Mercedes-Benz W126
Model Introduction
The Mercedes-Benz W126, introduced in 1979, was the second-generation S-Class and set new standards for luxury, safety, and efficiency in a flagship saloon. Styled by Bruno Sacco, it featured more aerodynamic lines than its predecessor, lightweight materials to improve fuel economy, and advanced safety innovations such as seatbelt pretensioners and a driver airbag. Offered with smooth six-cylinder and V8 engines, including the long-wheelbase SEL versions, the W126 became a symbol of prestige throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, earning a reputation for exceptional comfort, refinement, and build quality.
Battle Royal
December 1979 – CAR Magazine
Mercedes Benz 500SE v Jaguar XJ5.3
Supremacy class
November 1980 – CAR Magazine
A new S-class bought today will be in active service in the 21st century, claim Mercedes-Benz. After driving from Stuttgart to London in the first right-hooker 380SEL, Bob Murray reckons that would be just fine by him...
Newcomers : Giant Test
September 1981 – CAR Magazine
BMW 735IA v Mercedes Benz 500SEL v Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas
Starship Enterprise
October 1981 – CAR Magazine
These spectacular Mercedes two-doors are more than new coupe derivatives of the world-beating S-class saloons; they bring a round of technical breakthroughs into the whole range.
Newcomers : Mercedes march on
December 1981 – CAR Magazine
Mercedes-Benz have used their launch of a new S-class coupe to refine the design from all angles
Top Ten : Grand Saloon
February 1982 – CAR Magazine
Mercedes Benz 380SEL £19,450
Clash of the titans
September 1982 – CAR Magazine
Aston Martin V8 v Mercedes Benz 500SEC
Beyond the star
September 1982 – CAR Magazine
There's hardly a car on the road that needs body decoration, power improvement and a suspension job less than Merc's 500SEC. But done by AMG, says Ian Fraser, they seem almost indispensible
Giant Test
May 1983 – CAR Magazine
Saab 900CD v Jaguar XJ3.4 v Mercedes Benz 280SE
Slot Machine
May 1983 – Autocar Magazine
With gullwing doors and an extravaganza of horizontal slots, Franco Sbarro's version of the Mercedes SEC could hardly be described as understated, yet it was the least outrageous example of Mercedes bodywork modification to be seen at the recent Geneva Show.
Class Conflict
October 1983 – Car Magazine
BMW 745i v Mercedes Benz 500SE