The Mercedes-Benz marque has long been synonymous with automotive excellence, a benchmark against which other luxury vehicles are often measured. While debates rage amongst enthusiasts about the “best” car brand, spending time with the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 offers a compelling argument for the three-pointed star. This experience, recently afforded by Erik Johnson of Mercedes-Benz (GB) Ltd., albeit briefly due to time constraints, reaffirmed the enduring appeal and engineering prowess of this Stuttgart creation. Though commitments curtailed the intended extensive test drive, even a shorter, traffic-laden experience was enough to illuminate the exceptional qualities of the 280 SE 3.5.
One of the most immediate and striking aspects of the Mercedes 280 Se 3.5 is its interior and control layout. Remarkably, it echoes the ergonomic principles established in Mercedes-Benz models from decades prior. This continuity is a testament to the brand’s early mastery of automotive ergonomics. The 280 SE’s cabin shares a clear lineage with models like the 220SE of the 1950s and the 300SE of the same era, both lauded for their user-friendliness and high-quality design. Mercedes-Benz identified an optimal configuration for essential controls and interior elements early on, a design philosophy that has aged gracefully and remains impressively functional even by modern standards. This speaks volumes about the forward-thinking approach of Mercedes-Benz engineers.
Alt text: Detailed view of the Mercedes 280 SE 3.5 interior showcasing the classic wood trim, ergonomic dashboard layout, and plush seating, highlighting the timeless design and luxury.
While the core interior layout remains faithful to Mercedes-Benz’s established design language, the 280 SE 3.5 incorporates several noteworthy advancements. The driver’s seat, for example, offers height adjustability in addition to standard adjustments, catering to a wider range of driver preferences. A unique vacuum-operated central locking system provides enhanced convenience and security, simultaneously locking all four doors, the boot (trunk), and the fuel tank cap with a single turn of the ignition key. Electrically heated rear window and electric windows further enhance the vehicle’s premium feel and functionality. The electric windows, controlled by console-mounted switches with driver override, are designed with user convenience in mind. Although they are generally inoperable when the ignition is off, Mercedes-Benz engineers thoughtfully included a feature allowing occupants to operate the windows upon opening any door. This eliminates the common frustration of needing the ignition key to adjust windows, especially appreciated when dealing with sudden weather changes or passenger preferences – a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz’s meticulous attention to detail and anticipation of user needs.
Delving deeper into the controls, the thoughtful design continues to impress. The lamps switch, with its distinct grip, requires a deliberate pull to activate fog lamps, preventing accidental usage. The heater distribution system is remarkably sophisticated, allowing independent temperature control for the driver and front passenger—a feature surprisingly uncommon in many contemporary vehicles. The stalk-controlled screen wipers operate intelligently, initiating a slow wipe before transitioning to a faster speed to minimize smearing and maximize visibility. A momentary activation feature provides instant screen clearing. The test car featured a top-tinted windscreen, reducing glare, and was equipped with new, slim halogen high-beam headlamps for superior illumination.
The Mercedes-Benz 280 SE occupies a sweet spot in terms of size. Classified as a large car, it maintains the manageable saloon dimensions of the 280S, resulting in a spacious interior without an overly long bonnet. It exudes an air of dignified presence without being ostentatious. Two key elements contribute significantly to the enjoyable driving experience: the steering and the gearbox. The power-assisted steering is expertly calibrated, providing a reassuring firmness and feedback that belies its assistance, until maneuvering into parking spaces reveals its effortless ease, especially considering the car’s substantial 3,430 lb weight and wide radial-ply Continental tires.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a Mercedes 280 SE 3.5 showcasing its elegant lines, chrome detailing, and iconic Mercedes-Benz grille, emphasizing its classic design and road presence.
The four-speed automatic gearbox of the 280 SE 3.5 is another highlight. While automatic transmissions were not universally favored by driving purists at the time, Mercedes-Benz engineered a system that is both efficient and engaging. Unlike some less refined automatic transmissions prone to frequent and often jarring gear changes, the Mercedes-Benz unit, employing a fluid coupling instead of a torque converter, starts in bottom gear and holds lower ratios effectively in traffic. Gear changes, whether up or down, are remarkably smooth and efficient, even under ‘kick-down’ acceleration. Impressively, it only absorbs a minimal 4% of engine power. For drivers who prefer manual gear selection, the floor lever features a clever nylon-faced gate with “hold” controls. The gear positions are denoted by letters (P.N.D.S.L., with “S” for “slope”) instead of numbers, a subtle shift from the older PN432 designation, possibly hinting at future transmission developments by Mercedes-Benz, although this particular excellent automatic gearbox design dates back to 1961, with continuous refinements over the years.
Driving the 280 SE 3.5 is a genuinely pleasurable experience. The steering is precise and responsive, the automatic gearbox complements the engine’s power delivery seamlessly, and safety is assured by light, powerful, and progressive ventilated disc brakes. The car’s road-holding and cornering capabilities are equally impressive, benefiting from the low-pivot, compensating swing-axle coil-spring independent rear suspension (i.r.s.).
However, the true magic of the 280 SE 3.5 lies beneath the bonnet—in its engine. While visually similar to its six-cylinder counterparts externally, the 3.5 designation signifies a significant upgrade. It houses a sophisticated V8 engine with a 65.8 x 92 mm bore and stroke, displacing 3,499 c.c. This advanced power unit features overhead camshafts for each cylinder bank, “computerized” electronic fuel injection, transistorized ignition, an oil cooler, a visco-driven cooling fan, and a robust 770-watt three-phase alternator. Notably, it was engineered to meet forthcoming European emission control standards while still producing a substantial 200 (DIN) b.h.p.
Performance figures were not obtained during this brief test, but factory specifications cite a top speed of 127 m.p.h. and a 0-60 m.p.h. acceleration time of 9 seconds – figures that were more than adequate for the era, even by today’s standards still respectable for a luxury classic. Fuel consumption was not rigorously measured, but initial observations suggested reasonable economy, with the fuel tank gauge indicating ample range remaining after a 250-mile drive in mixed traffic conditions. The tank capacity is over 18 gallons, and Mercedes-Benz claimed nearly 22 m.p.g. This V8 engine, despite weighing only 33 lb more than the six-cylinder unit in the standard 280SE, fundamentally transforms the car, delivering a surge of smooth, potent power that is consistently available across the rev range. The author muses about the even more potent 6.3-litre version in the 300SEL, hinting at an almost unimaginable level of performance.
Considering its blend of performance, luxury, and engineering, the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 was remarkably priced at £5,158 at the time of this review. Inevitably, comparisons were drawn to the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow, a benchmark in luxury motoring. While acknowledging the Rolls-Royce’s superior ride quality and quietness, and improvements to its power steering, the author points out the significant price difference. The least expensive Silver Shadow cost £2,719 more than the Mercedes 280 SE 3.5. The enduring popularity of Rolls-Royce, despite its higher price and longer waiting lists, is noted as evidence of continued affluence in the market.
Rumors of BMW challenging Mercedes-Benz’s dominance were circulating at the time, but the author suggests that experiencing the Mercedes 280 SE 3.5’s performance, luxury, refined controls, and overall driving experience might leave one less satisfied with a BMW six-cylinder offering. The review concludes with a strong endorsement: “In my opinion, the modern Mercedes-Benz is one of the best-engineered cars in the World, and in V8 form, it is a delightful car to drive. The 280SE 3.5 must be regarded as a bargain at just over £5,000.” This Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 stands as a testament to timeless automotive design and engineering excellence, a classic that continues to captivate enthusiasts and represents a significant chapter in Mercedes-Benz’s illustrious history.
