Mercedes-Benz 500E 1992 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mercedes-Benz 500E 1992

From 1990 to 1995, Mercedes-Benz sold a high-performance version of the W124, the Mercedes-Benz 500E. It was created in close co-operation with Porsche; each one being hand-built by Porsche and transported back and forth between the Mercedes-Benz plant and Porsche's Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen, Germany during assembly, with a full 18 days being taken to complete each car. The 500E had a naturally aspirated 5.0L, V8 engine derived from the 500SL (R129) and braking performance also came from SL components. The 500E was manufactured as a four seat saloon and in lefthand drive only. The leather seats were supplied by Recaro with the fronts

Mercedes-Benz 500E 1992

being electrically operated and heated. Called the 'Wolf in Sheep's Clothing' by the press, performance tests of the day yielded impressive results with 0-62 mph times of 5.5 to 6.0 seconds. The top speed was 161.5mph with the engine speed limited to 6000rpm. With its aggressive stance, 1.5 inch wider track, lower profile, flared wheel arches, side skirts, front air-dam and wider tyres, the 500E is easily distinguished from its lesser brethren.