Description
The Mercedes-Benz 280 CE was the flagship coupé of the W114/W115 range and represented the most refined and powerful expression of Mercedes-Benz’s mid-size pillarless two-door during the early to mid-1970s. Positioned above the 250 CE, it combined elegant styling, strong six-cylinder performance and a high level of comfort, appealing to buyers who wanted understated prestige and effortless long-distance capability rather than overt sportiness.
Power came from a 2.8-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine, producing approximately 160 horsepower in fuel-injected form. This engine transformed the character of the coupé, delivering smooth, flexible power and strong mid-range performance that made overtaking and motorway cruising effortless. Acceleration was brisk for the period, but the emphasis remained on refinement and composure rather than aggressive driving. Buyers could choose between a four-speed manual gearbox and a three-speed automatic, with the automatic proving especially popular due to its relaxed, grand touring nature.
The chassis was based on the proven W114 platform, featuring a rigid unitary body with carefully engineered crumple zones and a strong passenger safety cell. Suspension consisted of double wishbones with coil springs at the front and a rear semi-trailing arm layout with coil springs, providing a comfortable ride and predictable handling. Disc brakes were fitted at all four wheels, giving the 280 CE confident and consistent stopping power to match its increased performance.
Styling was a defining feature of the 280 CE. The pillarless coupé body featured frameless side windows and a clean, uninterrupted roofline, giving the car a light and elegant appearance when the windows were lowered. Straight body lines, an upright grille and restrained chrome detailing reflected Mercedes-Benz’s conservative design philosophy, while subtle details distinguished the coupé from its saloon counterpart. The proportions were balanced and timeless, contributing to the model’s enduring appeal.
Inside, the Mercedes-Benz 280 CE offered a spacious and well-appointed cabin for a two-door car. Seating was supportive and comfortable, designed for long journeys, and interior materials reflected Mercedes-Benz’s emphasis on durability and quality. Upholstery options typically included high-grade cloth or leather, with wood trim adding a sense of traditional luxury. The dashboard layout was logical and uncluttered, with clear instrumentation and excellent ergonomics.
On the road, the 280 CE delivered a composed and confident driving experience. The six-cylinder engine was smooth and quiet, making the car particularly well suited to high-speed cruising. Handling was stable and predictable, favouring comfort and security over sharp responses. Steering was accurate though relatively heavy at low speeds, and the car rewarded smooth, unhurried driving. It was very much a refined grand tourer rather than a sports coupé.
The 280 CE was aimed at buyers who wanted a personal luxury car with genuine engineering substance. It appealed to professionals and private owners who valued quality, performance and understated elegance, and it was often specified with high levels of equipment. Production numbers were lower than those of the saloon models, contributing to its more exclusive status within the W114 range.
Today, the Mercedes-Benz 280 CE is regarded as one of the most desirable classic Mercedes coupés of the 1970s. It is valued for its smooth and powerful engine, elegant pillarless design and exceptional build quality. Well-preserved examples are increasingly sought after as symbols of an era when Mercedes-Benz combined mechanical sophistication with restrained luxury, making the 280 CE a lasting benchmark for refined executive coupés.