Description
There are fast cars, there are luxury cars, and then there is the Mercedes-Benz 500E. Built in collaboration with Porsche at a time when Mercedes simply wanted to create the ultimate high-performance saloon, the 500E has become one of the true icons of the 1990s. Hand-assembled between the Mercedes and Porsche factories in Zuffenhausen, every car took over two weeks to build, with bodyshells travelling back and forth between the two manufacturers before completion. It remains one of the greatest Q-cars ever produced.
This 1992 example is, in our opinion, the one to have.
Being a pre-facelift, pre-catalyst car, it benefits from the full-fat M119 5. 0-litre V8 in its most powerful European specification. With effortless performance, beautifully weighted steering and immense high-speed stability, it is still a genuinely rapid car by modern standards. We’ve owned and driven countless 500Es over the years, and this is quite simply one of the nicest examples we have ever had the pleasure of driving. It feels tight, composed and remarkably fresh – the sort of car that reminds you exactly why the 500E has earned such legendary status.
Originally supplied new in Germany, this car has led an enthusiast-owned life and was previously owned by the President of the 500E Owners Club in the Netherlands. That pedigree is immediately evident. The underside is exceptionally clean, the body retains both depth and shine through its paint, and it hasn’t been modified or tampered with – something becoming increasingly rare. It remains on the correct factory alloy wheels, still retains its original self-levelling rear suspension and comes complete with its original book pack, service book and an impressive history file.
The cabin is exactly as a great 500E should be. The factory Recaro seats remain beautifully presented, complemented by heated front seats, an electrically adjustable steering column, electric sunroof and the superb upgraded Becker Mexico 2000 radio. This particular car also features the optional additional door speakers, a desirable period upgrade rarely seen today. Even the original headrest covers remain with the car – one of those charming details that enthusiasts love.
Small details often tell the biggest story. The instrument needles have retained their deep amber colour rather than fading to white, a lovely indication that the car has spent its life carefully stored away from harsh sunlight. The mileage is very sensible for one of these, especially when so many examples with double the mileage are now commanding significantly higher prices.
As part of the sale, the car will be supplied fully Irish registered with a fresh two-year NCT, ready to be enjoyed immediately.
Finding a genuine, unmolested 500E has become increasingly difficult. Finding one that drives this well is rarer still. If you’ve been waiting for the right one, we genuinely believe this deserves your attention. It is everything a 500E should be.
