1994 Mercedes-Benz W124 E500

From 1991 to 1994, Mercedes-Benz sold a limited production, high-performance version of the W124 sedan, the Mercedes-Benz 500E (W124.036). The 500E was created in close cooperation with Porsche; each 500E was hand-built by Porsche, being transported back and forth between the Mercedes plant and Porsche's Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen, Germany during assembly — taking a full 18 days to complete each model. Design began in 1989 and into 1991. Called '500E' through model year 1993, for model year 1994 it was face-lifted along with the rest of the range and renamed to 'E500'.

The 500E had a naturally aspirated 5.0L V8 engine derived from the 500SL (R129) roadster. Sports car braking performance also came from SL components: front SL500 300 mm disks with 4-piston calipers came installed on the 1992 and early 1993 cars. The later 1993, and all 1994 cars came with the upgraded 320 mm set taken from the 600SL. Rear brakes on all years were 278 mm brakes from the 500SL. In the USA, the 500E came fully equipped, with the only options available to the buyer being a dealer-installed CD changer and an integrated cellular telephone. The 500E was only available with left-hand drive, with four leather seats supplied by Recaro (the fronts are heated).

Called the "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" by the press, performance tests of the day yielded impressive results: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) times of 5.5 to 6.0 seconds and acceleration through the quarter-mile (0.4 km) in 14.1 seconds at 163 km/h (101 mph). The top speed was redline limited at 6,000 rpm to 260 km/h (~160 mph). It was rated at 16.8 L/100 km (14 mpg) in the city and 13.8 L/100 km (17 mpg) on the highway.

With its aggressive stance: 1.5 inches wider track, 0.9 inch lower profile, flared fenders, side skirts, front air-dam and wide tires, the E500 is easily distinguished from its lesser brethren. Because of its look, limited numbers, hand-built construction, and unique pedigree, the E500 is already considered a "classic", even by Mercedes-Benz. The E500 created the formula for the performance-based AMG models that are still produced today.