The Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution I is a rare gem in automotive history, a car born out of Mercedes’ ambition to dominate the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) in the late 1980s. To meet the strict Group A racing regulations, Mercedes had to produce at least 500 road-legal versions of their race car. They ended up building exactly 502 units, each one a distinct piece of motorsport engineering.



Under the hood, the Evolution I packed a 2.5-liter inline-four engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth. While its road-going form delivered 195 horsepower, this engine was built with racing in mind, capable of much higher outputs when tuned for competition. The car’s suspension was upgraded with height-adjustable settings, giving drivers the flexibility to tweak performance for different racing conditions. Larger brakes were fitted to ensure it could handle the extra power, while a lightweight construction improved both acceleration and cornering.



The Evolution I’s aggressive styling wasn’t just for show. It featured a bold body kit with flared wheel arches, a prominent rear spoiler, and a redesigned front air dam — all meticulously crafted to improve aerodynamics and keep the car stable at high speeds. Wider wheels and performance tires rounded out the package, ensuring grip and control on both road and track.



The 190E Evolution I was a pivotal step in Mercedes’ DTM journey, paving the way for the even more extreme Evolution II. Today, it stands as a prized collector’s car, celebrated for its engineering brilliance, racing pedigree, and undeniable presence.