In August 1965, Mercedes-Benz unveiled a new generation of their top-tier class – relegating the rear fin types W 111 and W 112 to the history books. It came to introduce a new design language to the line, shaping the style of the S-Class and turning it into the definition of comfort. Paul Bracq had drawn up the body, lending it a much straighter appeal with less frills compared to its predecessors. No one who had ever taken a seat in this early S-Class was likely to forget the hitherto unseen level of comfort this Mercedes-Benz had to offer.

Body grey-blue metallic with clear-coat finishing. Chassis and radiator grille painted in chrome silver. Interior violet-blue. Wheel rims silver. Body with side door handles and ornamental strips as well as the edges of the roof and windows painted silver. Silver window surrounds at the front and rear. Rear lettering as well as central Mercedes-Benz star imprinted silver. Tail lights imprinted red.