1965 Mercedes-Benz W108 Dimensions, Size & Specs

The W108's curb weight ranges from 1440 kg to 1675 kg (3175 to 3693 lbs), depending on the specific model and equipment. This weight provides a solid and stable ride quality, contributing to the vehicle's smooth handling and comfortable cruising characteristics. The car's weight balance was well engineered to complement its suspension and powertrain for a refined driving experience.

The maximum permissible weight for the Mercedes-Benz W108 ranges between 1940 kg and 2141 kg (4277 to 4719 lbs), depending on specific versions and configurations. This includes passengers, cargo, and fuel, ensuring safety and performance standards are met under loaded conditions. Staying within this weight limit is essential for maintaining handling, braking efficiency, and overall vehicle integrity.

With a length of 4900 mm (192.9 inches), width of 1810 mm (71.3 inches), and height of 1440 mm (56.7 inches), the Mercedes-Benz W108 typically fits into a standard residential garage. Most single-car garages have interior dimensions around 5500 mm (216 inches) in length and 3000 mm (118 inches) in width, providing adequate space for the W108 with some room to spare for opening doors and maneuvering.

Compared to its predecessor, the Mercedes-Benz W111/W112 series, the W108 is generally longer and wider, with a length of 4900 mm (192.9 inches) compared to around 4850 mm (190.9 inches) for the W111. This increase allowed for a more spacious interior and improved road presence. The W108 also featured more modern styling cues and updated suspension for enhanced ride quality, representing an evolutionary step forward in luxury and comfort.

The W108's dimensions place it competitively among luxury sedans of the 1960s and early 1970s, such as the BMW E3 and the Jaguar XJ6 Series 1. With its 4900 mm length (192.9 inches), it was slightly longer than the BMW E3 (approx. 4800 mm) and comparable in width. Its design focused on spaciousness and refinement, giving it an edge in passenger comfort and interior luxury in comparison with its peers.

The Mercedes-Benz W108 came with standard rim sizes of 6J x 14 inches. This rim size supports a variety of tire options available during its production era and even modern radial tires today, offering a balance between ride comfort, road grip, and handling. Maintaining the original rim and tire dimensions is advisable for preserving the vehicle's authentic driving feel and safety.

The W108’s generous exterior dimensions translate into a spacious interior cabin with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The wide body (1810 mm/71.3 inches) offers comfortable shoulder space, while the 1440 mm (56.7 inches) height provides a roomy feel without sacrificing aerodynamic profile. These factors ensure a comfortable ride for all occupants, consistent with the luxury aspirations of Mercedes-Benz sedans.

The W108 was positioned as a flagship luxury sedan, sitting above smaller models like the W114/W115. Its larger size, weighing between 1440 kg and 1675 kg, spacious interior, and refined styling reinforced its status as a premium vehicle aimed at executives and affluent clientele. The carefully balanced size allowed it to maintain impressive ride comfort and presence without being overly bulky, making it a benchmark in its segment during its production years.

Compared to early luxury sedans from the mid-1960s, the W108 improved in terms of both size and design sophistication. Its 4900 mm length (192.9 inches), 1810 mm width (71.3 inches), and solid curb weight made it more substantial and road-worthy, while the design featured a modern and elegant appearance with cleaner lines. Innovations like improved suspension and build quality contributed to superior ride comfort and durability, distinguishing the W108 in a competitive luxury car market.