Before Mercedes-Benz’s popular E-Class became a thing, there was the W124, its direct predecessor - an executive-grade sedan with impressive build quality and surprising performance, built from 1984 to 1995 with a facelift in between.
During the W124’s decade-long run, several trim levels and respective engine options emerged while luxury and great drivability were always constant. Among them, the model’s range-topping non-AMG model became available in 1991, designated as the 500 E because of its powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine.
While considerably cheaper than the E 60 AMG, the Mercedes-Benz 500 E didn’t fall too far behind in terms of performance, and it presented itself as an unexpected sleeper car capable of holding its own against the likes of the BMW E34 M5 and the Chevy Impala SS. Let’s get into the details.
Porsche Helped Mercedes Develop The 500 E
Before the release of the ultra-rare E 60 AMG in 1993, Mercedes-Benz decided to take its powerful V8 from the 500 SL roadster and put it inside a new range-topping high-performance W124. However, as things were, the W124’s base chassis wasn’t capable of fitting such a large engine, nor could it realistically handle the subsequent increase in performance.
With its own engineers too busy with the development of the upcoming S-Class, Mercedes reached out to Porsche in 1989, commissioning a redesigned chassis for the new 500 E.
Porsche obliged, and after developing the perfect prototype, the German performance manufacturer was even in charge of assembling the new chassis for Mercedes, since the widened body of the 500 E couldn’t fit in its own assembly lines.
The Mercedes-Benz 500 E Has An Incredible Body And Chassis
Despite essentially being an executive midsize sedan, Porsche took Mercedes’ performance-oriented request quite seriously, and its engineers did everything in their power to improve the W124’s chassis for the 500 E. However, the idea was also to keep the W124 relatively tame and classy appearance, which is why it ended up as a pure sleeper car. Later on, the press would go on to call the 500 E a ‘Wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
Changes were numerous. Firstly, in order to make up space for the larger engine and achieve a better weight distribution, Porsche removed the battery from the W124’s engine bay and placed it in the rear, and several modifications were also made to the vehicle’s exhaust system, brakes, and external body panels - including the brilliant idea to use the surrounding headlight gaps as intakes to help the engine breathe better. Suspension was also Porsche’s responsibility, leading to a lowered setup featuring Bilstein shocks. Overall, the subsequent chassis for the new 500 E was 56 millimeters wider and 23 millimeters lower, but other than that and a slightly more aggressive front lip, it’s hard to tell the E 500 apart from its more underwhelming brothers. It’s also worth mentioning that the entire W124 lineup received a facelift in 1993 - along with the introduction of the new high-performance E 60 AMG. Later called the 500 E as a consequence of the update, the model still retained the same engine and overall build.
The 1991 Mercedes-Benz E 500 Is Powerful
The engine mated to the E 500 was a Porsche-tweaked M119 5.0-liter V8 with dual-overhead-camshafts, taken directly from the Mercedes SL. It delivered a maximum output of 326 horsepower along with 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear axle.
From a standstill, the Mercedes E 500 can blast from 0-60 mph in just 6.1 seconds while on its way to a limited top speed of 155 mph, making it one of the quickest sedans of its time that wasn’t strictly marketed as a performance. Better yet, the E 500 isn’t just fast, it also throws in impressive touring-style handling, characterized by heavy yet responsive steering and a well-damped road feel that translates to a nimble yet comfortable driving experience.
Luxury Was Also Part Of The E 500’s Appeal
Despite receiving several performance-oriented modifications, Mercedes and Porsche kept the W124’s high-end feel intact in the E 500. It came standard with leather seats, walnut trimming, automatic climate control, dual airbags, as well as desirable options such as heated front seats, a CD changer, and an advanced ASR traction-control system.
Boiling things down, the Mercedes-Benz E 500 was a glorious result of a legendary union with Porsche, showcasing the infinite possibilities that emerge when two proven car manufacturers cooperate. In this case, the result was a glorious luxury sedan with scary performance and enticing driving dynamics. The ultimate sleeper car.
Sources: Mercedes, Porsche