Mercedes E500 coupe: Spotted
The subtle, discreet, classy V8 Merc coupe now under £20K
This is not an E500, in case you hadn't already noticed. It's an E500. Without an AMG version of the current E-Class coupe, the 5.5-litre V8 E500 always was the most powerful model. It was replaced last year by a more efficient and less exciting twin-turbo V6 in the E400, but isn't there something charming about a big Mercedes coupe with a V8?
Yes, this is officially a 'Sport' model but it's so much more subtle than a full-fat AMG. The colour scheme is a bit predictable but you could argue that helps with the stealth factor. Remove the badge and you have a near-400hp V8 coupe that looks like an E220 diesel.
But the E500 isn't for hooning. It's a comfortable place to cover lots of miles with a heap of V8 performance (and hopefully a little bit of noise) when required. I would argue it does that in a great deal of style too but could see how some might disagree. If you could harbour the running costs the E500 would surely be a superb four-seat coupe for all sorts of occasions. There is actually a cabrio in the classifieds too if you fancy some open-air V8 journeys.
Which gets you thinking. What other fairly modern four-seat V8 coupes can you buy for less than £20K? Quite a nice set of criteria to fulfil really. The obvious choice is the Audi S5, before its own V6 facelift, which is now available from £15K. Perhaps a bit too sporty when compared to the Mercedes. A Bangle-era V8 6 Series is within budget as well if you fancy. The Jaguar XK ticks all the boxes but any rear-seat passengers probably won't be too happy.
The E500 wasn't ever going to be hugely popular as it was neither an all-out performance flagship or a frugal diesel. Now those traits that perhaps put off new buyers make it really appealing as used purchase. Who needs an AMG anyway?
MERCEDES-BENZ E500
Engine: 5,461cc V8
Transmission: 7-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 387@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 391@2,800-4,800rpm
MPG: 26 (NEDC combined)
CO2: 254g/km
First registered: 2009
Recorded mileage: 54,569
Price new: £48,360
Yours for: £19,850
See the original advert here.
That said, it's a nice sleeper and will eat the miles with ease.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
You'd never mistake it for a 911 of course, but these things have road presence like you just don't get these days.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
And whereas the E500 above will be 5k in 5 years, the 928 may well be 40k...
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/p...
And whereas the E500 above will be 5k in 5 years, the 928 may well have cost you 40k in running costs...
Actually - no CLS500 mentioned in the above article? Doh!
Actually - no CLS500 mentioned in the above article? Doh!
As pSyCoSiS says, when you can get a W126 for the same money why wouldn't you?
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