Former mercedes-benzcommon E Class grew to become a factor, there was its direct predecessor, the W124 – an executive-class sedan with spectacular construct high quality and astonishing efficiency, constructed from 1984 to 1995 with the occasional makeover.
Through the W124’s decade of operation, varied trim ranges and corresponding engine choices have emerged, whereas luxurious and wonderful drivability have all the time remained fixed. Amongst them, the mannequin’s best-in-class non-AMG mannequin debuted in 1991 and is designated the five hundred E due to its highly effective 5.0-liter V8 engine.
Though less expensive than E 60 AMGThe Mercedes-Benz 500 E didn’t lag far behind by way of efficiency, and it proved itself as an surprising sleeper automotive and held its personal in opposition to its friends. BMW E34 M5 and Chevy Impala SS. Let’s get into the main points.
Porsche Helped Mercedes Develop the five hundred E
Previous to the launch of the ultra-rare E 60 AMG in 1993, Mercedes-Benz determined to take its highly effective V8 from the five hundred SL roadster and put it inside a brand new best-in-class, high-performance W124. Nonetheless, as with all the things else, the W124’s base chassis couldn’t match such a big engine and realistically deal with the following improve in efficiency.
As its personal engineers are very busy with the event of the upcoming S-Class, Mercedes Porsche In 1989 a redesigned chassis was commissioned for the brand new 500 E.
Porsche was compelled to take action, and after growing the proper prototype, the German efficiency producer was even answerable for assembling the brand new chassis for Mercedes, because the prolonged physique of the five hundred E could not match into their meeting traces.
Mercedes-Benz 500 E Has An Unimaginable Physique And Chassis
Though primarily a high-end mid-range sedan, Porsche took Mercedes’ calls for for efficiency fairly significantly, and its engineers did all the things they may to enhance the W124’s chassis for the five hundred E. elegant look, so it resulted as a pure sleeper. Later, the press would name the five hundred E the ‘wolf in sheep’s clothes’.”
The adjustments had been many. First, to make room for the bigger engine and obtain higher weight distribution, Porsche eliminated the battery from the W124’s engine compartment and positioned it on the rear, and likewise made just a few adjustments to the car’s exhaust system, brakes and brakes. exterior physique panels – together with the brilliant concept of utilizing the encircling headlight cavities as air intakes to assist the engine breathe higher. Suspension was additionally Porsche’s accountability, which led to a lowered setup. Bilstein shocks. General, the brand new 500 E’s subsequent chassis was 56 millimeters wider and 23 millimeters decrease, however apart from that and the marginally extra aggressive entrance lip, it is arduous to inform the E 500 other than its extra underwhelming siblings. It is also value noting that your complete W124 collection obtained a facelift in 1993 with the launch of the brand new high-performance E 60 AMG. Later named the five hundred E because of the replace, the mannequin retained the identical engine and total construct.
1991 Mercedes-Benz E 500 Highly effective
Matching the E 500 was a fine-tuned M119 5.0-liter V8 by Porsche. It has a double overhead camshaft immediately from the Mercedes SL. Paired with a 4-speed automated transmission sending energy to the rear axle, it delivered a most output of 326 horsepower together with 354 pound-feet of torque.
With out stopping, the Mercedes E 500 can dash from 0 to 60 mph in simply 6.1 seconds when going to a restricted prime velocity of 155 mph, making it one of many quickest sedans of its time and positively not marketed as a car. yield. Higher nonetheless, the E 500 gives spectacular touring-style dealing with, characterised by not solely quick but in addition heavy however responsive steering and a well-damped highway really feel that interprets into an agile but snug driving expertise.
Luxurious Was A part of the E 500’s Attraction
Regardless of receiving a number of performance-oriented modifications, Mercedes and Porsche have retained the W124’s high-end really feel within the E 500. It got here customary with fascinating choices akin to leather-based seats, walnut veneer, automated local weather management, twin airbags and a heated entrance. seats, a CD changer and a complicated ASR traction management system.
To sum all of it up, the Mercedes-Benz E 500 was the magnificent results of a legendary partnership with Porsche, showcasing the countless prospects that come up when two confirmed automakers collaborate. On this case, the consequence was an impressive luxurious sedan with scary efficiency and seductive driving dynamics. The last word sleeper automotive.
Sources: Mercedes, Porsche
