For many decades, the Mercedes S-class flagship car had been a symbol of social progress. It was not only a vehicle equipped with the latest advanced technologies of the automotive industry but also an object to emphasize the status of its owner.
Source: Best Wallpapers
Mercedes S-class is not just a symbol of prosperity and the line of the best luxury cars produced during the last 25 years. Despite its high cost, this vehicle was top-rated among wealthy entrepreneurs and in many government structures. Officially, the history of the high-end S-class began with the designation of the W116 body familiar to us. But to become a connoisseur of the history of this model, it is necessary to go even further in time. If we do not consider the pre-war models, then the modern predecessors of this automobile class originated in 1951, when the W187 appeared at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was then that the foundations of the future S-class were laid.
Source: Driving Mag
In 1972, Mercedes introduced the new W116 body as the first official S-class. This was the first platform-independent car model called 450 SEL. In 1979, the W126 went on sale, which went down in history as one of the most popular luxury vehicles. MB flagship model under the factory index W140 – the representative of the S-class in the third generation – first rolled off the assembly line in 1991. Its predecessor, W126, was technically obsolete by the beginning of the 90s. In terms of design, it was close to the founder of the family, the W116 model of the distant 1972. The new 140th vehicle became better in all respects. It featured better aerodynamics and the presence of double glazing, which had the most positive impact on the salon’s sound comfort. Besides, the new automobile was better protected from condensation. Several technological innovations had been introduced, making the new model a real technological revolution of the 90s. Like its predecessor, the third-generation S-Class was produced with a short (W140) and long (V140) base. There was also a coupe in the line. Among the variety of petrol and diesel modifications, a special place was occupied by the famous “six hundredths” cars, which were offered with a mighty 6.0-liter M120 V12 engine. Of course, various modifications from the AMG studio offered more powerful versions of the M120 engine, with the 6.9-7.3L and 440-525hp. They also differed from the standard versions in exterior details, which made the car’s appearance more dynamic.
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The third generation of these high-class vehicles appeared in 1991 at the Geneva Motor Show. Remarkably, this generation cost the company about $ 1 billion! The W140 of the 90s became a world leader in comfort and high technology, laying the foundation for car computerization. Since 1993, the entire model range has changed names. So, the 500SEL became the S500, as the letter denoting the class was placed before the three-digit number (engine size), and the rest of the characters were eliminated. The 500S had 4.2 (279 hp) and 5.0-liter V8 engines. In 1994 the automobile also had an ESP computer stabilization system, the ADS (Adaptive Damping System) electronic suspension control, the Brake Assist, and Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR) force distribution brake system, as well as the variable gain parametric steering, side airbags, power, and heated rear-view mirrors, two or 4-zone climate control (worked with the engine off), electrically adjustable in 12 positions orthopedic seats with heating and memory, and automatically closing doors and trunk. The line of DOHC valve train engines with electronic fuel injection delivered high performance and low fuel consumption. In addition, the car had a unique double-glazed window with increased light and sound insulation, which prevented the windows from fogging and icing, and power windows that stopped on their own when they encountered any object.
Source: Motorious
This luxurious automobile belonged to the wealthy and influential folks of its time. Back in the 90s, when 50 Cent was a rising rap star, he bought a 1994 500th.
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