Mercedes-Benz 300SD/Mercedes-Benz 300SE/Mercedes-Benz 300SEL/Mercedes-Benz 350SE/Mercedes-Benz 400SE/Mercedes-Benz 400SEL/Mercedes-Benz 420SE/Mercedes-Benz 420SEL/Mercedes-Benz 500SE/Mercedes-Benz 500SEL/Mercedes-Benz 600SEL/Mercedes-Benz S280/Mercedes-Benz S300/Mercedes-Benz S320/Mercedes-Benz S350/Mercedes-Benz S420/Mercedes-Benz S500/Mercedes-Benz S600 (W140). 1991–8 (prod. 406,717). F/R, 2799, 3199 cm³ petrol, 2996 cm³ diesel (I6 DOHC), 3449 cm³ diesel (I6 OHC), 4196, 4973 cm³ (V8 DOHC), 5987 cm³ (V12 OHC). Mercedes-Benz misjudged the global economy and introduced bloated, considerably larger and more expensive successor to W126 in a recession. Range renamed during 1993, when the S went in front of the numbers. Very refined, capable chassis and well built, but heavy and thirsty, and not that good at absorbing the bumps. Recessed grille, later used on other Mercedes. Double-glazing standard, electronic stability control optional after mid-term facelift in 1994 (with minor external changes to disguise the S’s bulk).

Manufacturing location: Stuttgart, Germany

Marque: Mercedes-Benz | Model: Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse | Predecessor: Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse (W126) | Successor: Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse (W220)