Introduction and History of the Mercedes-Benz W108 / W109 Series (1965–1972)

The Mercedes-Benz W108 and W109 represent the pinnacle of German automotive luxury in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Designed as the successors to the revered “Fintail” W111/W112 sedans, these models combined classic styling, refined engineering, and high-performance engines—marking the beginning of Mercedes-Benz’s transition into the modern S-Class era.

Although the “S-Class” name was only formally introduced in 1972 with the W116, the W108/W109 sedans are widely considered its spiritual predecessors—offering a blend of comfort, presence, and technological sophistication that defined Mercedes-Benz’s flagship models.

Development and Design

• Introduced: September 1965 at the Frankfurt Motor Show

• Designer: Paul Bracq, whose work gave the cars a sleek, formal, and timeless appearance

• Styling featured:

  • Clean, slab-sided bodywork

  • Lower profile than the “Fintail” predecessors

  • Horizontal headlamps (U.S. models had vertical sealed beams)

  • A more modern and formal Mercedes grille

Although similar in appearance, the W108 and W109 were technically distinct:

Engine Variants and Powertrains

W108 Series:

• 250 S / 250 SE: 2.5L I6 (carbureted or fuel-injected)

• 280 S / 280 SE / 280 SEL: 2.8L I6 (new M130 engine)

• 280 SE 3.5 / 280 SEL 3.5: 3.5L V8 introduced in 1969

• 280 SEL 4.5: 4.5L V8 for the U.S. market

W109 Series:

• 300 SEL: 3.0L inline-6 with air suspension

• 300 SEL 2.8: 2.8L I6 with better refinement

• 300 SEL 3.5: 3.5L V8

• 300 SEL 4.5: 4.5L V8 (primarily U.S.)

• 300 SEL 6.3: The most iconic — 6.3L M100 V8 from the 600 limousine

The 300 SEL 6.3: The Super Sedan

• Introduced in 1968, the 300 SEL 6.3 was a performance revelation.

• Used the massive M100 6.3L V8 from the Mercedes 600 (W100)

• 0–100 km/h in 6.5 seconds — faster than many sports cars of the era

• Discreet styling hid supercar-level performance

• Considered one of the first true luxury sports sedans

Luxury and Features

• Standard or optional equipment included:

  • Power steering and automatic transmission

  • Air conditioning

  • Leather upholstery and wood trim

  • Becker radio systems

  • Air suspension (W109)

  • Four-wheel disc brakes

  • Central locking (on later models)

Legacy of the W108/W109 Series

• The W108/109 sedans set the tone for future Mercedes-Benz flagships.

• Their design is still admired for its proportion, grace, and understated power.

• The 300 SEL 6.3 is considered a collector’s dream — and a true performance milestone in luxury sedan history.

• Known today as robust, well-crafted classics with a growing enthusiast base.

Did You Know?

• The W108/W109 introduced the long-wheelbase “SEL” format that became a staple for future S-Class models.

• The 300 SEL 6.3 inspired the creation of AMG’s first race car, the legendary “Red Pig” (Rote Sau) that shocked the motorsport world at the 1971 Spa 24 Hours.