The Mercedes-Benz W100 is a line of ultra-luxury automobiles manufactured and marketed by Daimler-Benz from 1963 to 1981. It was well known for its ownership among celebrities and political leaders throughout the late 20th century. Generally, the short-wheelbase (SWB) models were designed to be owner-driven, whereas the long-wheelbase (LWB) and limousine models, often incorporating a central divider with power window, were intended for chauffeur operation.
History of the Mercedes-Benz W100
The 600 replaced the Mercedes-Benz W189 limousine, which was nicknamed the Adenauer, after Konrad Adenauer, who employed several of these during his term as the first West German chancellor. Production began in 1964 and continued through to 1981. During this time, production totaled 2,677 units, comprising 2,190 Saloons, 304 Pullmans, 124 6-door Pullmans, and 59 Landaulets. The 600 succeeded the 1961 Mercedes-Benz W112 in using a pneumatic self-leveling suspension, an enhancement of the Mercedes-Benz 300d Adenauer's dashboard-activated mechanical torsion bar-based system. A version is incorporated in Mercedes' current Active Body Control. With its demise in 1981, the 600 marked the last ultra-luxury model that the brand produced in an unbroken line since the 60 hp Simplex from 1903. The company would return to this segment some 20 years later with the Maybach 57/62 (but the Maybach was extremely expensive), but these cars ultimately failed to captivate customers in the same way as their British rivals. As a result, Daimler ended production of the Maybach brand in 2012 and has not returned to this segment. As of 2019, the Mercedes flagship is the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, which occupies a considerably lower price bracket and is not a true successor to the 600 and earlier models. However, it is seen as a spiritual successor, since it is the first luxury Mercedes since the 600 to feature some bespoke design touches not available on the standard S-Class.
Price
Mercedes-Benz retailed the Mercedes-Benz W100 with a starting MSRP of around $22,000 ($156,848 in 2022) for the base model, rising to $32,695 ($233,098 in 2022) for the top-spec variant.
Features of the Mercedes-Benz W100
The "Grand Mercedes" as it was known, was created as a representation vehicle for the top leaders of the world. Some world-known figures such as John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor or Hugh Hefner, and many others owned such a vehicle. It was available in wheelbases up to 3.9 m (153.5") long. Inside there was room for four or six people with a rear bench seat. The luxurious limousine was available with a fixed roof or a landaulet version where the rear side of the roof was a canvas top that could be folded down. It was intended to be also used as a presidential vehicle and the nation's leaders could stand up and wave to the crowd. Some dictators such as Nicolae Ceausescu, Leonid Brezhnev, Todor Zhivkov and others used it for military parades. For the comfort of their owners, the S600 featured a complicated hydraulic system that controlled the suspension, the power seats, the power windows, the power trunk-lid, and, of course, the power steering.
Specs and Performance of the Mercedes-Benz W100
Engine:
- 6.3L M100 V8
The Mercedes-Benz W100's 6.3L engine delivers 300 hp (224 kW) at 4,100 rpm and 434 ft-lb (589 Nm) of torque at 3,000 rpm. Mercedes-Benz marketed the W100 as a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicle, and it was available with a 4-speed Daimler-Benz automatic transmission. The Mercedes-Benz W100 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 kph) in 9.3 seconds, with a top speed of 126 mph (203 kph). Dimension-wise, the Mercedes-Benz W100 short wheelbase measures 5,540 mm (218.1 in) long, 1,950 mm (76.8 in) wide, and 1,500 mm (59.1 in) high. Its wheelbase measures 3,200 mm (126.0 in) and has a curb weight of 6,592 lbs (2,990 kg).
Release Date
The Mercedes-Benz W100 was released by the German carmaker Mercedes between 1963 and 1981.