This was seen as a successor to the W112 300SEL that was originally intended as an interim car between the 300 "Adenauer" (W189) and the 600 (W100) limousines.
Acesta a fost conceput ca un succesor al lui W112 300SEL, care la rândul cău fusese creat ca o variantă de mijloc între limuzinele 300Adenauer (W189) și 600 (W100).