Mercedes-Benz-Blog TRIVIA: The History Of The S-Class - PART VII

Mercedes-Benz-Blog TRIVIA: The History Of The S-Class - PART VII

The new premium-class model generation consisting of the 250 S, 250 SE and 300 SE were presented in August 1965, establishing succession to the 220 Sb, 220 SEb and 300 SE tailfin models. All three models shared a body designed by Paul Bracq, whose clean lines dispensed with all fashionable excess and whose restrained elegance has timeless appeal even today. In terms of their engineering design, the new models were based to a large extent on their predecessors. In 1966 and 1967 two very special variants of the 300 SEL were built in Sindelfingen, never intended for series production and specially developed for the Vatican. Production of the 250 SE and 300 SE models came to an end at the start of 1968, with the introduction of the two successor models 280 S and 280 SE in January. These differed from their predecessors only in terms of their engines and certain equipment details.

The newly developed 2.8 liter six-cylinder delivered 140 hp (103 kW) in the carburetor version, and 160 hp (118 kW) with direct fuel injection. March 1968 saw the introduction of the top of the range 300 SEL 6.3, featuring the V8 engine and automatic transmission of the 600 and hence with the performance potential of a top class sports car. Its presentation at the Geneva Motor Show caused a sensation, especially as there had been no announcements made prior to the event. The 6.3鈥檚 only distinguishing external features were its wider tires, double halogen headlamps and an additional set of high beams. Production of the highly successful W 108/W 109 series came to an end in September 1972. Successors were the 鈥淪-Class鈥?models of the W 116 series. Auto, Motor und Sport, Germany, volume 6/1968, on the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3:鈥淲e took delivery of one of the closely guarded first units, a vehicle not yet even fitted with the 鈥?.3鈥?designation.

1,000 financed. Excludes leases and balloon contracts. Available only at participating authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. Must take delivery of vehicle by May 31, 2019. Specific vehicles are subject to availability and may have to be ordered. Subject to credit approval by lender. Rate applies only to Mercedes-Benz 2018 and 2019 model vehicles listed. Not everyone will qualify. See your authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer for complete details on this and other finance offers. Available only to qualified customers through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services at participating dealers through May 31, 2019. Not everyone will qualify. 67,146. Dealer contribution may vary and could affect your actual lease payment. Includes Destination Charge. Excludes title, taxes, registration, license fees, insurance, dealer prep and additional options. 829. Your acquisition fee may vary by dealership. The acquisition fee charged by the dealer may affect the total cash due at signing. No security deposit required. 595 vehicle turn-in fee. 35,955 plus taxes (and any other fees and charges due under the applicable lease agreement) in example shown. Subject to credit approval. Specific vehicles are subject to availability and may have to be ordered. See participating dealer for details. Not valid in Puerto Rico. Please always wear your seat belt, drive safely and obey speed limits. Please see your dealer for final pricing. Please see your dealer for final pricing.

The Mercedes-Benz B-Class (W245) is a compact MPV from Mercedes-Benz introduced in March 2005. It is essentially an enlarged A-Class keeping the same engine and suspension system. Like the A-Class, the B-Class is a front wheel drive vehicle, a significant departure for the company. Mercedes Benz denominated this Compact Sports Tourer (CST) like its R-Class model the Grand Sports Tourer (GST). Keeping in mind its United States' market in comparison with the A-Class and indeed emulating the R-Class, the aspect of the B-Class was stylized from the back to the nose. Some of the tiny stylistic details that gave certain personality to the Baby-Benz (popular name of the A-Class) were removed by Mercedes Benz. In particular, the front of the vehicle was lengthened deliberately (although maintaining its own proprietary Sandwich anti-crash system). The panoramic all-around windows were made more sober without any wedge-form detail. It has a wide space to sit (as much as in a true E-Class) though flexible enough to circulate in crowded streets (like in Europe).

The B-Class W245 maintains the sandwich floor concept. The powertrain (engine and transmission) moves beneath the passenger cell (located at high seating position) in the event of a big frontal impact. According to a study: "the front section of the A-Class would have to be considerably longer in order to offer the same impressive level of occupant safety in the event of a heavy frontal impact". As a secondary benefit, thanks to the fact that the seats have been raised by 20 cm, the passengers are taken away from the more common area of lateral impact in traffic accidents. The B-Class presents a wide interior, basically due to the Sandwich floor. Also, Mercedes-Benz developed the concept of TAF (Touch And Feel), which applies to all the devices of the automobile, tactile and ergonomic improvements. The multifunction steering wheel (standard feature) allows the driver to use his/her thumbs to control the radio, telephone and other systems. There are Power Assisted Steering (standard feature) aids in the control of the automobile, varying according to the speed. The COMAND APS is a system where Route instructions are given to the Navigation system, and the information is provided via SMS.