The Mercedes-Benz 300 SE was a top European car with a powerful, flexible fuel-injection engine, automatic four-speed gearbox, power steering and four disc brakes with brake assist. It was a pioneering achievement in the field of exterior and interior safety and also a very comfortable, carefully dimensioned and equipped car, which was very easy to handle as a spirited touring car and could also be driven in a sporty manner, according to the Motor Rundschau in its test in 1962.