In 1991 Mercedes-Benz replaced the old S-Class with an equally appealing, sleek new design in the modern idiom. As one might expect, these new S-Class luxury saloons were designed to be world leaders in their market sector and were lavishly equipped in the best Mercedes-Benz tradition.
Flagship of the new 'S' Class, the Mercedes-Benz 560 SEL was introduced at the Frankfurt Auto Show in 1985. Powered by a new all-alloy 5,547cc V8 engine producing 300bhp (DIN), the 560 SEL raced to 100km/h (62mph) in only 7.2 seconds, despite weighing over 1¾ tonnes, on its way to a top speed of 156mph. As befitted Mercedes-Benz's flagbearer, the 560 SEL came standard with a host of desirable features including heated and electrically adjustable front seats (with memory), electrically adjustable steering column, cruise control, air conditioning, Becker Mexico CD stereo system, telephone, foot stools, lamb's wool over-rugs, and centre-console refrigerator.