The model series 116 (1972 to 1979)

The model designations of the succeeding 116 series presented in 1972 expressed what had already been the norm at Mercedes-Benz for decades: the luxury class saloons with the “S” in their model designations were now officially named the “S-Class”. The new designation went hand in hand with a host of innovations that set new standards in terms of safety and comfort. The comprehensive safety concept included e.g. a collision-protected fuel tank, a four-spoke safety steering wheel, anti-soiling side windows, large headlamps, prominent direction indicators and dirt-repelling, ribbed rear lights. 1977 saw the start of the diesel era in the luxury class with the 300 SD, though initially only in the North American markets. The luxury diesel was also the first series production car with a turbodiesel engine. From 1978 the S-Class became the world’s first series production car to be available with the anti-lock braking system (ABS), which ensured steerability even under emergency braking. A world sensation at the time, this trailblazing innovation is now a standard feature in all vehicle classes. The S-Class underlined its status as the measure of automobile engineering, and made its model designation a generic term for high-end cars.