Mercedes-Benz : W126 S-Class
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.
Magazine Articles
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Battle Royal
Mercedes Benz 500SE v Jaguar XJ5.3
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Supremacy class
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...
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Newcomers : Giant Test
BMW 735IA v Mercedes Benz 500SEL v Daimler Double Six Vanden Plas
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Starship Enterprise
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.
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Newcomers : Mercedes march on
Mercedes-Benz have used their launch of a new S-class coupe to refine the design from all angles
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Top Ten : Grand Saloon
Mercedes Benz 380SEL £19,450
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Clash of the titans
Aston Martin V8 v Mercedes Benz 500SEC
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Beyond the star
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
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Giant Test
Saab 900CD v Jaguar XJ3.4 v Mercedes Benz 280SE
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Slot Machine
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.
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Class Conflict
BMW 745i v Mercedes Benz 500SE
