5 historical facts that you did not know about the "Mercedes" S-Class

For all time of existence of "Mercedes" S-class in the press was written about them almost everything. Every car enthusiast believes that he knows absolutely everything about these famous cars. But in fact they manage to keep some secrets that may interest you. It is always exciting to learn something new about your favorite car.

Hand brake

To date, the handbrake is taken for granted - the driver can not imagine his car without this brake. However, there were times when it simply did not exist.

Only in the autumn of 1978 Mercedes equipped its model "450" with a test manual brake. Thus, it was the Mercedes S-Class that became the first car on which the handbrake was introduced.

Unprecedented potential

The model of the "Mercedes" W140 was the first car that was launched in mass production and at the same time equipped with a 12-cylinder engine. But not only this is the most outstanding fact about this S-Class car. It is also worth noting that this model became the most powerful among passenger cars of its time - the fact is that the figure of 408 horsepower before this definitely did not reach any car. Naturally, in due course began to produce more powerful cars, but in due time this "Mercedes" became a real discovery.

The first turbo-diesel

Another interesting fact is that it was the "Mercedes" S-Class W116 was the first car that was equipped with a turbo-diesel - before this in Europe, such a engine was not installed on any car. Also, the turbo-diesel was installed on the concept car, which was also created by the Mercedes concern.

Advanced air-conditioning system

In the early nineties, the light saw the "Mercedes" of the S-Class W140, which was equipped with an advanced air conditioning system - one that had not yet been seen in the world. It offered incredible opportunities, which then could only be dreamed of - separate climatic zones for the front and rear rows of seats, heating of each seat and air filtration in the cabin, if the sensor detected there traces of exhausts.

Informal protection

And, of course, we can not fail to mention the interesting model W108 / 109 - in fact it was released in a slightly different package with a limited closed edition.

These models had an armored cabin and were used for diplomatic missions of German ambassadors, who in the post-war period were not very honored in some countries.