Curious to know how the tests on the Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201) were carried out?
It was 1983 when Mercedes-Benz launched a saloon that retained all the qualities of luxury cars, but with more contained dimensions. Directly threatened by BMW's 3 series (E21), the German brand realized – just in time – that a smaller but equally luxurious car perfectly fitted consumer preferences.
The Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201) meant a 180° paradigm shift in the Daimler brand. The “baby-mercedes” as it was called at the time, dispensed with the large dimensions and the ostentatious chrome that marked the creations of Mercedes-Benz. In addition to the new stylistic language, there were some pioneering aspects: it was the first car in the segment to use multi-link suspension on the rear axle and McPherson suspension on the front.
In order to maintain the values of comfort, reliability, tradition and image, the Mercedes-Benz 190E was subjected to various endurance tests to ensure that it did not jeopardize any of the aforementioned values. For three weeks, tests were carried out on the resistance of the seats, opening and closing of doors (100,000 cycles, thus simulating the daily use of the 190E during the car's useful life), luggage, hood, suspensions… The Mercedes-Benz 190E was even submitted to climate tests, with thermometers measuring temperatures ranging from winter in the Arctic to summer in Amareleja – if you have never visited this land in Alentejo, take advantage now because summer is not for everyone..