The Mercedes Benz 280 was sold in sevaral different series and generations. It started with the SL series that was produced from 1963 up to 1971. The 280 SL came in later as the 230 was the first model sold. The SL series was generally a sport series during its time. The 280 was the successor legendary "gullwing" model 300 SL. Like the 230 , its was styled with boxy and "pagoda" optional hardtop.

In 1971, Mercedes-Benz 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet 8 cylinders was released with 3499 cc engine that was rated at 200 hp and can go up to 210 km/h as its top speed.

Also in 1968, the Mercedes-Benz released its W114 "Stroke-8" midsize car that used straight-6 engines chassis bearing the 280 as one of the model names. The 1973 W116 that was sold as the SE/SEC (S-Class) luxury sedan and coupe which replaced the WW108/W109, also gave the 280 as one of the model names: 1975–1976 280S and the 1977–1980 280SE.

The 280 was then used as model for the Mercedes-Benz W123 in 1976. The W123 models replaced the W114 "Stroke-8" which eventually surpassed the sales of the W114 to become the most successful Mercedes ever. It might be because it used several models to include the four 280models: 280,280 E (E stands for the Einspritzung; fuel injection, 280 CE (C stands for C for Coupé), and 280 TE, (T stands for Transport; station wagon. The 280 TE was one of the first station wagon built by the Mercedes.

The latest series to use 280 as a model name was the C-class or the Mercedes-Benz W202. C-Class was Mercedes-Benz's entry to the mid-size sedans and station wagons. The C280 posses the latest state-of-the-art technology offered by the Mercedes-Benz. It is equipped with features unique from other vehicle and performance that characterize the true Mercedes-Benz legacy.