A friend imported one. I got the chance to drive it. It needs restoration work, but here’s a a short one for y’all anyways!

I’ve driven three different Mercedes w126 s-classes, not including this one (not all from the same person funny enough). The Koenig, without spoiling much because we still need content for later this year, is a familiar driving experience to the others. It’s still very comfy, the steering isn’t taxing on your arms, the transmission does what ever it wants, and you’re greeted to a world of refinement, plush comfort, and general relaxation. A w126 doesn’t egg you on to be stupid. If you slide it, that was 100% you giving in to the intrusive thoughts about what a 17ft long (for the SEL) car does when the rear steps out.

The Koenig in its current form retains this identity, while adding in some more life into the equation. The unhealthily wide tires (Porsche 930 rear’s up front!) and lower suspension give the car a lot more grip, and do actually make the car more confidence inspiring while cornering. The car doesn’t roll as much as normal, and has more than enough grip between the rubber and weight. The wide front rubber also means that you’ll be constantly managing the wheel as you drive, since the tires like to follow any imperfection on the road, which only adds back to the wonderfully 80’s feel of the car.

The engine is a 5.6L v8. It moves nicely, makes enough torque. Could be a little louder though. Im sure it’ll only get faster as the car gets better, so I will end that short.

The real party trick of this car is the Koenig wide body. Massive flares, Testarossa strakes, big tail, it all adds up into one massive 1980’s Miami Beach, cocaine induced, Reganomics fueled, fiberglass monstrosity in the absolute best way possible. It looks wide, menacing, meaty even, and completely of its era. When driving, you see it in your mirrors, poking out the sides of the car, taking up half the view. And the attention, holy crap. It’s 993 levels of everyone looks at you, if not even greater. You drive around with the confidence that you are the shit, and everyone else around looks on to confirm it.

Y’all will hear more about this car as it gets brought back to its former glory and then some. Until the next one my fellow mis shifted ass holes!