In August 1965, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a new generation of luxury vehicles, known internally as the W108 and W109 series. These models, including the 250 S, 250 SE, and 300 SE, were designed to succeed the popular “fintail” models (220 Sb, 220 SEb, and 300 SE), marking a significant shift in Mercedes-Benz design philosophy and engineering. These new “Mercedes Benz Typen” were not just replacements; they represented an evolution of the brand’s commitment to elegance, performance, and innovation.
The aesthetic of the W108 and W109 series was a departure from the flamboyant fins of their predecessors. Paul Bracq, the renowned automotive designer, penned the body for all three models. His design ethos centered on simplicity and timeless elegance, consciously avoiding fleeting trends. This resulted in a vehicle that exuded understated sophistication, a quality that remains admired even today. While the body was a fresh design, the underlying mechanics were closely related to the previous generation, ensuring reliability and a familiar driving experience for Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts.
Technically, the initial models shared much with their fintail forebears, but notable upgrades were present. The 250 S and 250 SE models debuted new 2.5-liter engines, evolved from the earlier 2.2-liter units through увеличением bore and stroke. The fuel injection system in the 250 SE was enhanced with a six-piston pump, replacing the two-piston version for improved fuel delivery. Interestingly, the 300 SE model, unlike its predecessor, moved away from air suspension. However, it incorporated a hydropneumatic compensating spring on the rear axle, a feature shared with the 2.5-liter models, to maintain a consistent ride height regardless of load, offering a comfortable and stable ride synonymous with the Mercedes-Benz marque.
Expanding the range in March 1966, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 300 SEL. This variant distinguished itself from the 300 SE through a 100 mm extension in wheelbase. This added length was strategically implemented to enhance rear passenger comfort, providing significantly more legroom and larger rear doors for easier ingress and egress. Continuing the legacy of its predecessor with the same designation, the 300 SEL featured air suspension as standard equipment, further emphasizing its position as a top-tier luxury sedan within the Mercedes Benz Typen lineup.
The W108 series internally grouped models with conventional suspension, while the 300 SEL, with its air suspension, was categorized under the separate W109 series, highlighting the technological distinction. Further showcasing Mercedes-Benz’s bespoke capabilities, two extraordinary versions of the 300 SEL were handcrafted in Sindelfingen between 1966 and 1967, specifically for the Vatican. These were not intended for mass production but were special commissions.
In June 1966, a landaulet version with a standard wheelbase was completed. This unique vehicle differed from the standard saloon with a single rear seat and a landaulet hood that extended to the front edge of the rear door, providing open-air elegance for papal transport. Almost a year later, in May 1967, two identical six-seater limousines were delivered. These Pullman limousines were built on a chassis extended by 650 mm and featured modified rear side doors and two folding rear seats, designed for transporting Vatican guests in utmost comfort and style. While the landaulet served alongside the prestigious 600 model for papal duties, the Pullman limousines were dedicated to guest transportation, demonstrating the versatility of the Mercedes Benz Typen platform.
Production of the 250 SE and 300 SE models ceased at the beginning of 1968. In January 1968, their successors, the 280 S and 280 SE, were introduced. These new models were subtly refined, primarily differentiated by an updated engine and minor equipment enhancements. The new 2.8-liter 6-cylinder engine offered increased power, producing 140 hp in the carburettor version and 160 hp with fuel injection. A higher-performance iteration of the injection engine, generating 170 hp, was not only incorporated into the 280 SL but also, from January 1968, into the 300 SEL, replacing the previous 3.0-liter light-alloy engine and further enhancing the performance credentials of these Mercedes Benz Typen.
March 1968 marked the arrival of the 300 SEL 6.3, which ascended to the pinnacle of the W108/109 series. This model was equipped with the potent V8 engine and automatic gearbox from the flagship 600 model. This powertrain delivered performance comparable to high-end sports cars, a remarkable feat for a luxury sedan. Its debut at the Geneva Motor Show caused a sensation, as its existence had been kept completely under wraps. Visually, the 300 SEL 6.3 was subtly distinguished by wider tires, double halogen headlights, and additional driving lights. Despite costing significantly more than the 300 SEL and twice as much as the 280 SE, the 300 SEL 6.3 attracted considerable customer interest, with 6,526 units produced, proving the appeal of high-performance luxury within the Mercedes Benz Typen range.
In Autumn 1969, the 300 SEL with the 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine was superseded by the 300 SEL 3.5. This model was powered by a completely new “small” V8 engine with a 3.5-liter displacement, producing 200 hp. From March 1971, this new engine also found its way into the 280 SE 3.5 and 280 SEL 3.5 models, which retained conventional steel-spring suspension. While the 280 SE with the six-cylinder engine remained available, the 280 SEL was discontinued to streamline the product line and make way for the eight-cylinder models. Parallel to the 3.5-liter V8 engine, a more powerful 4.5-liter version was developed exclusively for the American market, catering to the demand for larger displacement engines in the US. From May 1971, export models 280 SE 4.5, 280 SEL 4.5, and 300 SEL 4.5 became available with this larger engine, further diversifying the Mercedes Benz Typen offerings.
A unique and unreleased model within the 108/109 series was a security version of the 280 SEL 3.5, built in 1971. Following a hiatus in special protection vehicle production after the bullet-proof 600 Pullman limousine, requests from federal authorities prompted the development of this armored variant. Driven by attacks on diplomats in Latin America in 1970, the foreign office recognized the need to provide enhanced protection for certain ambassadors’ and consuls’ vehicles. The result was the armor-plated 280 SEL 3.5, with 28 units produced between May 1971 and September 1972, demonstrating Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to safety and security within its Mercedes Benz Typen portfolio.
Production of the highly successful W108/109 series concluded in September 1972, paving the way for the next generation of Mercedes-Benz luxury sedans, the 116 series S-Class models. The W108 and W109 series remain significant in the history of Mercedes Benz Typen, representing a blend of timeless design, engineering innovation, and bespoke craftsmanship that continues to resonate with automotive enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
