Autobahn Assassin: 1994 Porsche/Mercedes-Benz 500E Super Saloon

By Arison Knapp - June 6, 2016

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During the 1980s and ‘90s, Porsche’s front-engine campaign was canned, resulting in many companies contracting Porsche’s inactive engineers for speed expertise. Many impressive projects came out of such hirings, like the one you’re staring at now. Next month Russo & Steele Auctions is offering one of these projects, which has become one of the most desirable Mercedes-Benz super saloons of the ’90s; the 1994 Mercedes-Benz 500E.

Mercedes-Benz built the 500E like a racecar program, as a joint effort between Mercedes and Porsche. But it’s not just who built this car, and how, but also the parts chosen that make this racing horse a prime contender. The parts that differentiate this E-Class from others are, primarily, the R126 500SL powertrain, chassis, and suspension, which allowed Porsche’s hot rodders to tune and assemble, so Benz could focus on the coachwork.

Porsche’s super tuning enhanced this 500E over the lesser 300E model, reinforcing whilst widening the body, tracks and lowering it to handle the 4,793CC V8 engine kicking out 322 HP and a punchy 354 lb-ft of torque. For that time, it was a monster, even while cycling through its now-ancient 4-speed automatic — though it’s said to have effortless feeling of elasticity thanks to the Porsche boys’ gearing. Speeding past 60 MPH takes a little over five seconds, but with a 24 gallon fuel tank, go ahead, goose it!

Mercedes-Benz wrapped the package with their famous body and interior coachwork — Porsche power disguised in Benz clothing. Supple leather is still pretty intact from the two owners of this car, and check out the two Recaro bucket seats in the back.

If you like what you see (and how can’t you?), this baby goes up for auction at this weekend’s R&S Newport Beach.