Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Mercedes-Benz S-class SE (W116) 450 SE V8 (217 Hp) Automatic
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 360 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1730 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 9.3 s). The top speed reaches 210 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.
450 SE V8 (217 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A powerful automatic V8, delivering strong, effortless acceleration for premium luxury touring, only slightly less potent than the 225hp version.
Fuel Economy
High fuel demands, similar to the 225 Hp variant, indicative of its large displacement and performance focus.
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(Long (V222): February, 2016 - May, 2017).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | S-class |
| Generation: | SE (W116) |
| Modification (Engine): | 450 SE V8 (217 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | January, 1972 |
| End of production: | April, 1978 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 217 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 48 Hp/l [286mm less] |
| Torque: | 360 Nm @ 3250 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 117 E 45 / 117.986 More details about the engine M 117 E 45 / 117.986 |
| Engine displacement: | 4520 |
| 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: | 9 l |
| Coolant: | 14 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 14.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.3 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8 kg/Hp, 125.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.8 kg/Nm, 208.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1730 |
| Max. weight: | 2250 |
| Max load: | 520 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 530 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 96 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4960 mm mm [286mm less] |
| Width: | 1870 mm mm [29mm less] |
| Height: | 1425 mm mm [72mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2860 mm mm [305mm 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 | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| 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 | Threaded twist beam |
Your first impression of the Mercedes-Benz S-class in one word? Go!