Mercedes-Benz offered electronic anti-lock braking as an option on the 1978 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The system was introduced for the W116-generation S-Class and became available in 1978. Anti-lock braking systems prevent wheels from locking during hard braking, allowing the driver to retain more steering control while stopping on many slippery surfaces.
Mercedes-Benz developed the system with Bosch. Earlier mechanical anti-lock systems had been tested and used in limited applications, but the W116 helped bring electronically controlled ABS into series-production passenger cars. The technology later became increasingly common across the industry.
The feature was initially an option rather than standard equipment on every version. That distinction matters: the S-Class is associated with the early production introduction of electronic ABS, but it was not the first vehicle ever to experiment with anti-lock braking. Modern ABS systems also integrate sensors, hydraulic modulators and electronic control units.