The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a lineage tracing back to the late 1950s and 60s, stands as a testament to automotive evolution. Following Mercedes-Benz’s W-naming convention, the inaugural E-Class, 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. Advancing to the eighth generation, the E-Class solidified its reputation as a true luxury sedan. Having previously reviewed a contemporary 2014 E350, I found it to be a refined and competent vehicle. However, a conversation with a friend, a valet and delivery driver at a BMW dealership with access to a fleet of dream cars ranging from Lamborghinis to Rolls Royces, led me to an older, arguably more intriguing model: a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E. His surprising preference for his personal 300E over these modern marvels sparked my curiosity and prompted this review. This generation, known as the W124, spanned from 1985 to 1996, undergoing a refresh in 1993. While modern Mercedes-Benz designs sometimes miss the mark for me, the older models, including this 1990 mercedes sedan, have always held a special appeal due to their elegant aesthetics and impeccable engineering.
The 1990 300E perfectly embodies classic Mercedes-Benz design principles. Functionality takes precedence over flamboyant styling. A notable departure from contemporary Mercedes-Benz models is the presence of the iconic hood ornament, a feature often absent in modern sport trims. The front fascia is characterized by a robust rubber bar and an elegant grille. My only minor critique of the front design lies with the headlights, which appear somewhat understated for a luxury sedan, their design overshadowed by surrounding elements. Moving to the profile, the 1990 mercedes sedan exhibits balanced proportions and an appealing upright greenhouse. The slender window lines and subtly sculpted silhouette lend it an air of understated athleticism. The rear echoes the simplicity of the front, maintaining a clean and well-executed aesthetic. The seamless integration of the trunk lines into the taillights is a particularly pleasing design detail, although the later, refreshed taillight design is arguably more refined. The design ethos behind the 300E prioritized aerodynamics, and at its time, this model boasted one of the most aerodynamic profiles in the market. My friend, the owner, consistently praised the car’s visual appeal. The more time I spent examining the 1990 mercedes sedan, the more I concurred. Its styling possesses a timeless quality, rooted in its simplicity and elegance – a design that simply works.
The interior of the 1990 mercedes sedan mirrors the functional design philosophy of its exterior. Wood trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel introduce a touch of luxury, but the standout feature is the uniquely patterned seats, which we’ll explore further.
The 1990 300E is not engineered for overtly sporty driving, a characteristic reflected in its composed demeanor. However, its German heritage is unmistakable, particularly in its driving dynamics. German automobiles are generally renowned for their engineering excellence in both performance and handling. While the 300E might not deliver outright thrills, it excels in its balanced driving experience. In typical driving scenarios, it performs admirably. The steering is responsive with appropriate weight, the brakes are effective, and the suspension is sufficiently compliant. However, when pushed harder, the 1990 mercedes sedan truly reveals its capabilities. The steering gains weight and provides enhanced feedback. Body roll is present but remains controlled, and grip levels are surprisingly high for a car of its age. This unexpected agility was a pleasant surprise, making it genuinely enjoyable to drive with spirit. You can confidently navigate corners at speed, and the 300E responds with composure and competence. There’s a tangible sense of control and connection to the road. The interplay between the suspension and steering is palpable, with ample feedback from the steering informing the driver about the front tires’ behavior. Crucially, despite its engaging character when driven assertively, the 300E retains its identity as a comfortable family sedan. The ride quality strikes an ideal balance between suppleness and comfort. It absorbs most road imperfections with ease, providing a cloud-like ride without feeling overly detached or floaty. Only the most severe road irregularities transmit a muted thud into the cabin.
Powered by a 158 horsepower 2.6-liter inline-six-cylinder engine, the 1990 300E isn’t as rapid as contemporary luxury sedans. However, it compensates with impressive engine flexibility. The engine never feels lacking in power, delivering readily accessible torque from low RPMs, building into a strong surge throughout the rev range, even if reaching the redline is somewhat curtailed by the transmission. The four-speed automatic transmission, while not the smoothest or quickest by modern standards, presents the engine’s power adequately. Although the engine redlines at 6,000 rpm, the transmission tends to upshift prematurely around 5,500 rpm. Gear changes can be abrupt, particularly during spirited driving, where they can become noticeably clunky. Despite this transmission characteristic, the engine feels robust, and its inline-six configuration provides an exceptional smoothness unmatched by many modern V6 engines. Fuel economy is reasonable, averaging around 20 mpg overall.
For a vehicle of its age, the 1990 mercedes sedan exhibits commendable refinement. Road noise from the tires is present, varying with road surface, but wind and suspension noise are effectively isolated from the cabin. The engine operates smoothly, even under load, emitting a subtle, refined growl when pushed.
Stepping inside the 1990 mercedes sedan immediately reinforces the sense of being in a Mercedes-Benz. The fit and finish are of high quality, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail and featuring soft-touch materials. The doors close with a reassuring thunk, and the controls feel substantial and durable. The upright roofline provides ample headroom for occupants. Front legroom is adequate, although the center console intrudes somewhat into the driver’s space. 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 intuitively simple. The gauges are exemplary in their clarity and functionality, presenting all essential information in a logical layout. There’s a nostalgic charm in the tachometer’s RPM markings in increments of ten, a detail subtly different from contemporary designs. Cabin storage is sufficient, and the trunk is generously sized, a factor contributing to its popularity as a taxi in Germany. Visibility is excellent, and achieving a comfortable driving position is effortless. The seats offer an ideal balance of comfort, neither too soft nor too firm, and the quilted pattern adds a distinctive touch. The rear seats are also spacious, comfortably accommodating three adults.
In conclusion, the 1990 mercedes sedan 300E is remarkably impressive. It embodies the core values of Mercedes-Benz, and despite having accumulated 288,000 miles, it demonstrates exceptional reliability. These models were relatively expensive for luxury sedans of their time, a reflection of Mercedes-Benz’s significant investment in engineering and build quality to ensure longevity. This durability explains their continued use as taxis in Germany. The more I examine this car, the more I appreciate its design. As an aspiring automotive designer, I gravitate towards elegant and enduring designs over fleeting trends. Simple yet sophisticated styling, like that of the 300E, ages gracefully. German engineering is palpable from behind the wheel. The stereotype of German meticulousness, rationality, and intelligence is embodied in this Mercedes-Benz. It is rational in its practicality and reliability, meticulous in its class-leading build quality, and intelligent in its ability to balance comfort and engaging driving dynamics. While it may seem I am overly enthusiastic about this car, its few drawbacks, primarily the transmission, are minor in the overall context of its excellence. This sentiment is echoed by others, as evidenced by articles proclaiming the W124 E-Class as the best Mercedes-Benz ever made (http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1044698_best-mercedes-benz-ever-w124-e-class). I hope Mercedes-Benz might revisit the principles that made models like the 300E so exceptional, as this 1990 mercedes sedan is truly a gem, representing a golden era of automotive engineering and design.
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