Description
The Mercedes-Benz 280 CE Automatic was the most refined and comfort-oriented version of the W123 coupé range, combining the pillarless two-door body with the strongest petrol engine available and the ease of an automatic transmission. It represented Mercedes-Benz’s vision of a discreet personal luxury car, prioritising smooth performance, long-distance comfort and engineering quality over sporting character.
Power came from the 2.8-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine with mechanical fuel injection, producing approximately 185 horsepower. This engine gave the 280 CE effortless performance, with strong mid-range torque and very smooth power delivery. When paired with the three-speed automatic transmission, acceleration was not aggressive but consistently strong and extremely refined. The drivetrain was ideally suited to motorway cruising, allowing the car to cover long distances at high speed with minimal effort or noise.
The car was built on the W123 platform, featuring a rigid unitary body with a strong passenger safety cell and carefully engineered crumple zones. Suspension consisted of double wishbones with coil springs at the front and a rear semi-trailing arm layout with coil springs, delivering a balanced blend of comfort and stability. Disc brakes at all four wheels provided dependable stopping power and reinforced the car’s reassuring road manners.
Styling was a key part of the 280 CE Automatic’s appeal. The pillarless coupé body featured frameless side windows and a clean, uninterrupted roofline, giving the car a light and elegant appearance, especially with the windows lowered. Straight body lines, restrained chrome detailing and the upright grille reflected Mercedes-Benz’s conservative design philosophy. There were no overt visual cues to distinguish the automatic version, reinforcing the understated nature of the model.
Inside, the cabin offered a high level of comfort and build quality. Seats were firm yet supportive, designed for extended journeys rather than sporty driving. Interior materials were chosen for durability and refinement, with high-quality fabrics or leather upholstery and tasteful wood trim often specified. The dashboard layout was simple and logical, with clear instrumentation and excellent visibility. The automatic transmission enhanced the calm, unhurried character of the interior, particularly in traffic and urban driving.
On the road, the Mercedes-Benz 280 CE Automatic delivered a composed and authoritative driving experience. The six-cylinder engine provided smooth, flexible power, while the automatic gearbox encouraged relaxed, confident progress. Handling favoured stability and predictability over agility, and the car felt most at home on open roads and motorways. Steering was accurate and reassuring, though relatively heavy at low speeds, and the overall driving experience rewarded smooth inputs rather than aggressive driving.
The 280 CE Automatic appealed to buyers who wanted the elegance of a coupé combined with near S-Class levels of refinement, without the size or formality of a larger luxury saloon. Typical owners included professionals and private individuals seeking a discreet, high-quality personal car with strong performance and everyday usability. It represented the top of the W123 coupé hierarchy and was often specified with generous equipment.
Today, the Mercedes-Benz 280 CE Automatic is regarded as one of the finest expressions of the W123 range. It is valued for its smooth and powerful six-cylinder engine, relaxed automatic transmission and timeless pillarless styling. As a classic that perfectly captures Mercedes-Benz’s late-1970s philosophy of understated luxury, durability and engineering excellence, the 280 CE Automatic remains a highly respected and desirable coupé.