The Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineage stretches back to the late 1950s, embodying luxury and engineering excellence. Starting with the W120 “Ponton” in 1953, Mercedes-Benz established a tradition of sophisticated design and robust construction. The E-Class has consistently evolved, reaching remarkable heights in its fourth generation (W123), which became the most successful Mercedes-Benz model of its time, with over 2.6 million units built between 1976 and 1986. By the eighth generation, the E-Class solidified its reputation as a premier luxury sedan.
Having previously reviewed a contemporary 2014 E350 and found it to be a refined and competent vehicle, I was presented with a unique opportunity to delve into the past. A friend, a valet and delivery driver at a BMW dealership with access to a dream garage of high-performance vehicles, declared his profound affection for his personal car: a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E. Intriguingly, he ranked his classic Mercedes above Lamborghinis, AMGs, and Rolls Royces, sparking my curiosity to understand the enduring allure of this particular model.
This 1990 model falls within the W124 generation, produced from 1985 to 1996, predating Mercedes-Benz’s 1993 model naming system revision where the 300E became known as the E300. While modern Mercedes designs sometimes miss the mark for me, the older generations have always captivated me with their understated elegance and unwavering engineering integrity. The 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E perfectly exemplifies this classic Mercedes ethos.
Design and Exterior Aesthetics
The Mercedes-Benz 300E’s design philosophy is rooted in function preceding form. In an era where modern Mercedes-Benz models often lack the iconic hood ornament (except in specific trim levels), the 300E proudly displays it, a symbol of the brand’s heritage. The front fascia is characterized by a robust rubber bar integrated into the lower section, emphasizing practicality and durability. Above, a refined grille design completes the classic Mercedes-Benz look. While the headlights might appear somewhat simple for a luxury sedan of today’s standards, their functional design aligns with the overall pragmatic approach of the W124.
Moving to the side profile, the 300E exhibits well-balanced proportions and an upright greenhouse, contributing to its spacious interior. The slim window lines and subtly sculpted profile lend an athletic yet elegant character. The rear design mirrors the front in its simplicity and clean execution. The way the trunk lines seamlessly flow into the taillights is a testament to thoughtful design integration. While the taillights are aesthetically pleasing in their original form, the updated versions found in later W124 models are often preferred by enthusiasts.
The 300E’s styling was not merely about aesthetics; it was designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind. At its release, the 300E boasted impressive aerodynamic performance for its class, contributing to fuel efficiency and reduced wind noise. My friend, the owner, consistently praised the car’s timeless beauty, and the more time I spent examining it, the more I concurred. The design transcends fleeting trends, achieving a timeless quality through its simplicity and elegance. It’s a design that simply works, aging gracefully over decades.
Interior Comfort and Functionality
The interior of the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E echoes the functional theme of the exterior. The cabin is appointed with tasteful wood trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, providing subtle hints of luxury without ostentation. The seats, however, are a standout feature, upholstered with a distinctive quilted pattern that adds a touch of visual interest and enhances comfort.
Driving Dynamics and Performance
The Mercedes-Benz 300E was not conceived as a sports sedan, and its composed demeanor reflects this. However, it embodies the essence of German automotive engineering, prioritizing balanced performance and confident handling. While it might not offer outright sporty thrills, the 300E reveals its dynamic capabilities when pushed. In typical driving scenarios, the 300E performs admirably. The steering is responsive with appropriate weighting, the brakes are effective, and the suspension delivers a compliant ride.
However, when driven more assertively, the 300E truly comes alive. The steering gains weight and provides enhanced feedback, allowing for precise control. Body roll is present but well-managed, and the car exhibits remarkable grip for its age. This engaging driving experience was a pleasant surprise. Pushing the 300E through corners reveals a sense of connection and control, with the suspension and steering working in harmony. The steering feedback effectively communicates the front tires’ grip levels.
Remarkably, the 300E maintains its composure as a comfortable family sedan even when driven spiritedly. The ride quality strikes an ideal balance between supple comfort and controlled handling. It absorbs road imperfections effectively, providing a cloud-like ride without excessive float or wallowing. Only the most severe road irregularities transmit a muted thud into the cabin, demonstrating the car’s robust construction and well-engineered suspension.
Engine and Transmission
Under the hood, the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E houses a 2.6-liter inline-six cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower. While not as potent as contemporary luxury sedans, the engine compensates with its exceptional flexibility and responsiveness. Power is readily available from low RPMs, building to a satisfying surge throughout the rev range.
The four-speed automatic transmission, however, is a point of criticism. While functional, it lacks the smoothness and quickness of modern transmissions. Despite a 6,000 RPM redline, the transmission tends to upshift prematurely around 5,500 RPM. Gear changes can be abrupt, particularly during spirited driving, where shifts become noticeably clunky. Despite the transmission’s shortcomings, the engine itself feels robust, and its inline-six configuration delivers an unparalleled smoothness that surpasses many modern V6 engines. Fuel economy is reasonable for its class, averaging around 20 mpg overall.
Refinement and Build Quality
For a vehicle of its age, the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E exhibits impressive refinement. Road noise from the tires is present and varies depending on the road surface, but wind and suspension noise are effectively isolated from the cabin. The engine operates smoothly and quietly, even under load, emitting a subtle growl when pushed harder.
Stepping into the 300E immediately reminds you of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to quality. The fit and finish are exceptional, with meticulous attention to detail and the use of soft-touch materials throughout the cabin. The doors close with a reassuring “thunk,” and the controls operate with a solid, durable feel.
Practicality and Interior Space
The upright roofline provides ample headroom for occupants. Front legroom is adequate, although the center console intrudes slightly into the driver’s footwell. The placement of the gas pedal, positioned to the far right with an unusual hump around it, requires some acclimation to fully access. The controls are straightforward and intuitively arranged. The gauges are exemplary in their simplicity and clarity, presenting all essential information in a logical layout. The tachometer, with RPM speeds listed in increments of ten, reflects a classic Mercedes-Benz design element that is often missed in modern iterations. Cabin storage is sufficient, and the trunk is notably spacious, a contributing factor to the W124’s popularity as taxis in Germany. Visibility is excellent, and achieving a comfortable driving position is effortless. The seats provide an ideal balance of support and cushioning, neither too soft nor too firm, and the quilted pattern adds a touch of distinction. Rear passenger space is generous, easily accommodating three adults comfortably.
Conclusion: An Enduring Classic
The 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E left a lasting positive impression. It embodies the core values that defined Mercedes-Benz for decades: exceptional engineering, robust build quality, and understated elegance. Even with 288,000 miles on the odometer, its reliability is evident. These vehicles were initially expensive due to Mercedes-Benz’s significant investment in engineering and durability, ensuring longevity and justifying their price. The 300E’s continued use as taxis in Germany speaks volumes about its enduring reliability and practicality.
The design, initially perceived as purely functional, reveals a timeless beauty with prolonged exposure. As an aspiring automotive designer, I appreciate designs that prioritize simplicity and longevity over fleeting trends. The 300E’s styling exemplifies this, aging gracefully and remaining relevant decades later. The German engineering is palpable from behind the wheel. The 300E embodies the stereotype of German meticulousness, rationality, and intelligence. It’s a rational choice due to its practicality and reliability, meticulous in its best-in-class build quality, and intelligently engineered to be both comfortable and enjoyable to drive, despite not being a dedicated sports car.
While the transmission is a minor flaw, it’s overshadowed by the car’s numerous strengths. My overwhelmingly positive impression is not unique. As noted in a MotorAuthority article (http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1044698_best-mercedes-benz-ever-w124-e-class), the W124 E-Class is considered by many to be the best Mercedes-Benz ever produced, a sentiment I wholeheartedly share. It serves as a reminder of the principles that once made Mercedes-Benz truly special, and the 1990 300E is a shining example of this golden era.
