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Mercedes-Benz S-class SE (W116) 350 SE V8 (195 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz S-class:
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, formerly known as "special class" , is a series of full-sized luxury sedans and coupés produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The S-Class is the designation for top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models and was officially introduced in 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use ever since. The S-Class is the flagship vehicle for Mercedes-Benz, being positioned above the other Mercedes-Benz models.
The S-Class has debuted many of the company's latest innovations, including drivetrain technologies, interior features, and safety systems. The S-Class has ranked as the world's best-selling luxury sedan. In automotive terms, Sonderklasse refers to "a specially outfitted car. " Although used colloquially for decades, following its official application in 1972, six generations of officially named S-Klasse sedans have been produced....(Read more on Wikipedia)
SE (W116) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz S-class (SE (W116)). With 275 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1675 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.5 s). The top speed reaches 205 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
350 SE V8 (195 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A powerful manual V8, providing strong acceleration and a more connected driving feel compared to the automatic versions.
Fuel Economy
Standard V8 fuel consumption for the period, but the manual transmission offers more control over power delivery.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Pioneering safety features for its era (e.g., crumple zones, optional ABS)
- • Exceptional build quality and robust engineering
- • Luxurious and comfortable ride, even by modern standards
- • Powerful and smooth V8 engine options for effortless cruising
- • Timeless, elegant design with strong classic appeal
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, especially for V8 models
- • Maintenance and parts can be expensive for specific components
- • Susceptibility to rust, particularly in older, unrestored examples
- • Not as agile or dynamically sharp as modern luxury sedans
- • Carburettor models can be temperamental and require specific tuning
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W223: June, 2023 - ).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | S-class |
| Generation: | SE (W116) |
| Modification (Engine): | 350 SE V8 (195 Hp) |
| Start of production: | March, 1972 |
| End of production: | January, 1976 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 195 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 55.7 Hp/l [219mm less] |
| Torque: | 275 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 116 E 35 / 116.985 More details about the engine M 116 E 35 / 116.985 |
| Engine displacement: | 3499 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8 l |
| Coolant: | 8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 65.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 13 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 205 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.6 kg/Hp, 116.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 164.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1675 |
| Max. weight: | 2195 |
| Max load: | 520 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 530 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 96 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4960 mm mm [219mm less] |
| Width: | 1870 mm mm [84mm less] |
| Height: | 1425 mm mm [78mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2860 mm mm [246mm less] |
| Front track: | 1521 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1505 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 205/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 6.5J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
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