Description
The Mercedes-Benz 250 CE Automatic was a refined and elegant coupé variant within the W114/W115 generation, combining six-cylinder smoothness, pillarless styling and the relaxed character of an automatic transmission. Introduced in the early 1970s, the 250 CE sat near the top of the mid-size Mercedes-Benz range and was aimed at buyers who wanted understated prestige, comfort and long-distance refinement rather than overt sportiness.
Power came from a 2.5-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine, producing approximately 150 horsepower. This engine was valued for its smooth, linear power delivery and quiet operation, traits that suited the coupé’s grand touring role. While performance was strong for the period, the emphasis was on effortless cruising rather than rapid acceleration. The automatic transmission, typically a three-speed unit, complemented the engine’s torque characteristics well, delivering smooth gear changes and a relaxed driving experience, particularly in urban traffic and on long motorway journeys.
The W114 coupé chassis was based on the same robust unitary body as the saloon but featured a shorter wheelbase and unique bodywork. Suspension consisted of double wishbones with coil springs at the front and a rear semi-trailing arm arrangement with coil springs, providing a comfortable ride and predictable handling. Disc brakes at the front and rear delivered confident stopping power, appropriate for the car’s performance and weight. Overall road manners were composed and stable, favouring comfort and refinement over agility.
Styling was one of the defining features of the 250 CE. The pillarless coupé design, with frameless side windows and a clean roofline, gave the car a light and elegant appearance when the windows were lowered. Body lines were straight and restrained, with an upright grille and subtle chrome detailing that conveyed quality without excess. Compared with the saloon, the coupé appeared lower and more personal, reinforcing its role as a luxury two-door rather than a family car.
Inside, the Mercedes-Benz 250 CE Automatic offered a well-appointed and carefully finished cabin. Seating was generously padded and supportive, suitable for long journeys, and upholstery options typically included high-quality cloth or leather. The dashboard was functional and uncluttered, with clear instrumentation and excellent ergonomics. The automatic transmission further enhanced the relaxed atmosphere, reducing driver effort and aligning with the car’s refined character.
On the road, the 250 CE Automatic delivered calm and assured performance. The six-cylinder engine provided smooth acceleration and quiet cruising, while the suspension absorbed uneven road surfaces effectively. Steering was accurate though relatively heavy at low speeds, and the car rewarded smooth, measured driving. It was not intended as a sports coupé, but rather as a dignified long-distance car for drivers who valued comfort, quality and composure.
The 250 CE was produced in relatively limited numbers compared with the saloon versions of the W114 range, and the automatic transmission further narrowed its audience. Buyers were typically professionals or private owners seeking a discreet but prestigious personal car that combined elegance with everyday usability.
Today, the Mercedes-Benz 250 CE Automatic is regarded as one of the most graceful expressions of the W114 generation. Surviving examples are valued for their smooth six-cylinder engines, pillarless coupé styling and solid build quality. As a classic Mercedes-Benz that blends refinement, comfort and timeless design, the 250 CE Automatic represents a period when the brand focused on engineering integrity and understated luxury above all else.