The Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineage stretches back to the late 1950s and 1960s, a testament to enduring automotive excellence. Adhering to Mercedes-Benz’s internal model designation system, the first true E-Class predecessor, the W120 “Ponton,” emerged in 1953, immediately recognized for its sophisticated design and advanced engineering. By the fourth generation, the E-Class had become Mercedes-Benz’s most successful model to date, with over 2.6 million units produced between 1976 and 1986. Moving forward to the eighth generation, the E-Class solidified its reputation as a quintessential luxury sedan.
Having previously reviewed a more contemporary 2014 E350, I found it to be a competent and refined vehicle. However, a recent opportunity arose to examine something truly special: a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E. It’s important to note that in 1993, Mercedes-Benz refined their naming convention, officially designating this model as part of the E-Class. The owner, a friend who works as a valet and delivery driver at a BMW dealership, has access to an incredible array of high-performance and luxury vehicles daily – Lamborghinis, AMGs, Rolls Royces, you name it. Yet, he confessed a particular fondness for his 300E, claiming it surpasses many of these modern marvels in personal appeal. This sparked my curiosity. What was it about this classic sedan that held such allure?
This particular generation, known internally as the W124, was produced from 1985 to 1996, undergoing a facelift in 1993. While my appreciation for modern Mercedes-Benz models is somewhat reserved, I’ve always admired their older counterparts for their understated elegance and unwavering engineering integrity. The 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E perfectly encapsulates this enduring appeal.
The 300E stands as a prime example of classic Mercedes-Benz design philosophy, prioritizing function above fleeting trends. A noticeable departure from contemporary Mercedes-Benz aesthetics is the presence of the iconic hood ornament – a feature increasingly absent in modern iterations, often relegated to the “Luxury” trim level while “Sport” versions omit it. Examining the front fascia, a robust rubber bar dominates the lower section, while an elegant grille defines the upper portion. My only minor critique of the front is the headlight design. They appear somewhat generic for a luxury sedan, lacking the integrated sophistication seen in other aspects of the car, and the non-headlight portions seem to visually overpower the actual lighting elements.
Moving to the profile, the 300E exhibits balanced proportions and an appealing upright greenhouse. Slender window lines and a subtly sculpted silhouette lend it an understated athleticism. The rear echoes the functional simplicity of the front, presenting a clean and well-executed design. The seamless integration of the trunk lines into the taillights is a particularly pleasing detail. While the taillights are well-designed, I personally favor the slightly updated versions found on the facelifted W124 models. The overall design language was driven by aerodynamics, and the 300E boasted impressive aerodynamic efficiency for its time. My friend, the car’s owner, consistently praised its visual appeal, and the more I observed it, the more I concurred. The styling possesses a timeless quality, rooted in its simplicity and elegance. It’s a design that simply works, transcending fleeting fashion trends.
The interior of the 300E mirrors the exterior’s functional ethos. Wood trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel introduce a touch of understated luxury. However, the true highlight of the interior is the seating, featuring a distinctive and comfortable quilted pattern – a detail we’ll explore further.
The 300E isn’t engineered for overtly sporty driving dynamics; its demeanor is decidedly more serious and composed. Yet, its inherent German engineering shines through in its handling and performance. German automobiles are renowned for their commitment to engineering excellence across all aspects of performance and handling. The 300E’s driving character isn’t about outright thrills, but about a refined and capable experience. In typical driving scenarios, it performs admirably. The steering is responsive with appropriate weighting, the brakes are effective, and the suspension provides ample compliance. However, when pushed harder, the 300E truly comes alive. The steering gains weight and provides enhanced feedback. Body roll is present, but remains well-controlled, and grip levels are surprisingly high for a car of its age. I was pleasantly surprised by its engaging driving dynamics. It can be driven assertively through corners, and the 300E responds with composure and capability. It’s a subtle sensation, but you feel a strong sense of control and connection to the road. You can sense the interplay between the suspension and steering, with the steering offering sufficient feedback to communicate the front tires’ behavior. The beauty of the 300E lies in its dual nature. While engaging when driven spiritedly, it never compromises its role as a comfortable family sedan. The ride quality strikes an ideal balance between suppleness and comfort. It’s akin to gliding on a cloud, effectively isolating occupants from most road imperfections without feeling floaty or disconnected. Only the most severe road irregularities are transmitted as a muted thud.
Powered by a 2.6-liter inline-six cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower, the 300E doesn’t possess the outright acceleration of contemporary luxury sedans. However, it compensates with impressive engine flexibility. It never feels underpowered or lacking in responsiveness. Full power is readily accessible from low RPMs, building to a robust surge that extends all the way to the redline – if you can reach it. The four-speed automatic transmission, while not the most refined or rapid by modern standards, is adequate for everyday driving. The engine redline is at 6,000 rpm, but the transmission tends to upshift prematurely around 5,500 rpm. Shifts can be abrupt, particularly during more aggressive driving, where they can become somewhat clunky. Despite this, the engine feels strong, and its inline-six configuration delivers an exceptional smoothness unmatched by many modern V6 engines. Fuel economy is reasonable for its class, averaging around 20 mpg overall.
For a vehicle of its vintage, the 300E exhibits commendable refinement. Some tire noise is perceptible depending on the road surface, but the cabin remains remarkably free of wind or suspension noise. The engine is refined even when pushed, emitting a subtle growl under harder acceleration.
Stepping inside the 300E immediately reinforces the feeling of being in a Mercedes-Benz. The fit and finish are exemplary, with meticulous attention to detail and the use of soft-touch materials throughout. The doors close with a solid “thunk,” and the controls feel robust and well-engineered. The upright roofline provides generous headroom for occupants. Front legroom is adequate, although the center console intrudes slightly into the driver’s footwell. The placement of the accelerator pedal, positioned far to the right with an unusual hump around it, requires some adjustment to fully access. The controls are refreshingly straightforward. The gauges are ideally simple and functional, displaying all essential information in a logical layout. There’s a nostalgic charm to the tachometer’s presentation of RPM speeds in increments of ten, a detail subtly different from modern Mercedes-Benz instrument clusters. Cabin storage is sufficient, and the trunk is remarkably spacious – a testament to its popularity as a taxi in Germany. Visibility is excellent, and achieving a comfortable driving position is effortless. The seats are perfectly judged for comfort, striking a balance between supportive firmness and plushness. The quilted pattern adds a distinctive touch. Rear passenger space is also generous, comfortably accommodating three adults.
Frankly, I am genuinely impressed by the 300E. It embodies everything I admire about the Mercedes-Benz brand, and even with 288,000 miles on the odometer, it exudes remarkable reliability. These sedans were relatively expensive for their class when new because Mercedes-Benz invested heavily in engineering and build quality to ensure longevity. It’s no surprise that this model remains in use as taxis in Germany even today. As I spent more time with the car, my appreciation for its styling grew. Aspiring to be an automotive designer, I gravitate towards timeless designs over fleeting trends. Simple yet sophisticated designs, like the 300E, age gracefully. What’s the point of owning a car if its styling becomes dated within a few years? The German engineering is palpable from behind the wheel. The stereotype of Germans being meticulous, rational, and intelligent is embodied in this Mercedes-Benz. It’s rational in its practicality and dependability, meticulous in its best-in-class build quality, and intelligent in its ability to blend comfort and engaging driving dynamics. While it may seem like I’m overly enthusiastic about this car, I genuinely struggle to find any fundamental flaws beyond the somewhat dated transmission. This sentiment is echoed by many others. An article on Motor Authority (http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1044698_best-mercedes-benz-ever-w124-e-class) declares the W124 E-Class as the “best Mercedes-Benz ever made,” a sentiment I wholeheartedly share. I sincerely hope that Mercedes-Benz revisits the principles that made cars like the 300E so exceptional, because this model truly is a gem.
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