The Mercedes-Benz 600 "Grosser": A Tale of Luxury and Power

Some cars attract a unique clientele, and today's article delves into a vehicle that has indeed garnered an intriguing group of owners. Among them are luminaries of glitz and glamour such as Coco Chanel, David Bowie, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Gunther Sachs, and Rowan Atkinson. Interestingly, the Mercedes-Benz 600 "Grosser" also found favor on the political stage, serving notable figures like Leonid Breschnew, Idi Amin, Silvio Berlusconi, Mobutu, Pablo Escobar, Saddam Hussein, and Mao Tsetung. The Shah of Persia, in particular, possessed 21 different variants.

The very name "Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser" likely set the programmatic tone. When presented with the new 300 SE as a service vehicle, Konrad Adenauer is said to have quipped, "Do you have something bigger?" The then Chief of Development, Fritz Nallinger, took up the challenge and was tasked with creating the ultimate car in the world.

From 1963 to 1981, Nallinger's vision materialized in the form of the 600, succeeding the 300d, also known as the "Adenauer." Over 2800 units were produced, primarily in two versions – one with a short wheelbase for self-driving and the other, a more renowned Pullman version with a long wheelbase designed for chauffeured transport. Additionally, two special versions deserve mention: the "Landaulet" with a removable roof, favored by the former Yugoslav President Tito and auctioned for $2.5 million in 2017, and two coupés presented as gifts to Mercedes employees Rudolf Uhlenhaut and former Chief of Development Fritz Nallinger.

In 2014, a unique "One-Off" project emerged – a Pullman version incorporating Maybach 57 technology within the classic Mercedes-Benz 600 body.

The standout feature of the 600 was its intricate hydraulic system, enabling nearly silent adjustments of various elements like the roof, windows, and doors. Coupled with an adjustable suspension, the 600 offered unparalleled comfort for its time. However, this came at a cost – an incredibly heavy and long vehicle, with Pullman variants weighing over three tons depending on the configuration. The price tag, reaching up to 170,000 DM for a "normal" 600, was astronomical for its era.

Despite its engineering marvels, the 600, particularly the Pullman, acquired a somewhat dubious reputation as the "vehicle of villains," primarily associated with dictators. This perception is heightened by its appearance in the hands of Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the supervillain from the James Bond universe. However, it's worth noting that many comfort features we appreciate in today's cars originated from these luxury models.

A compelling question arises: What would a Mercedes-Benz 600 designed for today or the "next generation" look like? Is such a vehicle and its associated grandeur still conceivable in democratic countries?

Exploring the historical allure of powerful leaders towards such cars unveils various aspects of the relationship between power and luxury. Luxury, from being a symbol and affirmation of power to emphasizing the contrast between the worlds of the rich and the poor, plays a role in this dynamic.

In conclusion, despite its associations with controversial figures, the Mercedes-Benz 600 has left a lasting impact on the automotive industry, influencing not only the concept of luxury but also shaping the comfort features we enjoy in modern vehicles.

Original article by Beat Imwinkelried , available in German here.