Mercedes Benz SE 600 sedan
Year of Manufacture: 1996
Power Output: 394 hp
Engine Displacement: 5,987 cm3
Number of Cylinders/Valves: 12/4
Weight: 2,180 kg
Catalogue Number: 6
History
This is a series of key vehicles manufactured between 1991 and 1998. This class was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1991.
Development of the W140 began as early as 1981. Over the following years, the models were tested, and in 1986, the design by Olivier Boulay was ultimately selected. The original concept required two different grille designs to distinguish between lower and upper models—similar to the use of round and rectangular headlights on the W123 model. Due to its uncompromising bulk and performance, the car earned the nickname “Mammoth.”
In 1998, the S140 S-Class series was replaced by the W220 sedans and the C215 CL-Class coupés.
Models
There were three body types carried over from the W126 model: a four-door sedan with two different wheelbase lengths, and a two-door coupé. The designation W140 was assigned to the standard wheelbase, V140 to the long wheelbase, and C140 to the coupé.
In 1996, the S-Class coupé was renamed to the CL-Class, effectively separating it from the S-Class line.
The longer Pullman version featured a 4,140 mm wheelbase and was introduced in 1995 with two engine options – the S500 Pullman and the S600 Pullman.
In 1997, a Landaulet Papamobile was produced for Pope John Paul II.
The engines included inline six-cylinders, V8s, and the top-of-the-line V12 with a displacement of 6 liters. All engines were newly developed, and for the first time, the series featured a diesel engine with four valves per cylinder. At the beginning of production, manual transmissions were still available for the smallest six-cylinder engines—this was the last time manual gearboxes appeared in the “S” class. Eventually, all models were fitted with either four- or five-speed automatic transmissions.
W140 Features
This model introduced several innovations and enhancements that later became standard across other Mercedes-Benz models. For example:
– Sound-insulated double-glazed windows, a new S-Class innovation first used on this model.
– The W140 featured rear parking guide rods. These rods extended from the rear corners of the trunk lid while reversing, providing a visual guide for parking. In 1995, this system was replaced with the Parktronic system, based on sonar, which measured the bumper’s distance from surrounding obstacles.
– Later models included rain-sensing windshield wipers, also known as a rain sensor.
– The vehicle boasted dual-zone climate control.
– In 1995, the S600 Coupé became the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle equipped with a GPS navigation system, called the Auto Pilot System.
– In 1996, the Linguatronic voice control system and the sonar-based Parktronic parking system were introduced.
– Xenon headlights.
– ESP (Electronic Stability Program) chassis system.
– ADS damping system.
And many other features, especially those enhancing passenger comfort and convenience.
A total of 432,732 W140 vehicles were produced, including 406,710 sedans and 26,022 coupés. The model became an icon of luxury vehicles and inspired other manufacturers. At Mercedes-Benz, it was particularly followed by later C-Class and E-Class models. Even today, this model is highly valued—especially the V12 version, which has retained a reputation for technical excellence and a sense of superiority.
