Compact, powerful and muscular: the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II exuded self-assured sporting prowess at its premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 1990 – and not without reason: the sports saloon provided the basis for the new Group A racing tourer with which Mercedes-Benz competed in the German Touring Car Masters.
The Evo II did justice to its appearance by virtue of a further development of the 2.5-litre oversquare engine adopted from the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution, which had demonstrated excellent stability irrespective of rpm variations ever since its introduction in 1989. The engine’s output had been raised once again in comparison to the first Evolution model from the previous year, the Evo II now generating 173 kW (235 hp) of power as opposed to the previous 143 kW (195 hp). The top speed was 250 km/h, and the Evo II accelerated from a standing start to 100 km/h in 7.1 seconds.
The body had also undergone further refinement on an aesthetic and technical level. The Evo II chassis, which had been modified for racing use, was fitted with 17-inch wheels (as opposed to 16-inch), for example. The vehicle’s aerodynamics were improved by new front and rear bumpers with integrated spoilers, wheel arch flaring integrated into the line of the body and the highly pronounced rear aerofoil.
In all, 502 units of the Evo II were produced – available exclusively in blue black metallic. At the time of its original presentation the Evo II was priced at DM 115,259.70, or DM 119,717.10 with air conditioning.
In March 2015, the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II celebrated its 25th birthday.
Photos: ©Daimler AG
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