Mercedes-Benz 280 SE W111
The pinnacle of hand-built Mercedes-Benz elegance and V8 refinement.
- Power
- 200 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.5 s
- Top speed
- 127 mph
- Est. value
- $65k–$250k
About the Mercedes-Benz 280 SE W111
The 280 SE 3.5 Coupé represents the final and most prestigious evolution of the W111 series, often cited as the last of the truly hand-built Mercedes-Benz models. Introduced in 1969, it featured the all-new M116 V8 engine, which provided the effortless performance required to match its stately presence. Distinguished by its 'Flachkühler' (flat radiator) front end, the car combined Paul Bracq's timeless pillarless design with a lavish interior of wood and leather. It remains a benchmark for grand touring comfort, offering a 'bank-vault' build quality that few modern cars can replicate.
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE W111 specs
The Mercedes-Benz 280 SE W111 produces 200 bhp (149 kW) and 286 Nm (211 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 9.5 seconds and has a top speed of 127 mph (205 km/h).
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|
| Model | 280 SE |
| Generation | W111 |
| Trim | 3.5 Coupé |
| Years | 1967–1971 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | Germany |
| Production | About 3,270 built |
| Original price | About $11,000 when new |
| Engine | 3.5-litre V8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,499 cc (3.5 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 200 bhp (149 kW) at 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 286 Nm (211 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 9.5 s |
| Top speed | 127 mph (205 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,570 kg (3,461 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 127 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Mercedes-Benz 280 SE W111 worth?
A typical Mercedes-Benz 280 SE W111 is estimated to be worth $65,000 – $250,000 (about £48,000 – £186,000).
Its original price when new was about $11,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE W111 rarity in CarSpot
The Mercedes-Benz 280 SE W111 is an Epic card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 79 out of 100. Supercars and serious performance cars, typically worth around £100,000 to £250,000. An Epic card is worth 80 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Mercedes-Benz 280 SE W111 fun facts
- The 3.5 Coupé is known as a 'Flachkühler' because it features a lower, wider radiator grille compared to the taller 'Hochkühler' grilles of earlier W111 models.
- Despite being a large luxury car, the 3.5-litre V8 engine weighed only 25kg more than the 2.8-litre straight-six it replaced.
- Only 3,270 examples of the 3.5 Coupé were produced, making it significantly rarer than the contemporary W108 saloons.
