S-Class Favorite Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

[cawimmer430]

I understand what you are saying and I agree with your sentiments to a point. If we are talking about S classes, I would choose a W221 over an old one because I do not have any emotional attachment to any S class. But I would choose a W100 over a W221, a Maybach or Rolls-Royce any day. I absolutely love the W100 -- no matter how old it may be, it is still the finest car Mercedes has built since WW2.

I have such an emotional attachment to this old Merc, it is still as sophisticated as it ever was ...it always makes a grand impression without being overly ostentatious like a Rolls-Royce Phantom or Maybach. This is still the most sophisticated car to be chauffeured in, in my opinion. The fact that production of it ceased over 25 years ago just doesn't matter -- it is truly timeless -- I can think of no other car I would rather own.

Excellent post. I agree with everything you said. Back in its day, the W100 was the car to be seen in. Celebrities bought them like crazy, often preferring them over a Rolls or Bentley!

There's a German living in the US named Karl Middelhauve who specializes in W100 and the M100 engine. He's created a pickup out of a derelict W100. Check out the pics here:

http://f27.parsimony.net/forum66434/messages/22094.htm

He also made a funeral car out of a W100.
http://www.mbgrand600.com/ARTICLES/testdrive.html

 

[michaelsalley]

W126 - first generation 300SD - beyond the shadow of a doubt. I don't like the newer ones as much, just b/c in my opinion they've gotten awfully sporty. It's a nice look, but to me the S-class says "regal" or "presidential"... and I think that the last one that really looked that elegant, with absolutely no offense to the newer ones, was the 126 and 140. 116's great too, but I think 126 is my absolute favorite. The new ones have great features, very comfortable, etc... but I just like the looks of the long 126es and the 140s the best.

Of course maybe it's just my affinity for the 5 cyl. turbodiesel from back then.

 

[phaeton]

W140 for me due to the fact I've been in one & I admire the design & the Phaeton having cues from this model.

It was difficult to choose over the W220 & W221

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Excellent Poll, but my favorites were the W126, W140, W221 and the W220. The models before then were really to my liking.

The W126 had such an exclusive look that carry on today. The W140 or as we call it "The Big Body Benz" was so powerful and "mafia" looking. As for the W220, it was one of the most beautiful cars on earth and redefined luxury.

My Ultimate favor is of course the new W221, which is remarkable in every aspect. The technology is mind blowing and the styling is dramatic and luxurious. Interior wise -



A work of art..........

 

[CarGuy]

W140 hands down. It had so much character, it is an icon. Many presidents and royal people including Princess Diana used it. The Russian mobsters loved it. I loved and still love it. The car is kind of my first automotive childhood love.

I secound that

 

[cawimmer430]

W126 - first generation 300SD - beyond the shadow of a doubt. I don't like the newer ones as much, just b/c in my opinion they've gotten awfully sporty. It's a nice look, but to me the S-class says "regal" or "presidential"... and I think that the last one that really looked that elegant, with absolutely no offense to the newer ones, was the 126 and 140. 116's great too, but I think 126 is my absolute favorite. The new ones have great features, very comfortable, etc... but I just like the looks of the long 126es and the 140s the best.

Of course maybe it's just my affinity for the 5 cyl. turbodiesel from back then.

Michael, welcome to GCF! Glad you joined this great site. If you have any friends who're into German cars, THIS is the place to be.

 

[cawimmer430]

Excellent Poll, but my favorites were the W126, W140, W221 and the W220. The models before then were really to my liking.

The W126 had such an exclusive look that carry on today. The W140 or as we call it "The Big Body Benz" was so powerful and "mafia" looking. As for the W220, it was one of the most beautiful cars on earth and redefined luxury.

My Ultimate favor is of course the new W221, which is remarkable in every aspect. The technology is mind blowing and the styling is dramatic and luxurious. Interior wise -


A work of art..........

Thanks, I had fun creating this poll as well.

Originally, I hated the W221 interior, but now, it has grown on me and I love it. It radiates modernism and class at the same time. The materials used are hands down the best materials MB has ever used in any of their cars.

 

[Rolf]

Difficult one to decide which is the best S-class but maybe this would be one of the best and one of my favorite, the W126. This is a great video showing its safety features and also how it was thoroughly test driven by top notch test drivers on various interesting tracks to be able to be as good as it was.

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[Deleted member 1071]

For me...considering the sum of its' various qualities, the W126 S-Class may have been the best M-B sedan. Ever. An outstanding automobile that stood head-and-shoulders above its' competition when it was introduced in the fall of 1979. A form of superiority that was never to be seen again in an M-B sedan.

 

[Merc1]

W126, W222, W140, W221 in that order for me........

M

 

[WAND]

For me, this two, no contest.

 

[Rolf]

Its amazing some similarities with the W222 and W140 in dimensions.

Length: W140 - 5113mm W222 - 5116mm
Wheelbase: W140 - 3040mm W222 - 3035mm
Width: W140 - 1886mm W222 - 1899mm
Height: W140 - 1486mm W222 - 1496mm
Weight: W140 S500 - 2000kg W222 S500 - 1995kg

 

[ThroughandThrough]

I can't decide between the W111 and W108.

- W111 for the curved glass, imposing grille and rear fins
- W108 for the clean lines and the minimal taillights.

I believe the AMG GT's pinched inner brake light was derived from the W108's:

 

[WAND]

F1 sound W140

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[LaArtist]

3 ppl voted i don't like the s class..

some wrong with them 3

 

[vios1]

It is difficult to choose, I like every single model of the S-CLASS. But the W140 nad W222 will be my choice.

 

[Merc1]

The W126 will stand as the best of the best for me, followed by the current W222 and then the W221/W140 tie for 3rd. W220 is out.

M

 

[hannaz]

Still amazing to see this

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[Merc1]

Yeah the W126 is the best of the best for me.

M

 

[Rolf]

I believe the AMG GT's pinched inner brake light was derived from the W108's:

Luckily they didn't take the big "automatic" badge from the W108 rear!