Mercedes-Benz 500 E, the saloon that combined the best of Daimler-Benz and Porsche

The Mercedes-Benz 500 E was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1990, born from an agreement between the former Daimler-Benz AG and Porsche. The saloon caused a sensation among motoring enthusiasts for blending the comfort typical of the Mercedes-Benz models of the era with the high performance of Porsche.

The design of the 500 E still looks good even today, a car that has truly stood the test of time. Michael Hölscher, head of project development at Porsche, who was involved in the creation process of this car 30 years ago, said he found it almost impossible to believe that such a perfect design could have been achieved three decades ago without computer assistance.

The Mercedes-Benz 500 E drew attention above all for its widened wheel arches, which gave it a much more aggressive look compared with the more conventional versions of the W 124.

The engine specified in the contract between Daimler and Porsche, was a 5-litre V8 from the 500 SL, which was coupled to a huge rear differential that meant it could only be homologated as a four-seater, as there was no room for a centre seat on the rear bench.

The V8 fitted to the 500 E produced 326 CV and 470 Nm of torque, allowing it to go from 0 to 100 in 5.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h, electronically limited.

Each 500 E had a production process of 18 days

Assembly logistics, although perfectly defined, required a complex system, as Mercedes-Benz sent the body components to Porsche, which was in charge of assembling them; they then returned to Mercedes-Benz to be painted and finally, once painted, went back to Porsche to have the engines installed.

The situation at the time was difficult due to a major crisis, but this 500 E was a project that greatly helped both Porsche and Mercedes-Benz to overcome the enormous challenges they were facing at the time.

The reason for the complex logistics we have described was that, with a body 56 millimetres wider and 23 lower than that of any other model in the W 124 range, it was not feasible to modify the assembly line of the star marque.

An example of good craftsmanship

The Mercedes-Benz 500 E featured distinctive elements such as newly redesigned headlights to let air through and cool the V8. One of the great challenges was fitting the engine from the 500 SL into the smaller engine bay of the 500 E.

To achieve its excellent dynamic behaviour, the battery was mounted in the rear right-hand side of the boot for better weight distribution, the brake and exhaust systems were modified, and the wheel arches and front and rear bumpers were redesigned.

Michael Mönig, head of the Prototype Development department, who was also involved in developing the Mercedes-Benz 500 E, highlighted how respectful the collaboration between Porsche and Mercedes-Benz was, as the project was based on “a great desire to succeed”.

The Mercedes-Benz 500 E is one of those truly special cars that marked a moment in the automotive industry, blending the best of two great brands and leaving a legacy for both in history.