Museum & History
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    Mercedes-Benz S-Class (126 model series) (1979 - 1991).

The 126-series S-Class impressed with its aerodynamically optimized form and systematic weight savings.

In 1979, the 126-series S-Class impressed with its aerodynamically optimized form and systematic weight savings through the use of, for example, new light alloy V8 engines. The new S-Class was also a trendsetter in terms of design.

 

The airbag, now a key element of automotive safety, made its debut in the S-Class of 1981, thereby finding its way into series production.

The driver’s airbag was initially combined with a pyrotechnic belt tensioner for the front seat passenger. From 1988 onwards, Mercedes-Benz also offered its customers a front-seat passenger airbag.

Highlights.

  • Bodyshell with forked longitudinal member, first series production vehicle worldwide to meet the offset crash requirements
  • Lower drag coefficient of Cd = 0.37
  • New V8 engines with light-alloy block
  • Closed-loop catalytic converter available as an optional extra (from 1985) or as standard (from 1986)
  • Driver's airbag and belt tensioner for front passenger available as an optional extra (from 1981)
  • Front passenger airbag (from 1988)
  • Electrically adjustable steering column available as an optional extra (from 1985)
  • Automatic locking differential available as an optional extra for the six-cylinder models (from 1985)
  • ASR (acceleration slip regulation) available as an optional extra for the V8 models (from 1985)
  • To this day the most successful high-end, luxury Mercedes-Benz saloon
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