The first official C-Class, the W202, succeeded the 190E with greater comfort and modern features. It retained its mid-mounted rear-wheel drive, increased rigidity, and a progressive power increase from AMG. Less radical than the 190E 16S, but more comprehensive, Mercedes structured its entry-level premium range without compromising mechanical precision.
Replacing the 190 type W201, the C-Class type W202 was marketed from 1993 to 2000. It kept the same sports family philosophy with more rounded lines. In addition to the Sedan, a Break version will be offered from March 1996 and will compete directly with the BMW 3 Series E36. In terms of engines, the panel is always wide! We find the famous 5-cylinder Turbo Diesel here at 150hp and the CDI versions appear (for Common Rail Direct Injection) bringing more power. The Petrol versions are available from the 4-cylinder 1.8 L to the 6-cylinder 2.8 L, naturally aspirated and this time in a version supercharged by a compressor (the famous Kompressor). AMG, the brand's official preparer, is developing three even sportier models, the C 36 AMG with 6-cylinder in-line 280 horsepower and the C 43 and C 55 AMG developing respectively 306 and 347 horsepower thanks to their V8 engine. What not to blush in front of the rival BMW M3. Other brands like Carlsson, Lorinser and Brabus will use the C-Class as a basis for aesthetic and mechanical preparation. The W202 will also participate, like its ancestor the W201, in the DTM championship (Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft). In 7 years, 1,870,000 copies were produced.
