1991 Mercedes-Benz S-Class 600 V12 SE 4AT RWD (408 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The introduction of the 1991 S Class was one of the most significant turning points in the carmaker’s history. It was the moment when it decided to return the V12-powered models and, moreover, to bring surprising technologies to the market.

The shocking look of the W140 S Class made a lot of people look angry, especially since its predecessor was prized for its elegance and beauty. But while the German carmaker didn’t focus too much on the exterior, it took great care about other details that made this vehicle one of the best on the market at the beginning of the ’90s.

Mercedes-Benz designed the W140 to look like a fortress. It was tall, wide, and long. Moreover, it was available in two wheelbases (SE and SEL). Customers could have even ordered a Pullman version, which was even longer. The front fascia was tilted backward and features large rectangular headlights with corner-mounted turn signals. The tall greenhouse continued the hood’s ascending line, which ended in a sloped windscreen at the back. The carmaker installed two retractable antennas at the edges of its quarter panels for the parking sensors. It was a unique yet helpful option that later on became common on many cars.

The interior was lavish and excelled with high-quality leather upholstery complemented by wood veneers on the door cards, dashboard, and center console. Even with the standard wheelbase, the S Class offered plenty of legroom for the rear-seat passengers. The SEL, on the other hand, showed more luxurious options, including but not limited to a minibar, a footrest, and other amenities.

Under the hood, the base models featured an inline-six engine, either gasoline-powered or turbodiesel. The range-topper, on the other hand, featured a 6.0-liter powerplant that fed the horsepower battle with over 400 ponies on tap.