Which Mercedes-Benz model became the first production car with an electronic anti-lock braking system?

The Mercedes-Benz W116 became the first production car with an electronic anti-lock braking system in 1978.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the four-wheel anti-lock braking system as an option on the W116 S-Class. The system was developed jointly with Bosch and used electronic sensors to detect wheel lock during hard braking. It could then modulate brake pressure so the driver retained steering control.

Earlier anti-lock systems had existed in aircraft and experimental vehicles, and mechanical automotive systems had also appeared. The W116 was significant because it brought a practical electronic system to a series-production passenger car.

The technology was initially expensive, but it gradually spread through luxury cars and then wider segments. Modern ABS remains a major active-safety system and is standard on vehicles in many markets.