On its debut in September 1972, the Mercedes W116 series was recognized as a benchmark in the luxury sedans sector. Indeed, at that time, the W116 created a vacuum around itself, with a build quality and a range of engines that no other brand was able to offer. The W116 was the first Mercedes to bear the S-class name, such as "Sonderklasse", ie special class. The range was expanded over the years, with smaller engines such as on the 280 up to the 6.9-liter engine of the 1975 450 SEL. In September 1979 the new S-class (W126 series) made its debut, but the W116 went on to to April 1980 with the 450 SEL and 300 SD.