S-W126

The W126 series premiered in late 1979 as an 1980 model, and as an 1981 model in the USA and Australia replacing the W116 line. The W126 line introduced a host of new safety features with the next phase of Mercedes-Benz styling. The W126 brought much-improved aerodynamics, and enlarged aluminum engine blocks. The W126 S-Class was also the first luxury car to win the prestigious Car of the Year award from Australia's Wheels magazine, in 1981. The W126 line lasted from 1979 through 1991, a production run of over twelve years, its model cycle extended by the first-ever S-Class mid-cycle update. Coupé models based on the S-Class were reintroduced with the W126 (380/500 SEC). Total sales of the W126 S-Class sedans reached 818,036 units, with an additional 74,060 coupes sold. These sales figures make the W126 the most successful S-Class line in Mercedes-Benz history.

 

In 1981, the W126 introduced the modern airbag, as patented by Mercedes-Benz in 1971, to the world as an additional measure of occupant protection. Other safety innovations on the W126 included passenger side airbags (in 1986), seat-belt pretensioners, and traction control. In the cabin, additional courtesy and reading lamps, along with heated seats and a more advanced climate control system, added to the luxurious interior environment. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard.

Although the top of range Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9 of the previous generation was not directly replaced, the W126 carried forward the hydropneumatic suspension of the 6.9 as an option on the 500SEL. A new cruise control system was offered as well. Abandoning the roadster based coupes, the W126 introduced a two-door variant, the SEC coupé. The longevity of the W126 S-Class model cycle was aided by a mid-cycle update in 1986, an upgrade which previously was not done in S-Class generations. During the update of the W126 model S-Class, a facelift was performed and engine upgrades occurred.