1964 Mercedes-Benz W100 Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Mercedes-Benz W100 has a substantial curb weight of 2475 kg (5457 lbs) and a maximum weight (gross vehicle weight) of 3055 kg (6734 lbs). The heavy weight is indicative of the car's robust build quality, extensive use of high-grade materials, and numerous luxury features typical of a flagship sedan. Compared to other luxury sedans of the 1960s and 1970s, the W100 stands out as one of the heaviest vehicles, embodying durability and solid construction. Its weight also impacts ride quality, providing a smooth, stable feel on the road, though it requires a powerful engine to maintain strong performance.

The Mercedes-Benz W100 offers a generous luggage capacity of 580 liters (approximately 20.5 cubic feet). This spacious trunk allows passengers to carry substantial amounts of luggage or cargo, making the car well-suited for long trips and executive transport. The large volume ensures that suitcases, briefcases, and other travel essentials can be accommodated comfortably without compromising passenger legroom and comfort in the cabin. The well-designed luggage area reflects the luxury sedan’s role as both a comfortable family car and a vehicle for professional use.

The Mercedes-Benz W100 has a ride height or ground clearance of 200 mm (7.9 inches). This relatively high ground clearance for a luxury sedan allows the vehicle to handle a wider variety of road surfaces, including uneven terrain and minor obstacles, without undercarriage damage. It also aids in providing a comfortable, smooth ride by enabling the suspension system to absorb shocks more effectively. The taller ride height contributes to the car’s imposing stance and enhances visibility for the driver, while maintaining the refined driving characteristics expected from a Mercedes-Benz flagship.

The Mercedes-Benz W100 is equipped with 15-inch rims sized 6.5J x 15. These relatively large wheels for the era contribute significantly to the car’s imposing stance and road presence. Larger rims allow for broader tires, which improve grip and stability during cornering and high-speed cruising. Additionally, the tire and rim combination complements the vehicle’s suspension setup, balancing ride comfort with precise handling. The substantial rims coupled with the luxury suspension system help maintain the smooth, cushioned ride the W100 is known for, despite its significant weight.

The Mercedes-Benz W100, measuring 5540 mm (217.9 inches) long and 1950 mm (76.8 inches) wide, is quite large by modern and classic standards. Most standard residential garages have interior dimensions roughly around 6 meters (about 20 feet) in length and 3 meters (about 10 feet) in width. While the width of the W100 would generally allow it to fit comfortably side to side, the length presents a tighter fit in many garages with standard sizes. Owners with typical single-car garages may find the W100 enters with limited extra space in front or behind, making exiting the garage with open doors more challenging. Larger or custom garages are recommended to comfortably accommodate this flagship-sized sedan.

The Mercedes-Benz W100 succeeded the Mercedes-Benz W189 and W112 series, representing a new generation flagship with increased overall dimensions. The W100 grew substantially in length and width compared to its predecessors, featuring 5540 mm (217.9 inches) of length compared to approximately 5400 mm (212.6 inches) for previous models. Width increased to 1950 mm (76.8 inches), offering more interior space and enhanced road presence. Height and ground clearance were maintained or slightly improved to ensure ride quality and visibility. These increases reflected the evolution of luxury sedans at the time, with the W100 embodying enhanced comfort, space, and status.

When compared to contemporaries such as the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow and the Cadillac Fleetwood, the Mercedes-Benz W100 stands out for its combination of substantial size and advanced technology. The W100’s 5540 mm (217.9 inches) length and 1950 mm (76.8 inches) width are competitive among flagship sedans, ensuring a spacious interior and commanding road presence. While some British and American luxury sedans were similarly long or even longer, the W100 was noted for its build quality, engineering refinement, and sophisticated safety features. Its advanced suspension and engineering innovations offered superior ride comfort and durability, enhancing its reputation as a durable yet luxurious executive car.

The substantial size and weight of the Mercedes-Benz W100 (2475 kg / 5457 lbs curb weight) impart a feeling of stability and solidity, contributing to a smooth and comfortable driving experience, especially on highways and long-distance travel. However, the heavy curb weight also means the car requires powerful engines to deliver adequate performance and results in higher fuel consumption compared to smaller or lighter vehicles. While the driving dynamics prioritize comfort over agility, the suspension and chassis tuning ensure a composed ride with minimal body roll, balancing luxury ride quality with reasonable handling for a car of this class and era.

Thanks to its large exterior dimensions—length of 5540 mm (217.9 inches), width of 1950 mm (76.8 inches), and a tall 1485 mm (58.5 inches) height—the Mercedes-Benz W100 offered an exceptionally spacious and luxurious interior. Ample legroom and headroom ensured comfort for rear passengers, often the primary occupants in flagship sedans, with features like plush leather upholstery, wooden trim finishes, and advanced climate control options. Options such as air suspension further improved ride smoothness, and the car often included electrically adjustable seats, high-grade sound systems, and privacy curtains, reflecting the W100's role as a chauffeur-driven limousine or executive transport vehicle.