Jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz, Cosworth Engineering, and AMG, the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II of 1990 is—despite its outrageous, adolescent visage—one of the most refined, directly engaging sports sedans ever made. It is a stellar product forged in the crucible of motorsport.

On track, the Evolution II dominated its domestic rivals, and secured two consecutive German Touring Championship (DTM) constructors’ titles for AMG-Mercedes in 1991 and 1992. For its part as a homologation special, the roadgoing Evolution II has captivated enthusiasts and gawkers alike since its unveiling. Its pedigree and looks proved so beguiling that more than a few Mercedes-Benz dealers are guilty of having displayed an example in their showrooms for years after the end of its racing relevance.

The Evolution II offers an impressive 235 horsepower from its tightly wound 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The 16-valve head, engine management system, and five-speed “dogleg” transmission are all complimentarily configured to encourage spirited, technical driving at high revs approaching the engine’s 7,800 rpm redline.

The model’s beefed-up chassis is further improved by Brembo four-piston brake calipers tucked inside 17-inch wheels, self-leveling suspension, and bodywork dressed in an aggressive aero kit that includes a towering rear spoiler, imposing fender flares, and adjustable front splitter. The Evolution II’s aero kit proved so effective that other DTM teams vehemently protested it, to no avail, and BMW’s Head of Research, Wolfgang Reitzle, reportedly claimed that “if that rear wing works, we'll have to redesign our wind tunnel."

Number 226 of 502 examples produced, this German-delivery Evolution II was sold new to a Munich-based architect during April 1990 via Autohaus Berner in Wolfratshausen. It is finished in the model’s signature color combination of Blue-Black Metallic (199U) over Anthracite leather, and its original suite of factory specifications includes a power sunroof, heated seats, rear reading lamps, and air conditioning system.

Within its first 1,500 kilometers of use, Evolution II number 226 had been purchased by a new owner and moved to the Spanish province of Galicia. Regular entries in its accompanying service book show that it remained in that area until being returned to Germany in January 2013, at which time it had travelled just 51,909 kilometers (~32,255 miles) since new. Shortly thereafter, this Evolution II was purchased by the consignor and imported to the United States.

In their care, this stellar homologation special has benefitted from infrequent enjoyment, climate-controlled storage, and several notable servicing expenditures in September 2014 and February 2017 followed by a comprehensive July 2023 regimen at Knauz Mercedes-Benz of Skokie, Illinois which totaled over $5,000. At the time of cataloguing, its odometer displayed fewer than 54,770 kilometers (~34,032 miles).

The ultimate development of Mercedes-Benz’s lauded W201-generation sedan, the 2.5-16 Evolution II’s success on the racetrack, incredible looks, and direct driving dynamics make it a hot-ticket item which remains covetously sought-after by marque aficionados.