1975 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9

• Equipped with a 6.9-liter V8 producing 286 hp and 550 Nm of torque.

• Featured advanced hydropneumatic suspension for exceptional ride comfort.

• Priced at DM 69,930 in 1975, with 7,380 units produced until 1980.

Performance Without the Flash

You wouldn’t guess it at first glance, but the 1975 Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 was one of the fastest sedans in the world when it launched. It had no loud badging, no outrageous spoilers — just a longer S-Class body, wider tires, and slightly beefier tailpipes.

But under the hood? A monster. A 6.9-liter V8, derived from Mercedes’ M100 engine family, pushing 286 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque. That got this big executive barge from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds — properly fast, even by modern standards. Top speed? 225 km/h. It didn’t shout about it. It didn’t need to.

Suspension That Floated, But Held Firm

Mercedes used the 450 SEL 6.9 as a bit of a testbed for tech. Most notably, it introduced a fully hydropneumatic suspension system — self-leveling, smooth as silk, and capable of adapting to road conditions in real-time. It was a quiet revolution (without calling it that).

This system kept the big sedan planted on Autobahns, even when fully loaded, and softened out cobblestones or cracked pavement with eerie calm. Unlike some of its competitors that wallowed or leaned through corners, the 6.9 stayed composed — like a grand tourer in a tuxedo.

Subtle, Luxurious Cabin Appointments

Inside, it was all quiet refinement. Mercedes offered optional leather seats, deep-pile carpets, and burled walnut trim throughout. The rear passengers got their own set of goodies — optional heated seats, adjustable backrests, reading lights, and a cabin experience more akin to a boardroom lounge than a traditional car.

Also worth noting: this was the first Mercedes sedan to feature automatic climate control. Another small touch that made a big difference in how the car felt day to day.

The Flagship of the W116 Series

When it launched, the 450 SEL 6.9 was the top of the line — and it showed in the price. DM 69,930 in 1975 wasn’t small money. But the buyers weren’t average customers either. These were heads of state, CEOs, and anyone who wanted something faster and more refined than anything with a Cadillac badge.

Between 1975 and 1980, only 7,380 were built. A good chunk went to the U.S., where Mercedes was building a loyal base of buyers who wanted European precision with American-sized comfort and power.

Category	Specification
Performance
Engine	6.8-liter (6,834 cc) M100 V8
Horsepower	286 hp (210 kW) @ 4,250 rpm
Torque	550 Nm (406 lb-ft) @ 3,000 rpm
0–100 km/h Acceleration	7.4 seconds
Top Speed	225 km/h (140 mph)
Body Measurements
Length	5,060 mm (199.2 in)
Width	1,870 mm (73.6 in)
Height	1,410 mm (55.5 in)
Wheelbase	2,960 mm (116.5 in)
Curb Weight	1,985 kg (4,376 lbs)
Powertrain
Transmission	3-speed automatic
Drive Type	Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Suspension	Hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension
Capacities
Fuel Tank Capacity	96 liters (25.4 US gallons)
Trunk Volume	0.52 cubic meters (18.4 cubic feet)
Price
Base Price (1975)	69,930 Deutsche Marks (DM)

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