The Mercedes 500-E Edition

Colin here. The WITI Contributor’s Slack can be a treasure trove for auto aficionados, offering high-level discourse on a variety of topics, ranging from the [cursed] Cybertruck and Rivian, to the future of autonomy, and classic models that history has overlooked. Many links are shared from Bring a Trailer, a site known for highlighting classic car auctions. One such link, shared by Ryan M., piqued my interest due to the incredible backstory of the Mercedes-Benz 500 E, currently up for auction

Why is this interesting?

This model stands out as a unique collaboration between Mercedes and Porsche, available from 1990 to 1995. Mercedes commissioned Porsche to re-engineer the car's chassis to accommodate a different V8 engine. Due to logistical and spatial challenges at the Mercedes factory, the 500 E was assembled by Porsche. This arrangement serendipitously benefitted Porsche, providing revenue during a financial crisis, thanks to the factory's excess capacity.

According to the Porsche newsroom:

The goal was for the 500 E to resemble the W124 at first glance while setting new benchmarks. To the discerning eye, it was a high-performance saloon like no other. It boasted a width 56 millimeters greater than the base model and was 23 mm lower. Referred to as “Project 2758” at Porsche, the 500 E was a testament to innovation.

Mönig, a Porsche veteran of over 35 years who played a key role in building the 500 E prototype, speaks highly of the model: “Three decades later, amidst vast automotive advancements, the 500 E still stands tall. Its handling is superb, offering impressive longitudinal acceleration and exceptional brakes. Driving this car, with its dynamic nature and the beautifully understated sound of its eight-cylinder engine, remains a pleasure.”

I find myself drawn to this car not just for its classic, unobtrusive appearance, but also for the engineering stories behind it. It reminds me of the Audi S8, featured in THAT chase scene in 'Ronin'. Like the S8, the 500 E appears to be a typical sedan but packs an unexpected punch. There's a certain allure to these 90s-era cars that conceal more than they reveal. (CJN)

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Thanks for reading,

Noah (NRB) & Colin (CJN)

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