Ever since witnessing the silver Mercedes-Benz 500E in the iconic 1998 film Taxi, a fascination with this German automotive marvel ignited within me. Like many young car enthusiasts, the sight of this powerful sedan effortlessly chasing a Peugeot taxi through the streets of Marseille cemented my passion for automobiles. Little did I know then, the story of the 500E, and its even more potent sibling, the Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG, was far more captivating than any movie scene.
As my knowledge of cars expanded, I discovered the true significance of the Mercedes-Benz 500E. This wasn’t just another luxury sedan; it was a collaborative masterpiece. Partially developed and meticulously hand-built by Porsche in Stuttgart for Mercedes-Benz, the 500E boasted performance figures that rivaled supercars of its era. Its ability to accelerate from 0 to 60mph in a mere 5.5 seconds placed it in the same league as the Ferrari Testarossa, a vehicle perceived as far more exotic and exclusive. Limited only by its redline and a 4-speed automatic gearbox, the 500E could reach a top speed of 160mph. It rightfully earned the moniker König der Autobahn – King of the Autobahn. Yet, unlike many high-performance cars, the 500E was remarkably practical. It could serve as a comfortable daily driver or effortlessly handle weekend getaways with the family and luggage in its spacious trunk.
The 1993 model year marked a change in nomenclature, with the 500E becoming the E500, aligning with Mercedes-Benz’s updated marketing strategy. However, this period also heralded the arrival of something even more extraordinary: the Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG. This limited-production model represented the pinnacle of the W124 sedan range, an ultimate expression of performance and exclusivity.
The E60 AMG was built upon the foundation of the E500 but elevated to new heights with the inclusion of the 957 “AMG Technik Paket.” The heart of this upgrade was a larger, more potent 6.0L V8 engine, replacing the standard 5.0L M119 V8. Further enhancing its dynamic capabilities were 17-inch wheels, shared with the iconic 190E Evo II, a stiffer, AMG-tuned suspension system, and a performance-oriented AMG exhaust. Pinpointing the exact production numbers of the Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG remains a challenge, with estimates ranging from a mere 100 to 150 units. Regardless of the precise figure, its extreme rarity is undeniable, making it a highly sought-after collector’s car.
The ambiguity surrounding production numbers stems from the unique nature of pre-merger AMG vehicles. In many instances, customers would purchase a standard Mercedes-Benz 500E or E500 and then send it directly to Affalterbach, the headquarters of AMG, then still an independent tuning company. AMG would then perform the conversion, installing the 6.0L V8 engine and implementing other performance upgrades. This process makes distinguishing a “true” factory-built E60 AMG from one converted post-purchase incredibly difficult today. However, genuine factory E60 AMG models are identifiable by specific codes within their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), offering a definitive way to verify authenticity.
The Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG is truly a needle in a haystack, a rare gem in the world of classic performance sedans. Finding one often relies on prior knowledge or sheer luck. Sometimes, the most memorable experiences in life are unplanned encounters. Unexpected journeys, chance meetings, and the thrill of discovering a dream car – these moments often defy meticulous planning. It’s about venturing out into the world and trusting that worthwhile experiences will emerge. This very principle led me to an unforgettable encounter with a Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG.
Earlier this year, a spontaneous invitation from friends led me to Georgia, a trip born from inexpensive plane tickets to Vladikavkaz, Russia, followed by a bus journey to Tbilisi. Despite the brevity of the trip, it was filled with enjoyment and lasting memories. During our return journey, with ample time before our flight from Vladikavkaz, I decided to explore the city, hoping to find a car to photograph.
In an improbable turn of events, my impromptu exploration led me to a remarkable discovery. Having previously learned about a low-mileage 1995 BMW M5 in Vladikavkaz, painted in the rare Dakar Yellow, I contacted the owner online. To my surprise, he agreed to meet. Although the M5 was not in photo-ready condition, the owner, Konstantin, offered to show me other cars from his collection.
While many car collectors might hesitate to lend their prized possessions for a photoshoot, my experience with Russian collectors has often been that they are busy individuals who value their privacy and time. However, luck was on my side that day. Konstantin arrived in a rare 1996 Carlsson CM 62, another testament to his discerning taste in automobiles. He revealed that he sources many of his cars from Japan, and invited me to explore his garage.
Konstantin’s collection showcased a clear passion for 90s German super sedans. Beyond a stock E34 535i, his garage housed automotive icons: the Carlsson CM 62, the Dakar Yellow BMW M5, a 1992 Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo, and, the highlight of the collection for me, a 1994 Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG.
Encountering my dream car in person for the first time was an overwhelming experience. Twenty years after Taxi ignited my passion, there it was, tangible and real. The E60 AMG, initially appearing almost black in the garage, revealed its true color, Azuritblau, as Konstantin rolled it into the daylight. The deep blue hue shifted and shimmered, hinting at violet undertones from certain angles.
During a drive around Vladikavkaz, Konstantin shared the story of his Mercedes-Benz journey. A lifelong Mercedes enthusiast, his ultimate dream car, surprisingly, was the W140-generation BRABUS 7.3S, the era’s fastest and most luxurious sedan, of which he also owned a low-mileage example. Seeking to expand his collection, he discovered this E60 AMG at auction in Japan and imported it to Russia.
Upon arrival, the E60 AMG underwent a comprehensive service. While already in excellent condition, it received essential maintenance, including fluid changes. Interestingly, the car had already been upgraded with a performance brake system in Japan, necessitating the replacement of the original wheels with 18-inch versions of the same design to accommodate the larger brakes. The suspension, too, felt subtly enhanced, suggesting the work of Direct Racing Fuji in Japan, who had installed H&R components, preserving Mercedes-Benz ride comfort while sharpening handling response.
Inevitably, our time together drew to a close as my flight approached. Sinking back into the Recaro CSE seats for the drive to the airport, the E60 AMG’s performance felt remarkably potent, even by modern standards. The acceleration was breathtaking, especially on the narrow roads. Despite anticipating its speed, the ease with which it surpassed 100mph was astonishing. The scenery blurred past, yet inside the cabin, serenity prevailed – quiet, smooth, and utterly composed. For the Mercedes-Benz E60 AMG, the König der Autobahn, such speeds are simply effortless.
