The fourth generation of Mercury Cougar was introduced for the 1977 model year. Like its predecessor, the fourth generation Cougar was offered as a personal luxury car, and featured sedan, coupe, and station wagon body styles. The XR-7 top trim level remained, while the standard trim level was reintroduced as it had been unavailable in the previous generation. Over the course of production, 4.9L (302), 5.8L (351), and 6.6L (400) V8 options were available. Construction of the fourth generation Cougar lasted until 1979, when the Fifth Generation Mercury Cougar was unveiled.