1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class - E500

Jointly developed by Porsche and Mercedes-Benz

The proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing

Timelessly attractive colour combination

Remarkable state of preservation

Delivered new in Germany

The fastest saloon in its class

When Mercedes introduced the 500 E in 1990, it came as quite a surprise: an inconspicuous four-door W124 carrying on its boot lid a number otherwise reserved for the S-Class. Beneath the bonnet was no modest four-cylinder, but the five-litre V8 from the 500 SL, producing 326 bhp. The respectable mid-size saloon had suddenly become a serious sports car.

Mercedes did not build it alone, however. It turned to its neighbours at Porsche, whose Zuffenhausen plant took care of much of the specialist work and was only too happy for the additional business. Besides, the bodies, widened by 5.6 centimetres, would not fit through Mercedes’ own production line. The bare shells were delivered to Porsche for installation of the axles and brakes and modification of the wheel housings. The latter was necessary to accommodate the mighty engine and chassis components. Only then did the partly completed cars return to Sindelfingen for final assembly and finishing. All this shuttling back and forth made production decidedly laborious and kept numbers comparatively low.

From the outside, only a knowledgeable eye would immediately recognise a 500 E: subtly flared wheelarches, lowered suspension and 16-inch alloy wheels. No spoiler, no shouty colours – a tailored suit from Stuttgart concealing considerable muscle. Press the accelerator to the floor, however, and the culture shock followed: 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, a top speed of 250 km/h, all with the solidity of a saloon that barely attracted attention in everyday traffic.

The W124 received its facelift in 1993, when the entire range adopted Mercedes’ new nomenclature. The 500 E became the E 500, recognisable by its revised headlights and subtly modernised interior. Mechanically it remained largely unchanged, retaining its reputation as perhaps one of the most complete combinations of comfort and performance the 1990s had to offer.

This E 500 was delivered through the Mercedes dealership in Wuppertal in the autumn of 1993. Its first owner chose Blue-Black Metallic (199) for the range-topping model, suitably matched with a perforated black leather interior (271). He ticked a few more boxes on the options list as well: automatically dimming rear-view mirror (249), dust filter (305), electrically operated steel sliding/tilting sunroof (412), anti-theft alarm system (551), front armrest with compartment (570), emissions control system (620), fire extinguisher (682), Bose sound system (810), Alpine CD changer in the boot (819), heated front seats left and right (873), and central locking with infrared remote control (880).

What surprises most about this E 500 today, 33 years after it was delivered, is the odometer. You almost have to look twice because the number seems hard to believe. It reads 199,000 kilometres. Judging by its condition, you would have expected half that at most, such is the remarkably well-kept appearance of this wolf in sheep’s clothing. Its previous owners deserve considerable credit, because the E 500 presents beautifully throughout.

Today, it once again does justice to the special position it occupied when new. A joint effort by some of Stuttgart’s finest engineers.