In this rather nostalgic and informative clip, you’ll see Mercedes-Benz reporter Amanda Stretton drive not only the new C 350 e model, but also the epic, cult classic 190E Evolution II.
Yes, the W201 Mercedes-Benz 190E Evo II is down on power when compared to the much newer C 350 e model, and it won’t blow you away anymore with its 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) time. But still, we’re talking about such an unbelievable car that we actually take offense somebody would end their “review” by saying they’d choose the modern-day car (which isn’t even a modern day version of the Evo II – that would be an AMG C 63).
Here’s the thing; the Mercedes C 350 e is a PHEV capable of hitting the 100km/h (62mph) mark in 5.9 seconds as well as giving you an all-electric driving range of up to 31 km. Its hybrid power unit has a combined output of 275 HP as well as an impressive 600Nm of peak torque.
Plus its got the 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed auto box and the air suspension in order to properly sweep you off your feet.
The only thing it doesn’t have and never will have, is legendary status. Yes, you can drive it really fast on a track and its extremely economical and comfortable on the road. It’s supposed to be that way because it’s a 2015 model and it’s a Mercedes freakin Benz.
As for the 190 Evo II, believe it or not it first came out at the 1990 Geneva Motor Show, retailing for about $80,000 at the time. It had a 235 HP 4-cylinder 16V engine as well as a radical body kit design featuring an adjustable rear wing, rear window spoiler and 17″ wheels.
Only 502 were ever made, and the more pretentious of customers that got the PowerPack option engineered by AMG, also got hotter camshafts, a larger diameter throttle body, more aggressive ignition and fuel management as well as an optimized exhaust system.
They say that these engines could have been upgraded to produce as much as 350 HP, which would have been a sight to behold, even today, trust us.
Now, Amanda did like both cars as the video shows, but concluding that you’d rather have the C 350 e is like saying you’d rather have any modern hybrid with solid performance – which are a dime a dozen. Yes, it’s true, the C350 e does indeed outperform a DTM car, BUT, its been almost 25 years since then, which makes it a little pointless. Still true, but pointless nonetheless.
Meanwhile all we can say is…that Evo II looks absolutely gorgeous next to that C-Class.