The Mercedes-Benz brand started working on mid-sized vehicles in the 1970s, and in the 1980s, it appeared before automobile lovers with the W124 series. Among the models known as the E series since 1993, the W124 Mercedes E500 was truly legendary. Although it had a short production period, the W124 Mercedes E500 became one of the most popular models of the series.
Perhaps the biggest reason why we still talk about the W124 Mercedes E500 model today, even though years have passed, is that it has a Porsche touch in its design. The brand, which has already achieved a certain quality with the W124 series, has seen one of the peaks of high performance with this final touch. Let’s take a closer look at some information that proves why the W124 Mercedes E500 model is legendary.
Information about W124 Mercedes E500:
- It was Porsche engineers who made the E500 the E500.
- Its exterior design looked like it had just left the gym.
- A true modern classic.
- The W124 Mercedes E500 engine is a real beast.
- The limited edition made it even more special.
- Those who drive the W124 Mercedes E500 say it is like a tank.
- The second-hand market is one of the narrowest models.
It was Porsche engineers who made the E500 an E500:
By the end of the 1980s, Mercedes-Benz wanted to increase the performance of the W124 series, but since all of its own engineers were working on the new S series, it agreed with Porsche on this issue. Porsche engineers redesigned the W124 chassis to be compatible with the 5.0 L V8 used in the SL and made the necessary suspension arrangements.
In 1989, when everything was ready, it was realized that the large structure of the new model was not suitable for the W124 assembly line in Sindelfingen. Therefore, the W124 Mercedes E500 was produced in Porsche factories. All these events were like a dream come true for Porsche because the company was on the verge of a major crisis at that time and these works seemed like a cure for them.
Its exterior design looked like it had just left the gym:
There’s a lot to say about the exterior design of the W124 Mercedes E500, but let’s face it, it looks more like an athlete who’s just lifted weights and got pumped up. The model is much wider than other models of the series. At the same time, the W124 Mercedes E500, which was equipped with the latest automobile technologies of the period, was still considered light. And with a V8 engine under the hood, this large car was quite fast for its time.
It’s actually interesting that the model was fast even for its time, because it looked like a box from the outside. But there were small touches in its design that would push the limits of aerodynamics. Thus, the friction coefficient was reduced to a minimum. Thanks to its self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension system, it prioritized the comfort of the driver and passengers even on the harshest journeys.
A true modern classic:
Referred to as the ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ in the press, the W124 Mercedes E500 reflected the modern atmosphere of the period with interior features such as a CD player and a built-in mobile phone. It displayed an aggressive stance thanks to its design features such as 38 mm wider wheels, 23 mm lower profile, wide wings, side skirts and front air hood. Sport-style leather seats were among the details that made its interior design fascinating.
The W124 Mercedes E500 engine is a real beast:
The W124 Mercedes E500 is actually like a cross between the W124 and the SL Roadster models, which is what Porsche engineers were aiming for. The 5.0-liter, 32-valve V8 engine produced 322 hp throughout the rev range in all gears. Moreover, this power was supported by 354 lb torque. Thanks to this powerful engine, the W124 Mercedes E500 could accelerate to approximately 100 kilometers per hour in 6 seconds. The maximum speed of the vehicle was 250 kilometers per hour.
The limited edition made it even more special:
Automobile lovers were first introduced to the W124 Mercedes E500 model in 1990. After the W124 series became known as the E series, some make-ups were made on the E500. After a few vehicles were made upon special request, W124 Mercedes E500 production was completely stopped in 1995. Only 10,479 of the model, which had a production adventure of approximately five years, were produced in total. One of the features that makes it special is that it was produced in small numbers.
The limited edition facelift models produced in 1994 were called E500 Limited. In addition to a number of hardware upgrades, these models were notable for their 17-inch Evo II wheels. At the same time, those who purchased this model could also equip the vehicle with the E60 AMG package.
Those who drive the W124 Mercedes E500 say it is like a tank:
When viewed from the outside, the W124 Mercedes E500 looks like a car with hard and wide lines, and it really is. The comments of those who use it are that it is a model like a tank. There are even those who say that today’s cars feel like they are disposable. What is more interesting is that even those who have been using it for a long time and have driven hundreds of thousands of kilometers still say that the engine runs noiselessly. The secret of this success lies in the successful touch of Porsche engineers.
Among the models with the narrowest second-hand market:
Since the W124 Mercedes E500 is one of the models produced in relatively small numbers, it is one of the rare models in the second-hand market, although it has not been long since its last production. Most drivers, if they have a W124 Mercedes E500, do not even think of selling it. In foreign markets, well-maintained and low-mileage vehicles can find buyers at very high prices.
We talked about interesting information about the W124 Mercedes E500 model, which left its mark on the 1990s and is still considered a legend today, and explained what the Porsche touch added to it during its design. Even though there are many points to criticize, it must be admitted that today’s cars are unfortunately becoming more and more like the past. You can share your thoughts in the comments.
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