1. Photos
  2. Mercedes-Benz
  3. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  4. VI (W126)
Mercedes-Benz S-Class VI (W126) gallery / page 7
All photos 1765 I (W187) 0 1951–1955 II (W180/W128) 0 1954–1959 III (W111/W112) 0 1959–1971 IV (W108/W109) 0 1965–1972 V (W116) 0 1972–1980 VI (W126) 98 1979–1991 VII (W140) 18 1991–1998 VIII (W220) 30 1998–2005 IX (W221) 181 2005–2013 X (W222) 1300 2013–2020 XI (W223) 104 2020
mercedes-benz s-class pic #76795 1920 x 1440 30 1979–1991
mercedes-benz s-class pic #76794 2048 x 1536 37 1979–1991
mercedes-benz s-class pic #76793 1600 x 1200 36 1979–1991
mercedes-benz s-class pic #76792 1280 x 960 42 1979–1991
mercedes-benz s-class pic #76791 2048 x 1536 26 1979–1991
mercedes-benz s-class pic #76790 1024 x 768 30 1979–1991
mercedes-benz s-class pic #76789 1024 x 768 35 380SE (1979–1986)
mercedes-benz s-class pic #60266 640 x 480 81 S-Class W126

The sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W126) launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1979. Masterminded by chief designer Bruno Sacco, the aerodynamic body boasted a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.36 and polyurethane side protective cladding ('Sacco planks'). The lineup featured standard-wheelbase sedans (W126), long-wheelbase variants (V126 SEL), and the regal SEC two-door coupe (C126). Production spanned 12 years, yielding over 818,000 sedans and 74,000 coupes—a record volume for the flagship line.

Engine choices ranged from inline-sixes (280 SE, 300 SE) to smooth V8s spanning 3.8 to 5.6 liters (380 SE, 420 SE, 500 SE, and the 300 hp 560 SEL), alongside 3.0L/3.5L turbodiesels for North America. Safety milestones pioneered on the W126 included the production debut of the driver's airbag and seatbelt pretensioners in 1981, followed by passenger airbags, ASR traction control, and automatic climate systems. A 1985 mid-cycle update updated side cladding, wheel designs, and introduced revised M103 and V8 engine series.