Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II W201
A 502-car DTM homologation saloon with a towering rear wing and a high-revving four-cylinder engine.
- Power
- 232 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 6.7 s
- Top speed
- 155 mph
- Est. value
- $200k–$400k
About the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II W201
Mercedes-Benz presented the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II at the 1990 Geneva motor show as a homologation model for DTM racing. Its short-stroke M102 engine produces 235 PS, approximately 232 bhp, and works with a five-speed manual gearbox. Wide arches, adjustable aerodynamic elements and revised running gear distinguish it from the ordinary W201 saloon. Only 502 road cars were built, making this a separate performance model rather than a cosmetic version of the base 190 E.
Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II W201 specs
The Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II W201 produces 232 bhp (173 kW) and 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|
| Model | 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II |
| Generation | W201 |
| Years | 1990 |
| Type | Sports car |
| Body style | 4-door saloon with large rear wing |
| Country | Germany |
| Production | About 502 built |
| Engine | 2.5L naturally aspirated 16-valve inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,463 cc (2.5 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 232 bhp (173 kW) at 7,200 rpm |
| Torque | 245 Nm (181 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 7,700 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 6.7 s |
| Top speed | 155 mph (250 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed dog-leg manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,340 kg (2,954 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 173 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II W201 worth?
A typical Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II W201 is estimated to be worth $200,000 – $400,000 (about £149,000 – £298,000).
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II W201 rarity in CarSpot
The Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II W201 is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II W201 fun facts
- The Evolution II road-car run comprised 502 examples.
- Mercedes-Benz quotes a 7,700 rpm engine-speed limit.
- The production model made its debut at the Geneva motor show in March 1990.



