in May 1993Mercedes presents the replacement of the Mercedes-Benz 190 (Type 201), also known as the “Baby Benz”: the newcomer was baptized Mercedes C-class (Type 202) and was a great success, as it was produced almost in 1.9 million copies until 2001.

With this model, the German manufacturer presents its own new nomenclature, using a letter to indicate the vehicle category (C), followed by a combination of numbers indicating the engine capacity (for example, C 180 for 1.8 liters). In 1996, a new version called the Estate was also released.

Mercedes C-Class: timeless design

The design of the first Mercedes C-Class was conceived timeless and elegant : “The design of the first C-Class was aimed at attracting the attention of a wide audience with a clean, aesthetic and timeless form”says Peter Pfeiffer, head of design at Mercedes-Benz from 1999 to 2008: “It was naturally integrated into the stylistic language of the brand. Its success showed that this consolidation, planned from the beginning, was the right path. The W202 C-Class was a resounding success. »

Compared to the Mercedes 190, the C-Class offered much more interior space, with slightly larger external dimensions due to better layout of components such as engine, axles and transmission. In the C-Class, the relocation of the fuel tank also brought significant benefits: this plastic fuel tank, located under the rear seat, was light and allowed the rear seat to be pushed back a bit to gain space in the cabin.

The model also received numerous improving security in the event of a frontal and rear collision, and with better protection against side impacts thanks to the one-piece sidewall that provides a very high level of resistance, as well as the tubular structure that strengthens the door. The seats were also designed to be rigid to transfer forces without deformation. Even then, the C-Class was designed to be environmentally friendly: the aim was to ensure that 85% of end-of-life cars could be recycled.

Mercedes C-Class: a wide choice of engines

At launch, the C-Class was available with four gasoline and three diesel engines : The C 180 produced 122 horsepower, the C 200 developed 136 horsepower, the C 220 produced 150 horsepower, and the C 280 offered 193 horsepower with an inline six-cylinder engine. As for the diesel, the base version was the C 200 Diesel with 75 hp, followed by the C 220 Diesel with 95 hp and the C 250 Diesel with 113 hp.

Other more effective models appeared in the fall of 1993 C 36 AMG : the first car developed by Mercedes-Benz together with AMG. On the basis of the C 280, the diameter and stroke of the cylinders of the 2.8-liter in-line six-cylinder engine were changed to a working volume of 3.6 liters. With special pistons, a modified crankshaft and a higher compression ratio, the model developed power 280 horsepower. Its appearance is sportier with a 10 mm lowered suspension, modified front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and wider and sportier wheels.

From autumn 1993 to June 1997, 5,221 examples of the C 36 AMG were produced, then in September 1997 the eight-cylinder engine appeared in the C-Class: C 43 AMG developed 306 horsepowerwhile C 55 AMGlaunched in 1998, offered to 347 horsepower.

From 1993 to 2000, exactly 1,626,383 copies of the C-class sedan were produced, to which should be added 243,871 station wagon models produced from 1996 to 2001, i.e. 1,870,254 units in sum, all silhouettes together.