The Mercedes-Benz E-Class lineage stretches back to the mid-20th century, a testament to enduring automotive quality and innovation. From the initial W120 “Ponton” in 1953, Mercedes-Benz has consistently set benchmarks in engineering and design. The fourth generation E-Class solidified this reputation, becoming the brand’s most successful model up to that point, with over 2.6 million units produced between 1976 and 1986. By the eighth generation, the E-Class had firmly established itself as a paragon of luxury sedans.
Having previously reviewed a more contemporary 2014 E350 and acknowledged its merits, an unexpected opportunity arose to experience a piece of Mercedes-Benz history: a 1990 Mercedes 300e. This model year is particularly significant as it predates the 1993 nomenclature shift where Mercedes-Benz formally adopted the E-Class designation. The chance to drive this classic came through a friend whose profession as a valet and delivery driver at a BMW dealership grants him access to an enviable array of high-performance vehicles, from Lamborghinis to AMGs and Rolls Royces. Yet, he confessed a particular fondness for his 300E, a statement that sparked immediate curiosity and necessitated a firsthand evaluation to understand the allure of this pre-E-Class Mercedes-Benz.
This generation, known internally as the W124, spanned production from 1985 to 1996, undergoing a mid-cycle refresh in 1993. While modern Mercedes-Benz designs sometimes miss the mark for enthusiasts of classic automotive elegance, the older models, particularly the W124, are celebrated for their understated sophistication and robust engineering. The 1990 300E promised a journey back to these core Mercedes-Benz values.
Design Philosophy: Functionality and Timeless Elegance
The 1990 Mercedes 300E exemplifies a design ethos prioritizing function over fleeting trends – a stark contrast to some contemporary automotive aesthetics. One feature notably absent from many modern Mercedes-Benz models (unless specified with the Luxury trim) is the iconic hood ornament, a symbol of the brand’s heritage. On the 300E, it stands proudly, leading the way. The front fascia is characterized by a prominent rubber bar on the lower section, designed for impact absorption and pedestrian safety – a forward-thinking feature for its time. Above, a refined grille maintains the classic Mercedes-Benz appearance. While the headlights might be considered somewhat simple for a luxury sedan by today’s standards, their functional design is in keeping with the overall pragmatic approach of the W124.
Moving to the side profile, the 300E presents harmonious proportions and an upright greenhouse, contributing to excellent visibility and interior space. The slim window lines and subtly sculpted bodywork lend an air of understated athleticism. The rear design echoes the front’s simplicity, maintaining a clean and well-resolved aesthetic. The seamless integration of the trunk lines into the taillights demonstrates attention to detail. While the pre-facelift taillights are aesthetically pleasing, the updated versions on later W124 models are often cited as an improvement. Crucially, the entire design was conceived with aerodynamics in mind, making the 300E remarkably efficient for its era. The owner’s repeated praise of the car’s looks resonates; the design’s enduring appeal lies in its unpretentious elegance and functional beauty, proving that timeless style transcends fleeting fashions.
Interior Ambiance: Functional Opulence
Stepping inside the 1990 Mercedes 300E reveals an interior that mirrors the exterior’s functional design theme, imbued with touches of understated luxury. Wood trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel immediately convey a sense of quality and refinement. The seats, however, are a standout feature, boasting a distinctive quilted pattern that adds visual interest and enhances comfort. This interior is not about ostentatious display but about creating a comfortable, durable, and ergonomically sound environment for both driver and passengers.
Driving Dynamics: Engaging and Refined
While the 1990 Mercedes 300E is not engineered as an outright sports sedan, its German DNA is unmistakable in its driving dynamics. German automotive engineering, particularly from Mercedes-Benz, has long been associated with a blend of performance and robust build quality. In everyday driving, the 300E performs admirably, offering light yet responsive steering, effective brakes, and a compliant suspension. However, it’s when pushed harder that the 300E truly reveals its capabilities.
Under more spirited driving, the steering gains weight and provides enhanced feedback, communicating road conditions effectively to the driver. Body roll is present but well-controlled, and the car maintains remarkable composure and grip, especially considering its age. This engaging driving experience is a pleasant surprise. The 300E encourages confident cornering and feels remarkably connected to the road. The interplay between the suspension and steering creates a sense of control and involvement often absent in modern luxury sedans, which can sometimes prioritize isolation over driver engagement. Despite its rewarding handling when pushed, the 300E remains a comfortable family sedan. The ride quality strikes an ideal balance, absorbing road imperfections with remarkable smoothness without feeling detached or overly soft. Only the most severe road irregularities intrude with a muted thud, underscoring the car’s solid construction and refined suspension.
Performance and Refinement: The Inline-Six Advantage
The 1990 Mercedes 300E is powered by a 2.6-liter inline-six-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower. While this output may not match the figures of contemporary high-performance sedans, the engine’s flexibility is a defining characteristic. Power delivery is consistent across the rev range, with a noticeable surge building smoothly towards the redline. The engine never feels strained or underpowered in typical driving situations.
The four-speed automatic transmission, while not the most cutting-edge in terms of speed or smoothness, functions adequately. Upshifts can be somewhat abrupt, particularly under hard acceleration, and the transmission tends to upshift slightly before the engine’s 6,000 rpm redline. However, the inline-six engine’s inherent smoothness compensates for any transmission shortcomings. Inline-six engines are renowned for their balanced operation and refined power delivery, qualities that V6 engines often struggle to replicate. Fuel economy is reasonable for its class and age, achieving around 20 mpg overall.
Cabin Comfort and Build Quality: A Testament to Longevity
For a vehicle of its age, the 1990 Mercedes 300E exhibits impressive refinement. Road noise from the tires is present and varies with road surface quality, but wind and suspension noise are remarkably well-isolated from the cabin. The engine remains refined even when driven assertively, emitting a subtle, pleasing growl under load. The overall sense of solidity and quality reinforces the impression of being in a well-engineered Mercedes-Benz.
The interior reinforces the Mercedes-Benz reputation for meticulous build quality. Fit and finish are excellent, with evident attention to detail and the use of soft-touch materials in key areas. Doors close with a reassuring thunk, and controls operate with a solid, durable feel. The upright roofline maximizes headroom, contributing to a spacious feel. Front legroom is adequate, although the center console intrudes somewhat into the driver’s footwell, and the accelerator pedal is positioned further to the right than some drivers might expect, with a peculiar hump around it. The controls are commendably simple and intuitive. The instrument gauges are a model of clarity, displaying essential information in a logical and easily readable format. The tachometer’s markings in increments of ten rpm, a detail from a bygone era, adds to the classic charm. Cabin storage is sufficient, and the trunk is notably large – a characteristic that contributed to the W124’s popularity as a taxi in Germany. Visibility is excellent in all directions, and achieving a comfortable driving position is effortless. The seats offer an ideal balance of support and cushioning, striking a “just right” firmness, and the quilted pattern adds a touch of distinctive style. Rear passenger space is also generous, comfortably accommodating three adults.
Final Verdict: A Gem of Automotive Engineering
The 1990 Mercedes 300E is genuinely impressive, embodying the core values that made Mercedes-Benz a revered marque. With high mileage often exceeding 288,000 miles, its reliability is undeniable, a testament to the engineering and build quality invested in these cars, which were relatively expensive for luxury sedans at the time. Their continued use as taxis in Germany speaks volumes about their durability and dependability. The design, initially perceived as purely functional, reveals a timeless elegance upon closer inspection. The appeal of simple, well-proportioned designs that age gracefully becomes increasingly apparent in an era of rapidly evolving and often trend-driven automotive styling. The 300E’s German engineering is palpable from behind the wheel, reflecting the stereotype of German meticulousness, rationality, and engineering intelligence. It is a rational vehicle in its practicality and reliability, meticulous in its class-leading build quality, and intelligent in its blend of comfort and engaging driving dynamics. While not a sports car, it offers a composed and capable driving experience that is both enjoyable and confidence-inspiring. It’s difficult to fault the 300E fundamentally, with the exception of the somewhat dated transmission. This sentiment is echoed by many automotive experts, including those at Motor Authority who have declared the W124 E-Class to be the “best Mercedes-Benz ever made” (http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1044698_best-mercedes-benz-ever-w124-e-class). The 1990 Mercedes 300E serves as a reminder of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to engineering excellence and a benchmark for modern manufacturers to emulate, capturing the essence of what made a Mercedes-Benz truly special.
