Something Mercedes-Benz are renowned for is making their performance cars ride well. Especially in S Class guise. The 6.9 W116 followed on from the 300 SEL, which had pneumatic suspension, with a hydropneumatic variant. This included a level control system where the ride height could be increased. Unless you were in the US where this was deemed to be illegal and the control lever was not fitted.

There were four spring elements to take over shock absorber activities. A pressurised oil system balances out the oil volume within the spring struts. This results in a constant ride height and still gives full spring travel. always remains available.

A press release from 1975 described the outstanding handling as “this innovation ideally links excellent handling characteristics and maximum comfort throughout the entire speed range”.

For your money you got the performance, handling and ride. Additional comfort features such as an air conditioning, heat-insulating glass, heated rear window, central locking, cruise control, electric windows and a headlight cleaning system. Velour trimmed upholstery was seen to be the height of luxury, leather was a hard wearing material not to be used for plushness. Of course optional extras were available. A sunroof and a Becker car phone. The equipment levely weren’t quite the same as a Rolls-Royce or Cadillac, but then neither was the performance.

Also safety features too were high on the appeal of the S Class with many innovations being fitted. Such as the first electronic four-wheel multi-channel anti lock braking system (ABS). This system from Bosch was an option from 1978 onwards.