Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II: DTM Legend Highlighted by Mercedes-Benz Museum

Mercedes-Benz Museum highlights the rare 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II, a limited homologation model linked to the 1992 DTM title. Explore its racing heritage and design.

One of the most recognizable sports sedans of the early 1990s has once again taken the spotlight at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart — the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II. The car is featured in the latest installment of the museum’s “Close-up” series, which highlights remarkable vehicles from the brand’s collection. Visitors can currently see the model in the special “Youngtimer” exhibition, where ten iconic vehicles from the 1990s and 2000s are displayed. The exhibition runs until May 31, 2026.

At first glance, the Evolution II is impossible to confuse with other versions of the 190 series. Flared wheel arches, aggressive spoilers and the massive rear wing transform the compact sedan into a striking symbol of the DTM racing era. Even when standing still, the car looks as if it belongs on a race track. With this project, the Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201) ultimately crossed the boundary from compact sedan to serious motorsport contender.

The Evolution II represented the culmination of the sporting evolution of the 190 model line. The story began in the 1980s with the introduction of the 190E 2.3-16, powered by a high-revving 16-valve engine developed together with Cosworth. Later, a larger 2.5-liter engine was introduced, forming the basis for the more radical Evolution models. Their development was closely tied to the regulations of the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), which required manufacturers to build at least 500 road cars in order to homologate a racing version.

In 1990, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II, produced in a limited run of 502 units. These cars served as the homologation foundation for the DTM racing machine. Every example was finished in the same color — blue-black metallic (DB 199) — and each received its own individual number. The vehicle currently displayed at the museum carries the number 222, as indicated by the badge on the gear lever.

Under the hood, the Evolution II featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with four-valve technology. In road specification it produced around 235 horsepower at 7,200 rpm, enabling a top speed of about 250 km/h. The DTM racing version, however, was considerably more powerful: over time its engine output reached up to 373 horsepower, revving to extremely high engine speeds.

Aerodynamics became one of the car’s defining characteristics. The enormous rear wing — adjustable through several screws — looked almost extravagant for a road-legal vehicle in 1990. Combined with widened arches, pronounced spoilers and distinctive 17-inch wheels, the design created an aggressive appearance that clearly reflected its racing origins.

The sporting spirit extended to the details. The Evolution II featured sports seats with strong lateral support, a rare checkered fabric interior, a Becker Grand Prix radio with cassette player and even air conditioning. The ABS anti-lock braking system was included as standard equipment.

The Evolution II also played a key role in one of Mercedes-Benz’s most significant achievements in touring car racing. In 1992, Klaus Ludwig won the DTM championship driving this model, while the Mercedes team dominated the series. At the time the car’s main rival was the BMW M3 (E30), and the rivalry between these machines became one of the defining stories of touring car racing in that era.

When it debuted, the Evolution II was an exceptionally expensive automobile. Its price was around DM 120,000, while a standard Mercedes-Benz 190 E cost approximately DM 38,455. Even at launch, the model was regarded as an exclusive machine.

Today the sedan is widely seen as one of the most iconic homologation cars of its time. Its limited production run, direct connection to motorsport and the DTM championship victory have made the Evolution II one of the most desirable Mercedes-Benz youngtimer classics. As years pass, interest among collectors continues to grow, gradually transforming the once radical sports sedan of the 1990s into a true automotive legend.