MERCEDES-BENZ E 500 W124 5.0L V8 — 322 HP REAR-WHEEL DRIVE

Mercedes Benz E 500 By @a7photocar
Category Specification
Model Mercedes-Benz E 500 (W124)
Engine M119 naturally aspirated V8
Displacement 4,973 cc / 5.0 liters
Valvetrain 32 valves, DOHC
Maximum Power 322 hp (326 PS) at 5,700 rpm
Maximum Torque 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) at 3,900 rpm
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Drive Layout Rear-wheel drive
0–100 km/h Approximately 5.5 seconds
Top Speed 250 km/h / 155 mph, electronically limited
Front and Rear Brakes High-performance ventilated disc brakes derived from the Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R129)
Suspension Lowered sports suspension with hydropneumatic self-leveling rear shock absorbers
Traction Control Acceleration Slip Regulation (ASR)
Braking Control Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Seating Capacity 4 seats
Rear Seats Individual Recaro rear bucket seats with central storage console
Comfort Equipment Automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with memory, power sunroof, premium sound system
Interior Trim Leather upholstery and handcrafted wood trim

Powertrain Analysis

The Mercedes-Benz E 500 uses a 4,973 cc M119 V8 with natural aspiration, four overhead camshafts, and 32 valves. Maximum output is 322 hp, equivalent to 326 PS, at 5,700 rpm. Peak torque is 480 Nm, or 354 lb-ft, at 3,900 rpm.

The V8 is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. The powertrain delivers approximately 5.5-second acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, while electronic regulation limits maximum speed to 250 km/h, or 155 mph.

The 322 hp output and 480 Nm torque figure place the E 500 above the 232 hp Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II, while both models use rear-wheel drive layouts.

Chassis & Dynamics

The E 500 is based on the W124 platform with structural revisions required for the 5.0-liter V8 installation. Flared front and rear wheel arches accommodate wider tracks and larger wheels than standard W124 bodywork.

The lowered sports suspension uses hydropneumatic self-leveling rear shock absorbers. Rear ride-height control supports a consistent rear suspension position under changing load conditions.

Ventilated disc brakes derived from the Mercedes-Benz SL500 (R129) provide the braking hardware. Acceleration Slip Regulation traction control and Anti-lock Braking System control are included in the chassis electronics package.

Each E 500 required an 18-day hand-assembly process involving Mercedes-Benz production in Sindelfingen and Porsche assembly work at the Rossle-Bau facility in Zuffenhausen.

Dimensions & Practicality

The cabin has a strict four-seat configuration. The rear compartment uses two individual Recaro bucket seats separated by a central storage console rather than a three-passenger rear bench.

Interior equipment includes full leather upholstery, handcrafted wood trim, automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats with memory functions, a power sunroof, and a premium sound system.

The four-seat layout combines executive-sedan accommodation with a rear seating arrangement configured for two individual occupants. The central rear storage console separates the Recaro seats across the second row.

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