280

Mercedes-Benz introduced the 280 nameplate in 1972 as part of the /8 “Strich-Acht” mid-size family, where it marked the six-cylinder top end of the W114 lineup. It arrived as Mercedes-Benz was broadening the range beyond the earlier 200, 220 and 250 variants, and it sat alongside the fuel-injected 280 E in the same model family. The 280 represented the more upscale, smoother-running six-cylinder choice in the range and became part of the line that helped establish the /8 as one of the company’s major postwar success stories. The nameplate was used during the final years of the /8 series before the model family was replaced by the W123 generation in 1976. As a result, the 280 is remembered as a late, high-point variant of the original /8 era rather than a long-running standalone badge.