Which Mercedes-Benz model introduced a driver airbag to a production car in 1981?

The Mercedes-Benz W126 introduced a driver airbag to a production car in 1981.

Mercedes-Benz offered the driver airbag as part of the W126 S-Class safety package beginning in 1981. The system used sensors to detect a severe frontal collision and an inflatable cushion to help protect the driver from striking the steering wheel. It worked alongside seat belts rather than replacing them.

The W126 was also associated with other important safety developments, including a passenger airbag option and belt pretensioners. Its safety engineering reflected Mercedes-Benz’s emphasis on occupant protection through a reinforced passenger cell and controlled crash energy management.

A common mix-up is to credit the W126 with inventing the airbag itself. Airbag concepts and patents existed earlier, and several manufacturers experimented with them. The W126 is notable because it brought a driver airbag into regular series production and helped establish the feature in luxury cars.

Airbags later became widespread across the industry, eventually expanding to protect passengers, side occupants and knees.