New S-Class generation.

S-Klasse (W/C126).

The range of models available in the W 126 series was comprised initially of seven vehicles.

Two body variants.

S-Class (W/C126): Two body variants.

Two body variants.

Choice was from four engines (from the 2.8-liter six-cylinder carburettor unit with 115 kW/156 PS to the 5.0-liter V8 light-alloy engine with direct fuel injection and 176 kW/240 PS) and two body variants – in addition to the normal version, a lengthened variant, as had traditionally been the case with premium-segment saloons for generations.

Legroom in the rear.

S-Class (W/C126): Legroom in the rear.

Legroom in the rear.

In this case, lengthening of the wheelbase by 140 millimetres was more apparent than otherwise and as usual the extra space served exclusively to increase legroom in the rear and the entry width for the rear doors. In addition to improving ride comfort and safety, development of the new model series focused on decreasing energy consumption. The use of weight-reducing materials and an aerodynamic body optimized in the wind tunnel helped the new S-Class achieve a ten-percent reduction in fuel over its predecessor models.

Improved performance.

S-Class (W/C126): Improved performance.

Improved performance.

The two eight-cylinder engines of the predecessor series were replaced with two redesigned units with larger displacement and light-alloy crankcase. The 5.0-liter engine, which replaced the 4.5-liter cast iron unit, was already familiar as the power unit from the 450 SLC 5.0, while the 3.8-liter light-alloy engine was developed based on the long-serving 3.5-liter V8 with cast iron block. With both higher output and reduced weight, the new V8 engines could now achieve improved performance while at the same time using less fuel.

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Product highlights of this series.

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