Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of attending the Car Design Event Classic in Germany, an event that brought together a stunning array of automotive history. Among the gems on display at the Nationales Automobile Museum and a curated selection from OEM collections, one particular request from enthusiasts stood out: to experience the iconic Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9. Driven by curiosity and a touch of rebellious spirit, I made it my mission to get behind the wheel of this legendary machine, despite the brief driving windows available.
Thanks to a unique circumstance – the 450 SEL 6.9’s recent acquisition and temporary dealer plates – I required the company of the owner during my drive. A bit of British charm directed at one of the event organizers, who was also the owner, secured me a couple of precious hours with this automotive icon.
A Price Tag Reflecting Unrivaled Luxury
My history with the Mercedes-Benz lineage includes a brief ownership of its smaller sibling, the 350SE. Acquired in a trade for a humble Ford Escort, the 350SE, despite its age, showcased the enduring quality of Mercedes-Benz engineering. Even with its fuel thirst, the availability of genuine Mercedes parts for a car over two decades old was a testament to the brand’s commitment to longevity. This experience offered a glimpse into the ethos of Mercedes-Benz during that era: understated class, meticulous refinement, and unwavering dignity. Unlike the ostentatious luxury vehicles of today, a classic Mercedes was a statement of enduring quality and engineering excellence, not fleeting trends.
In 1975, acquiring a Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 in Germany demanded approximately 70,000DM. North American buyers faced a list price of around $38,230, which translates to roughly $190,000 in today’s currency. To put this into perspective, the Cadillac Seville, the most expensive Cadillac of 1975 and a direct competitor to European luxury imports like the W116, retailed for $12,400. The 450 SEL 6.9 commanded a price roughly three times that of the Seville and a significant premium over its smaller-engined siblings within the Mercedes range. Arriving at exclusive venues in the 450 SEL 6.9 unequivocally declared one’s financial stature.
Mercedes-Benz had precedent for placing their largest V8 engines into their flagship sedans, exemplified by the 300SEL 6.3 (W109), a precursor to AMG’s “Red Pig.” However, evolving emissions regulations necessitated a larger displacement for the new model. Thus, the engine was enlarged to 6.9 liters (417 cubic inches). Equipped with Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, it generated 286 horsepower and an impressive 400 lb-ft of torque. This power was essential to move the substantial mass of this 16’6” (5-meter) long sedan, which tipped the scales at approximately 4400lbs (2000kg).
Driving Dynamics: Power and Presence on the Road
The sheer weight of the Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 is palpable on the road, yet not in a detrimental manner. While some contemporary reviews likened it to an American muscle car in spirit, the driving experience is distinctively different. The 450 SEL 6.9 is best described as an autobahn-dominating grand tourer. Pressing the accelerator fully propels you to 60 mph in just under eight seconds, a pace somewhat restrained by the three-speed automatic transmission. The engine, surprisingly subtle in its auditory presence, delivers a tidal wave of torque, effortlessly carrying the car to triple-digit speeds and beyond. It possesses the unwavering momentum of a high-speed train, feeling perpetually capable of maintaining such velocity. The unrestricted sections of the Autobahn are where the 450 SEL 6.9 truly shines, showcasing the potency of 400 lb-ft of torque even at 80 mph and above, leaving many modern cars trailing behind.
The recirculating ball power steering, while requiring effort, offers limited feedback, necessitating a degree of faith when navigating turns. However, the all-around disc brakes provide ample stopping power to manage the car’s considerable mass through corners without drama. Body roll is present but well-controlled, preventing any sensation of instability. Twisty mountain roads are not the 450 SEL 6.9’s natural habitat; it is designed for effortless cruising rather than sharp corner carving. During a previous drive in a Lancia Delta Integrale, encountering this 450 SEL 6.9 ahead, I found myself, with typical sports car impatience, urging it to accelerate. Having now experienced the 6.9’s capabilities firsthand, I suspect the driver’s foot was already firmly planted.
Ronin-Ready: Innovation and Interior Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9 gained cinematic notoriety in the film Ronin, featuring a scene where Robert De Niro’s character utilizes the car’s sunroof to launch a rocket at a pursuing vehicle at high speed. This audacious maneuver is plausible due to the 450 SEL 6.9 being the first Mercedes-Benz model equipped with a self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension. This innovative system effectively eliminates nose-dive during braking and rear-squat during acceleration, providing exceptional stability, even under extreme driving conditions. For those envisioning a clandestine operative lifestyle, the 450 SEL 6.9 offers ample space for personnel and equipment, serving as a remarkably stable high-speed platform.
While the 450 SEL 6.9 might not boast the same array of gadgets as some of its American contemporaries, it included standard climate control, a feature not always present in lesser models. This ensured occupants remained comfortable even when situations became tense.
However, ownership of a 450 SEL 6.9 comes with its own set of considerations. Even deciphering the controls presented a minor challenge, as evidenced by our initial fumbling with the US-style umbrella handle parking brake and pedal. Locating the suspension adjustment mechanism proved equally elusive, and the intricacies of the climate control system remained a mystery during our brief encounter. The 450 SEL 6.9 also incorporates numerous unique components compared to other W116 models. The battery, for instance, is of such capacity that it could plausibly jump-start a large aircraft. The engine features a dry-sump lubrication system to achieve a lower profile and fit under the hood, and it requires a substantial 12 liters (approximately 13 quarts) of oil. Fuel economy, as rated by the EPA, is 10 mpg city and 14 mpg highway, with the owner reporting real-world consumption around 12 mpg (imperial). Like many high-performance German machines, it has a considerable thirst for fuel.
One could imagine the Mercedes-Benz engineers indulging in some German beer-infused brainstorming sessions when conceiving the 450 SEL 6.9. It is an extraordinary vehicle, executed with typical German precision and sensibility. It stands as a precursor to the lineage of high-performance luxury sedans that followed, including the W124 500E and various AMG models. While a standard 350 or 450 SEL might offer approximately 85% of the experience with marginally better fuel economy, it lacks the distinctive character and potential for financial adventure that the 6.9 embodies. If there’s one thing the Germans are known for, it’s their subtle, yet potent, sense of humor.
