The Stroke Eight

The most prominent constructive detail of the new models was the so-called "diagonal swing axle". As a result, a Mercedes-Benz production model was for the first time fitted with a rear axle with semi-trailing arms. Meticulous development work yielded considerably improved handling without sacrificing ride quality.

The original model line-up ranged from the 200 D with 55 hp four-cylinder diesel engine and the 220 to the 230 b and the 250 with 130 hp six-cylinder carburettor engine.

The top-of-the-range model, the 250 and its successors the 280 and 280E, were the only ones to feature a twin-blade front bumper. This set the six-cylinder W 114 models immediately apart visually.

The model range was rounded off with the coupé models 250 C and 250 CE as early as November 1968. This was a première: for the first time, a coupé version was also available in the mid-size range.

The eight-seat Saloon presented in December 1968 had even more exclusive character. It featured a wheelbase extended by 650 mm and three rows of seats. Almost 10,000 saloons were produced and mainly used by taxi and tour operators, airlines, consulates, and public authorities. Diesel engines had a correspondingly high share of 78% among the eight-seaters.

The saloon and long-wheelbase saloon were again available as a rolling chassis with partial body, which body manufacturers in Germany and abroad fitted out as ambulances, estate cars or other special-purpose versions.

The 280 and 280 E models completed the range of saloons in April 1972. Both were equipped with a newly designed six-cylinder engine, which in the carburettor version produced 160 hp, and 185 hp with petrol injection. The new top-of-the-range models could also be identified without a model badge: besides the twin-blade bumper used on the 250 model, they were the only saloons of the model series to have a rear bumper extending all the way to the wheel arches, as well as two exhaust tailpipes.