Few automobiles command attention quite like homologation specials, and the 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II is a prime example. With its imposing rear wing and aggressively flared fenders, this vehicle instantly declares its intentions. Born from Mercedes-Benz’s ambition to dominate the German Touring Car (DTM) championship, the Evo II is a stark contrast to the understated elegance of the base 190E. However, beneath its flamboyant exterior lies a meticulously engineered machine with a unique character that transcends mere aesthetics.
Approaching the driver’s side, the initial shock of the Evo II’s visual boldness gives way to a sense of anticipation. The legends surrounding this car – the original 190E 2.3-16 igniting the BMW M3 rivalry, the fierce on-track battles, and Klaus Ludwig’s DTM victory in an Evo II – all contribute to high expectations. While the Evo II might not be everyone’s ultimate dream car, it undoubtedly holds that status for many, and the opportunity to experience it firsthand is genuinely exciting.
Alt text: Mercedes Benz 190E Evolution II rolling shot showcasing its iconic silhouette and racing pedigree.
Before delving into the driving experience, understanding the Mercedes Benz E190 Evolution’s origins is crucial.
The Genesis of the 190E and the Need for Speed
The Mercedes-Benz 190E, launched in 1982, was a response to evolving market demands and the stringent U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. Mercedes-Benz required a smaller, more fuel-efficient model to improve its overall fleet economy. Designed by Bruno Sacco, this compact Mercedes represented a significant shift for the company, essential for competing in the burgeoning U.S. luxury car market. Despite its smaller size, the W201, the 190E’s internal designation, upheld Mercedes-Benz’s renowned standards of safety, durability, and luxury. Its multilink rear suspension, an industry first, enhanced handling and stability, while the robust platform provided an excellent base for a luxury compact car, and crucially, for motorsport aspirations.
Although Mercedes-Benz initially avoided direct factory involvement in racing following the tragic 1955 Le Mans disaster, plans were in place to make the 190E available for private teams in the World Rally Championship. However, the dominance of the Audi Quattro with its all-wheel-drive system rendered the rear-wheel-drive 190E less competitive in rally racing. Consequently, Mercedes shifted its focus to the German Touring Car Championship. The challenge was the 190E’s standard M102 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, producing a modest 136 horsepower, which was insufficient for competitive racing.
To boost engine performance, Mercedes collaborated with Cosworth, resulting in a 16-valve cylinder head that significantly increased power output to 183 hp in European specification and 167 hp in the U.S. This enhanced engine provided the necessary performance for track competition. To complement the increased power and refine the 190E 2.3-16 package, numerous upgrades were implemented. Substantial bodywork modifications reduced drag and lift, a Getrag dog-leg five-speed manual transmission was installed, along with a limited-slip differential. Stiffer springs and dampers, and larger anti-roll bars comprised the major suspension enhancements, and the steering ratio was quickened for sharper responses.
Alt text: Top view of the Mercedes Benz 190E Evolution II emphasizing its wide stance and aerodynamic enhancements.
Privateer teams began racing the 2.3-16 in DTM in 1985, achieving some success, though not championship victories. This progress, however, was enough to spur BMW to enter the fray. In 1987, BMW launched its M3 with full factory support, prompting Mercedes-Benz to finally commit to a full-fledged works racing program.
Escalation and Evolution: From Evo I to Evo II
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the 190E 2.5-16 Evo I in 1989, producing 502 units to meet homologation requirements for racing eligibility. The engine was upgraded to a larger 2.5-liter unit, generating 201 hp. Wheel diameter increased to 16 inches to accommodate larger brakes, and the steering was made even quicker. The Evo I featured more pronounced fender flares and a more aggressive rear wing, although visually it was less dramatic than its successor. Despite these improvements, competition intensified with Audi’s entry into DTM, requiring further development to remain competitive.
Alt text: Close up of the Mercedes Benz 190E Evolution II rear fender flare and iconic DTM wing.
Alt text: Front fender and wheel of the Mercedes Benz 190E Evolution II, highlighting the aggressive body kit.
Consequently, in 1990, Mercedes-Benz introduced the ultimate homologation model, the Evo II. Engine enhancements included revised induction and exhaust systems, improved engine management, and a higher 7800-rpm redline, boosting power to 232 horsepower. 17-inch wheels were fitted on all corners. However, the most striking changes were to the bodywork. The distinctive teardrop-shaped fender flares and the prominent rear wing, reminiscent of a 1990s German interpretation of a Plymouth Superbird, were undeniably bold. Crucially, these aerodynamic modifications were effective, achieving a drag coefficient of just 0.29, providing Mercedes-Benz with the competitive edge needed on the track.
Alt text: Front three quarter view of the Mercedes Benz 190E Evolution II showcasing its aggressive front fascia and stance.
Despite the intense competition, after a couple of seasons, 1992 proved to be the 190E’s year. Driven by Klaus Ludwig, the Evo II secured the DTM championship for Mercedes-Benz, cementing its legendary status.
More than three decades later, the Mercedes Benz E190 Evolution II remains highly revered. But why does this particular model hold such enduring appeal? Rarity alone does not guarantee desirability, nor does it automatically translate to a rewarding ownership experience, especially for limited-production vehicles primarily designed for racing success. With this in mind, opening the door and sliding into the driver’s seat reveals more about the Evo II’s unique character.
Alt text: Interior view of the Mercedes Benz 190E Evolution II highlighting its classic Mercedes Benz design with sporty touches.
Driving the Legend: Experiencing the Mercedes Benz E190 Evolution
Inside the Mercedes Benz E190 Evolution II, with the door closed, the overt race-bred nature of the car fades slightly. The interior presents a familiar 1980s Mercedes-Benz ambiance, characterized by high-quality materials and robust construction, reinforcing the marque’s reputation for durability. Closer inspection reveals unique details: the more supportive, bolstered seats hint at the car’s performance capabilities, subtly contrasting the otherwise understated interior. The instrument cluster, with its classic Mercedes font, features an unusually high 7800-rpm redline for a Mercedes of this era, and the gear lever indicates a dog-leg five-speed pattern. Small, aerodynamic side mirrors, prioritizing airflow, are mounted at the base of the front windows – the left mirror rectangular, the right smaller and stubbier, just sufficient for rearward visibility. The rearview mirror reveals a window shade, reducing the visible area to comply with DTM regulations that prohibited rear wings from obstructing the driver’s view; Mercedes’ solution cleverly minimized the window size to conceal the wing’s upper portion.
Alt text: Rear window detail of the Mercedes Benz 190E Evolution II showcasing the DTM mandated reduced visibility.
Engaging first gear in the dog-leg gearbox requires a brief adjustment. While the first to second gear shift feels slightly deliberate, the alignment of second and third gears facilitates quick and intuitive changes, particularly beneficial during track driving to minimize missed shifts. The gear lever action is precise, if a little firm, and reassuringly robust. At higher speeds, rev-matching smooths out downshifts.
The pedal arrangement is well-suited for performance driving, with ample space in the footwell despite the car’s compact dimensions. The clutch engagement is smooth and progressive with a forgivingly broad bite point.
Alt text: Close up of the dog-leg shifter in the Mercedes Benz 190E Evolution II, a key feature for performance driving.
Once in motion, the car feels remarkably compact, almost diminutive. The low dashboard, upright windshield, low window line, and short hood, adorned with the iconic three-pointed star, all contribute to a sense of agility and manageability. Visibility is excellent in all directions except directly rearward, due to the smaller rear window.
Within a few miles, the duality of the Evo II’s character becomes apparent. It performs everyday driving tasks with surprising ease and refinement. It absorbs road imperfections smoothly, idles steadily, and emits a sporty, yet not overly aggressive engine note. This is not the highly strung, temperamental machine its exterior might suggest. It becomes clear that despite its homologation special status, the fundamental engineering excellence of the underlying 190E platform significantly shapes the car’s overall personality.
Alt text: Engine bay of the Mercedes Benz 190E Evolution II showcasing the high-revving 2.5-16 engine.
Pushing the Mercedes Benz E190 Evolution harder reveals its true nature. Around 6000 rpm, the engine’s intake noise intensifies into a resonant four-cylinder roar, growing more exhilarating as the revs climb towards the redline. While the engine offers ample low-end torque, it truly thrives at higher RPMs, maintaining its eagerness all the way to the rev limiter. The gearbox seems to become even more precise and rewarding when used with more urgency. The suspension, while considered relatively compliant by modern standards, effectively controls body roll and remains composed even over mid-corner bumps.
However, the steering stands out as the most exceptional aspect of the driving experience. Deceptively light at lower speeds, it provides exceptional feedback and communication, creating a sense of connection often associated with mid-engined sports cars. Despite the progressively quicker steering ratios implemented from the 2.3-16 through the Evo I to the Evo II, it avoids feeling nervous or twitchy. Combined with the composed suspension, it delivers what may be the most communicative and confidence-inspiring front end in any front-engine car.
The beauty of the Evo II lies in its balanced and nuanced performance. It is not an unwieldy beast demanding constant taming. Instead, it offers remarkable equilibrium – communicative yet not overly sensitive, engagingly intense yet not physically taxing. It rewards skillful driving rather than brute force, making it a car that can be driven hard and enjoyed for extended periods. Remarkably, despite its racing pedigree, the Evo II retains excellent everyday usability; it does not compromise its practicality as a mode of transportation to become one of history’s most rewarding sports sedans.
Alt text: Mercedes Benz 190E Evolution II badge, a symbol of its racing heritage and limited production.
The Evo II in the Collector’s Market
The exceptional driving experience and rarity of the Mercedes Benz E190 Evolution II come at a premium. While the Hagerty Price Guide doesn’t specifically track the Evo II, sales data is monitored. Due to its limited production, it appears less frequently at auction compared to its predecessor, the 2.3-16. Over the past five years, 24 Evo IIs have been sold at auction, compared to 60 transactions for the more common 2.3-16. The average auction price for an Evo II during this period is approximately $296,000 USD. In comparison, a #2 (Excellent condition) 190E 2.3-16 is valued around $50,800 USD. However, values across the 190E platform are appreciating, with the three-year change for the Evo II at +9.7 percent and a #3 (Good condition) 2.3-16 up 2.4 percent (and 10 percent since the start of 2024).
The Mercedes Benz E190 Evolution II represents the pinnacle of the DTM-inspired 190E lineage, and values for top-tier examples began to accelerate in 2022. For instance, the 2.3-16 driven by Niki Lauda at the 1984 Nürburgring “Race of Champions” fetched $344,102 USD at a 2023 RM Sotheby’s auction. Yet, even celebrity provenance could not surpass rarity, as a pristine, low-mileage Evo II with only 3317 miles sold for $544,000 USD at the end of 2023.
This upward trend is expected to persist for the Evo II, even amidst broader market fluctuations. The collector car status of homologation specials, especially those from the 1980s and 1990s, is becoming increasingly solidified. Demographic trends support this, with a significant 72 percent of prospective buyers seeking quotes for the Evo II being Gen X or younger.
Despite its visually outrageous design, the Mercedes Benz E190 Evolution II delivers a remarkably refined and engaging driving experience that leaves a lasting impression. It occupies a unique position where rarity and exceptional driving dynamics converge, firmly establishing its status as a highly collectible automobile. Hopefully, those fortunate enough to own one will not hesitate to fully experience its capabilities.
Alt text: Front grill of the Mercedes Benz 190E Evolution II, a symbol of Mercedes Benz performance and heritage.
