also as 280 SEL. #autowrap source: Mercedes-Benz Group AG