Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201)
The compact saloon that introduced five-link rear suspension, broadened the Mercedes-Benz range and preceded the C-Class.
Overview
Mercedes-Benz presented the W201 series on 8 December 1982. Sold initially as the carburettor-equipped 190 and fuel-injected 190 E, it established a fourth passenger-car line below the company’s larger saloons and SL sports cars. The compact four-door was informally called the “Baby-Benz” and became the direct predecessor of the C-Class introduced in 1993.
The W201 was smaller and lighter than the W123 while retaining the marque’s emphasis on durability and passive safety. A forked front structure managed deformation in frontal impacts, and the carefully shaped body combined a clear wedge profile with comparatively low aerodynamic drag. Mercedes-Benz produced the saloon at Sindelfingen and Bremen.
Its most influential chassis feature was a new five-link independent rear suspension. Each rear wheel was located by five separate links intended to control longitudinal and lateral forces without sacrificing ride comfort. Variations of the arrangement subsequently appeared throughout the Mercedes-Benz passenger-car range.
Engines and variants
190 and 190 E (1982–1993)
The original 2.0-litre four-cylinder models produced 90 PS with a carburettor and 122 PS with fuel injection. Further petrol versions included the smaller 190 E 1.8 and 190 E 2.3, while the 190 E 2.6 fitted a 2.6-litre inline-six into the compact engine bay. A major 1988 update brought revised bumpers, protective side mouldings, interior changes and improved seats.
190 D (1983–1993)
The 190 D used extensive engine-compartment sound insulation and gained the nickname “whisper diesel”. A five-cylinder 190 D 2.5 followed in 1985, and the turbocharged 190 D 2.5 Turbo raised output to 122 PS. These models helped establish quieter, higher-performing diesel cars within the Mercedes-Benz range.
Sixteen-valve models (1984–1993)
The 190 E 2.3-16 combined a four-cylinder engine with a sixteen-valve cylinder head developed with Cosworth. Before the production launch, three cars established endurance records at Nardò in 1983. The larger 190 E 2.5-16 replaced it in 1988 and became the basis for increasingly specialised touring-car derivatives.
Evolution and Evolution II (1989–1990)
Mercedes-Benz built the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution and Evolution II as homologation models for the Deutsche Tourenwagen-Meisterschaft. Each was produced in a series of 502 cars. The 1990 Evolution II used extended wheel arches, revised suspension and a prominent adjustable rear wing; its racing counterpart helped Mercedes-Benz secure the 1992 DTM drivers’ and manufacturers’ titles.
Production
Production ended in 1993 as the first C-Class arrived. Mercedes-Benz records a total of 1,879,630 W201 saloons, making the compact series a major expansion of the company’s customer base as well as an engineering reference for later models.