The 6.9 sits at the top of the W116 hierarchy and is treated as a holy grail: a 417-cubic-inch M100 V8 from the Pullman line delivering massive torque and effortless triple-digit cruising, though owners repeatedly correct the myth that it was a fire-breather, pegging real output around 250 hp. Commenters describe it as a wolf in sheep's clothing with limousine ride and freight-train pull.
The 450SEL 6.9 flagship: M100 engine and character
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W116) · driving