Mercedes-Benz S-class SE (W126) 280 SE (185 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

8.8 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.7 / 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) Overview:

Mercedes-Benz S-class (SE (W126)). With 240 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1560 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 10.8 s). The top speed reaches 205 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.

280 SE (185 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Smooth and refined power delivery, with the automatic transmission enhancing the luxury and ease of driving experience.

Fuel Economy

Reasonable for its class, though the automatic transmission might slightly increase fuel consumption compared to a manual.

Best Use Case: Comfortable daily driving, luxury cruising, urban and highway versatility.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional build quality and durability
  • • Superb ride comfort and refinement
  • • Timeless, elegant design
  • • Advanced safety features for its era (ABS, airbags)
  • • Powerful and smooth V8 engine options
  • • Excellent long-distance cruiser

Cons:

  • • High fuel consumption, especially for V8 models
  • • Maintenance can be costly for specific parts
  • • Dated technology compared to modern cars
  • • Potential for rust if not well-maintained
  • • Large size can be challenging in urban environments

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(SEL (V116): February, 1976 - April, 1978).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:S-class
Generation:SE (W126)
Modification (Engine):280 SE (185 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:February, 1979
End of production:September, 1985
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:185 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:67.4 Hp/l [65mm less]
Torque:240 Nm @ 4500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 110 E 28 / 110.987 More details about the engine M 110 E 28 / 110.987
Engine displacement:2746
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:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:7 l
Coolant:10.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:86 mm mm
Piston Stroke:78.8 mm mm
Compression ratio:9:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:16.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9.4 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.8 sec
Maximum speed:205 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.4 kg/Hp, 118.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.5 kg/Nm, 153.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.3 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1560
Max. weight:2080
Max load:520
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:505 l
Fuel tank capacity:90 l
Size:
Length:4995 mm mm [65mm less]
Width:1820 mm mm [50mm less]
Height:1430 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2930 mm mm [30mm less]
Front track:1545 mm
Rear (Back) track:1517 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: 195/75 R14
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 6J x 14
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

If you could change one thing about the Mercedes-Benz S-class, what would it be?