Description
The Mercedes-Benz 540 K Lang was the most spacious and formal variant of Mercedes-Benz’s supercharged eight-cylinder flagship, created to provide maximum passenger accommodation while retaining the immense power and prestige of the 540 K series. Introduced in the late 1930s, the Lang designation referred to the extended wheelbase chassis, which transformed the already imposing 540 K into a true long-wheelbase luxury car suited to chauffeur-driven duties, state use and ceremonial roles. It represented the ultimate expression of pre-war Mercedes-Benz authority and refinement in closed or semi-formal body styles.
Power came from the formidable 5.4-litre inline-eight engine equipped with a Roots-type supercharger. In normal driving conditions the engine operated naturally aspirated, delivering smooth, quiet and dignified progress. When the accelerator was fully depressed, the supercharger engaged automatically, boosting output to approximately 180 horsepower and providing immense torque. This dual-character power delivery allowed the 540 K Lang to move with calm authority in urban settings while still offering remarkable acceleration and effortless high-speed cruising when required. The four-speed manual gearbox transmitted power smoothly, and the engine’s flexibility meant the car could cover long distances with minimal mechanical strain.
The defining feature of the 540 K Lang was its extended low-frame chassis. The longer wheelbase provided significantly increased interior space, particularly in the rear compartment, making it ideal for high-ranking passengers. At the same time, the low-frame design positioned the body deep between the axles, lowering the centre of gravity and maintaining the excellent stability that characterised the 500 K and 540 K series. Suspension consisted of semi-elliptic leaf springs at both front and rear, carefully tuned to prioritise ride comfort and composure. Hydraulic brakes on all four wheels ensured strong and reliable stopping power, an essential requirement for a car of such size and performance capability.
Bodywork for the 540 K Lang was typically formal in nature and produced either by the Sindelfingen coachworks or by select independent coachbuilders to special order. Common configurations included long-wheelbase limousines, Pullman-style bodies and formal cabriolets with rear passenger emphasis. The extended proportions gave the car an unmistakably stately presence, with a long bonnet, elongated passenger compartment and dignified roofline. Styling was generally restrained, focusing on balance and authority rather than the dramatic flair seen in the roadsters. Large doors allowed easy access to the rear compartment, reinforcing the car’s chauffeur-oriented role.
Inside, the 540 K Lang offered exceptional comfort and luxury, especially for rear-seat occupants. The extended wheelbase allowed generous legroom, wide seating and an overall sense of space rarely matched by contemporaries. Upholstery was typically finished in fine leather or high-quality cloth, complemented by polished wood veneers and carefully finished metal fittings. Many examples featured dividing partitions between the chauffeur’s compartment and the rear cabin, as well as fold-down jump seats, footrests and bespoke fittings tailored to the owner’s requirements. The chauffeur’s area was more functional in design but still reflected Mercedes-Benz’s high standards of craftsmanship and durability.
On the road, the Mercedes-Benz 540 K Lang delivered a serene and commanding driving experience. The long wheelbase and carefully tuned suspension produced a smooth, gliding ride that isolated passengers from road imperfections. The supercharged engine endowed the large car with effortless performance, allowing it to maintain high cruising speeds with ease despite its size and weight. While agility was not its purpose, the low-frame chassis ensured stability and confidence, making the Lang surprisingly composed for such a substantial vehicle.
Production of the 540 K Lang was extremely limited, as it was an expensive, hand-built vehicle intended for a narrow and prestigious clientele. Many examples were commissioned by governments, diplomatic services and wealthy individuals who required both exceptional comfort and unmistakable presence. Its production came to an end in 1939, when the outbreak of the Second World War halted Mercedes-Benz’s supercharged luxury programme.
Today, the Mercedes-Benz 540 K Lang is regarded as one of the most imposing and exclusive pre-war Mercedes-Benz automobiles. It represents the ultimate fusion of supercharged performance, extended-wheelbase luxury and formal dignity. Surviving examples are exceptionally rare and highly prized, valued for their historical significance, craftsmanship and their status as the longest and most authoritative expression of Mercedes-Benz luxury engineering in the pre-war era.