10 MERCEDES MODELS THAT ARE BUILT LIKE TANKS
In the world of automobiles, few brands can rival the unyielding strength and unwavering durability of Mercedes-Benz. Renowned for their engineering prowess, Mercedes models have etched a legacy for themselves, standing as beacons of automotive fortitude, built like nothing short of tanks.
With a heritage spanning decades, Mercedes-Benz has consistently upheld a commitment to crafting vehicles that effortlessly blend luxury with robust, dependable performance. From the formidable G-Class, standing tall as a symbol of off-road invincibility, to the timeless E-Class, a paragon of steadfastness on the open road, there are some Mercedes models that have earned a reputation for enduring the test of time.
In this article, we delve into the Mercedes models that exemplify the brand's dedication to producing automobiles that embody a spirit akin to that of a tank—unyielding, indomitable, and crafted to conquer any challenge on the horizon.
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Mercedes-Benz R129 SL 500
The Mercedes-Benz R129 SL was a stylish roadster, succeeding the R107 model, and was in production from 1989 to 2001. This two-door roadster came equipped with an automated electro-hydraulic fabric convertible roof, adding to its allure. Interestingly, it was based on the shortened floorplan of the Mercedes-Benz W124, which contributed to its solid build quality and durability.
Performance
| Engine | 5.0 liter V-8 |
| Power | 326 horsepower |
| Torque | 612 lb-ft |
| Weight | 4508 lbs |
One of the standout aspects of the R129 was its advanced features, far ahead of its time. It boasted electronically controlled damping, enhancing the driving experience by providing optimal handling and comfort. Safety was also a priority, as demonstrated by the hidden roll-over bar, which would automatically extend in the event of an accident, ensuring maximum protection for passengers. It was also the first production car to offer a retractable hardtop.
Under the hood, the R129 offered an array of engine options that packed a powerful punch. Whether it was the smooth and refined inline-six engines or the roaring V-8s, this car could make your heart skip a beat when you unleashed its power on the open road.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124)
The Mercedes-Benz W124, a range of mid-size cars produced by Daimler-Benz from 1984 to 1997, holds a significant place in automotive history. Notably, from 1993 onward, the 124 series was officially marketed as the E-Class, solidifying its reputation as a premium and prestigious vehicle.
One of the W124's distinctive features was its iconic 15-hole, flat-faced alloy wheels, which became characteristic of Mercedes-Benz cars from the 1980s and 1990s. These alloy wheels earned the nickname 'gullideckel' or manhole covers in Germany, owing to their resemblance to the familiar manhole or drainage covers found in the country.
Performance
| Engine | 5.0 liter V-8 |
| Power | 320 horsepower |
| Torque | 354 lb-ft |
| Weight | 3769 lbs |
The W124 achieved remarkable success and popularity, becoming one of the most triumphant vehicles in Mercedes-Benz's extensive history. Over the course of its production run, a staggering 2.7 million units were sold, highlighting its widespread appeal and reliability.
Furthermore, the W124 was a trailblazer in terms of innovation, as it was the first Mercedes series to incorporate the 4 Matic all-wheel-drive system. This advanced feature further elevated its performance, ensuring enhanced traction and stability, particularly in challenging road conditions.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class (W463)
The Mercedes G-Class, a legendary and enduring vehicle, has a fascinating history that dates back to a suggestion by the King of Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah. The King, who happened to be a significant shareholder in Mercedes, proposed the development of a military vehicle. This proposal led to the birth of the G-Class, a robust and versatile off-road machine.
In its military role, the G-Class earned the nickname "Wolf" due to its exceptional off-road capabilities and rugged nature. Its boxy styling and body-on-frame construction have become iconic features of this formidable vehicle. Notably, the G-Wagen stands out as one of the rare passenger car vehicles equipped with three fully locking differentials, a testament to its uncompromising capabilities on challenging terrains.
Performance
| Engine | 5.4 liter supercharged V-8 |
| Power | 354 horsepower |
| Torque | 391 lb-ft |
| Weight | 5622 lbs |
As the years passed, the G-Class became a symbol of enduring engineering and design. With an impressive production life spanning 43 years, it has rightfully earned its place as one of the longest-running Mercedes models, a feat matched only by the esteemed Unimog.
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Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126)
The W126 model range marked the second generation of Mercedes-Benz S-Class models, offering both a sophisticated four-door sedan and a stylish two-door coupe. Its production spanned an impressive 12 years, during which Mercedes produced a total of 818,063 sedans and 74,060 coupés for the W126 series.
Performance
| Engine | 3.8 liter V-8 |
| Power | 204 horsepower |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft |
| Weight | 3747 lbs |
Renowned for its timeless elegance, the W126 became a symbol of luxury and prestige. This reputation attracted a wide array of distinguished users, including celebrities, politicians, and royalty. Its allure extended beyond its opulent design, as the W126 garnered admiration for its unwavering reliability and exceptional durability.
Mercedes-Benz 300SD (W116)
The 300SD belonged to the W116 chassis model range and was the first model officially designated as part of the prestigious S-Class. The "S" in S-Class represented "Sonderklasse," translating to "special class" in English, indicating its exclusive status among luxury automobiles.
In recognition of its outstanding qualities and innovative features, the W116 was honored with the esteemed title of European Car of the Year in 1974, solidifying its position as a groundbreaking vehicle in the automotive industry.
Performance
| Engine | 3.0-liter inline-five turbodiesel |
| Power | 120 horsepower |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft of torque |
| Weight | 3571 lbs |
Produced from 1978 to 1980, the 300SD was a full-sized luxury sedan model that boasted a remarkable 3.0-liter turbo diesel inline-five engine, generating 120 horsepower. Notably, this car and its model range were the pioneers in incorporating a turbocharged diesel engine into production vehicles, marking a significant advancement in automotive technology
Aside from its powerful engine, the 300SD also excelled in handling and safety with its independent suspension and disk brakes installed on all four wheels. This setup provided a smooth and stable ride, enhancing the overall driving experience and ensuring optimal safety for passengers and drivers alike.
Mercedes-Benz 280E (W123)
The Mercedes-Benz 280E is another vehicle built on the sturdy W123 chassis, belonging to the mid-size sedan segment within the W123 lineup. Unlike the 300TD, the 280E boasted a potent 2.8-liter inline-six engine, generating an impressive 185 horsepower, enabling this heavy car to reach a top speed of 127 mph.
Throughout the years, the 280E has earned a reputation for its exceptional build quality and reliability. It gained immense popularity, especially in Germany, becoming a favored choice for taxi services. The robust W123 chassis allowed these cars to endure extensive use, often racking up remarkable distances of 500,000 or even 1,000,000 km with minimal mechanical issues.
Performance
| Engine | 2.8 liter inline-six |
| Power | 182 horsepower |
| Torque | 177 lb-ft |
| Weight | 3219 lbs |
Even after its service life in more developed countries, the W123 found new life in Africa and other developing regions. These areas highly valued the vehicle's ability to navigate rough terrain and its low maintenance requirements. As a result, the W123 continued to serve and provide reliable transportation in places where such qualities were of utmost importance.
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Mercedes-Benz 300TD (W123)
The Mercedes 300TD, falling under the W123 chassis code, was a remarkable model sold from November 1975 to January 1986. Its success far surpassed its predecessor, with over 2.7 million units sold, earning the title of the best-selling Mercedes of its time. This versatile model was available as a sedan, coupé, and station wagon, catering to a wide range of preferences.
Performance
| Engine | 3.0 liter inline-five turbodiesel |
| Power | 124 horsepower |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
| Weight | 3252 lbs |
Retaining technical similarities with its predecessors, the W123 featured shared engines, a steering system, and a suspension system. However, it did come with some noticeable differences, such as wider ribbed taillights, horizontal headlamps, and front turn signal indicators placed on the outer edge.
The 300TD represented the station wagon variant of the regular 300, built on the W123 Chassis. Initially, it came equipped with a naturally-aspirated Inline five-cylinder diesel engine producing a modest 87 horsepower. However, to enhance performance, Mercedes later introduced a turbocharger, boosting the engine output to 123 horsepower.
Mercedes-Benz 190E (W201)
The Mercedes-Benz 190 series, internally known as the W201, was a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, four-door compact executive sedan. It served as the predecessor of the renowned C-Class model. Designed by Bruno Sacco, who was the head of styling at Mercedes-Benz from 1975 to 1999, the 190 series brought several innovative features to the table.
One significant advancement was the introduction of a five-link rear suspension, a design later adopted in the E and C-Class models. This suspension setup provided improved handling and comfort, enhancing the overall driving experience. Moreover, the car boasted front and rear anti-roll bars, anti-dive, and anti-squat geometry, ensuring excellent stability and control during maneuvers.
Mercedes-Benz prioritized safety in the 190 series, equipping it with airbags, ABS brakes, and seatbelt pre-tensioners. These safety features were groundbreaking at the time and showcased the brand's commitment to passenger protection.
Performance
| Engine | 2.6 liter inline-six |
| Power | 166 horsepower |
| Torque | 168 lb-ft |
| Weight | 2667 lbs |
Notably, the 190 series utilized lightweight high-strength steel extensively, which made it possible for the car to hit a concrete barrier at an angle at 35 mph and keep the passengers safe and the cabin intact. This demonstrated the car's exceptional structural integrity and safety standards.
In 1983, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 190E variant at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which featured a 2.0-liter M102 8V inline-four engine capable of producing 120 horsepower.
Mercedes-Benz 240D (W123)
The Mercedes-Benz W123 240D is a classic car that was produced from 1975 to 1986. It's known for its timeless design and solid build quality, making it a favorite among vintage car enthusiasts. On the road, the W123 240D handles like a boss, gliding smoothly over bumps like a ballerina on ice.
The suspension absorbs imperfections with grace, and the steering response is nimble. It may not break any land-speed records, but it has a relaxed, confident demeanor that makes every drive an enjoyable experience.
Performance
| Engine | 2.4 liter inline-four diesel |
| Power | 72 horsepower |
| Torque | 101 lb-ft |
| Weight | 3053 lbs |
When you slip into the driver's seat, you'll notice the interior is like a cozy cocoon of luxury. The materials used are top-notch, making you feel like you're lounging in a fancy living room rather than cruising on the open road. You'll be reminiscing about the days when cars were built to last, not like some of those modern plastic-filled contraptions.
Sure, you might face a few challenges with the W123 240D, like finding parts that have become rarer than hen's teeth or getting used to its somewhat unique shift pattern that'll make you feel like a tap dancer on the pedals. But the journey with this classic cruiser is worth every moment.
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Mercedes-Benz 300D (W114)
The 300D is an executive four-door sedan built on the W114 chassis and designed by Paul Bracq. It featured many advancements such as being the first Mercedes to feature a Bosch D-jetronic fully electronic fuel injection system.
Performance
| Engine | 3.0 liter inline-five diesel |
| Power | 83 horsepower |
| Torque | 120 lb-ft |
| Weight | 3362 lbs |
Powering this majestic vehicle is a robust 3.0-liter diesel engine, hidden beneath the hood, which boasts an output of 85 horsepower. While this might seem modest when compared to modern car standards, it was genuinely impressive during the 1970s, showcasing the engineering prowess of that era.
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