Mercedes-Benz S-class SE (W126, facelift 1985) 260 SE CAT (160 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

8.6 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.2 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz S-class:

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, formerly known as "special class" , is a series of full-sized luxury sedans and coupés produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The S-Class is the designation for top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz models and was officially introduced in 1972 with the W116, and has remained in use ever since. The S-Class is the flagship vehicle for Mercedes-Benz, being positioned above the other Mercedes-Benz models.
The S-Class has debuted many of the company's latest innovations, including drivetrain technologies, interior features, and safety systems. The S-Class has ranked as the world's best-selling luxury sedan. In automotive terms, Sonderklasse refers to "a specially outfitted car. " Although used colloquially for decades, following its official application in 1972, six generations of officially named S-Klasse sedans have been produced....(Read more on Wikipedia)

SE (W126, facelift 1985) Overview:

Mercedes-Benz S-class (SE (W126, facelift 1985)). With 220 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1520 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.9 s). The top speed reaches 195 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

260 SE CAT (160 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

The entry-level six-cylinder provides adequate power for daily driving, prioritizing smoothness over outright speed. Acceleration is leisurely.

Fuel Economy

While better than the V8s, fuel consumption remains moderate for a car of this size and weight. The CAT version is slightly less efficient than non-CAT.

Best Use Case: Mixed Driving / City Commuting

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional ride comfort and luxurious interior.
  • • Legendary build quality and robust engineering.
  • • Timeless, elegant design and strong road presence.
  • • Wide range of powerful and smooth engines.

Cons:

  • • High fuel consumption, especially for V8 models.
  • • Maintenance and parts can be expensive for a classic.
  • • Lack of modern safety features (predates Euro NCAP).
  • • Large dimensions can make city driving and parking challenging.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W223: July, 2021 - ).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:S-class
Generation:SE (W126, facelift 1985)
Modification (Engine):260 SE CAT (160 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:June, 1985
End of production:February, 1991
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:160 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:61.6 Hp/l [159mm less]
Torque:220 Nm @ 4600 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 103 E 26 / 103.941 More details about the engine M 103 E 26 / 103.941
Engine displacement:2599
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:6 l
Coolant:8 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:82.9 mm
Piston Stroke:80.25 mm
Compression ratio:9.2:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.9 sec
Maximum speed:195 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.5 kg/Hp, 105.3 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.9 kg/Nm, 144.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1520
Max. weight:2040
Max load:520
Fuel tank capacity:90 l
Size:
Length:5020 mm [159mm less]
Width:1820 mm [134mm less]
Height:1437 mm [66mm less]
Wheelbase:2930 mm [176mm less]
Front track:1555 mm
Rear (Back) track:1527 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 205/65 R15
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 7J x 15
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

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