The legendary Mercedes 190 E 2.5-16 Evo II is back, reimagined by HWA with up to 500 horsepower and cutting-edge engineering. Only 100 units will be built, blending classic design with modern performance for collectors and enthusiasts.
In a quiet corner of the German National Automobile Museum, a piece of automotive history has been brought back to life. The HWA 190 E 2.5-16 Evo II, once the poster car of the 1990s, has returned—this time with a modern twist and a level of performance that would have been unthinkable three decades ago.
Collector Friedhelm Loh, who owns both the first and last original Evo II models, recently took delivery of the very first of just 100 new HWA-built Evo IIs. This limited run, masterminded by Hans Werner Aufrecht—co-founder of AMG and one of the original Evo II’s creators—marks a rare moment where past and present collide. Alongside the two classic black Evo IIs and Klaus Ludwig’s 1992 DTM-winning car, three new HWA models now stand, nearly indistinguishable from their ancestors at first glance.
Modern Engineering, Classic Soul
Unlike a simple restoration, the HWA Evo II is a full restomod. While it starts with an original W201 chassis, nearly every component is replaced or reimagined. The body is stripped, reinforced with carbon fiber, and topped with a dramatic rear wing. The old four-cylinder engine is swapped for a turbocharged six-cylinder, delivering 450 horsepower in standard form and up to 500 with the Affalterbach package. A manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive keep the experience raw and engaging, while a new chassis and subtle digital instruments blend nostalgia with modern usability.
Inside, the car balances classic cues—like the original-style dashboard and analog switches—with contemporary touches. The seats are supportive yet comfortable, and the four-point harnesses hint at the car’s motorsport DNA. The start button brings the engine to life with a sound that far surpasses the original’s, offering a visceral experience that feels both familiar and shockingly new.
Performance That Redefines the Icon
The original Evo II was no slouch in its day, but the new HWA version is in another league. With more than double the power and a weight under 1,400 kg, acceleration is brutal: 0–100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 270 km/h. The turbocharged engine delivers a surge of torque between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm, pinning the driver back and leaving only blurred scenery in the side windows. Despite the leap in performance, the car remains analog and direct, a deliberate contrast to the digital theatrics of modern electric sports cars.
For those who value authenticity, the HWA Evo II offers a driving experience that feels more genuine than many of today’s high-tech machines. As noted by Friedhelm Loh, these cars are almost too valuable to drive, with a price tag around €850,000 and only 100 units planned. Yet the temptation to take them out on winding country roads is hard to resist, echoing the spirit of the original Evo II’s glory days.
Exclusivity and Legacy
While the HWA Evo II is a collector’s dream, its rarity means few will ever experience it firsthand. Loh, now more a curator than a driver, admits the cars are destined for museums and private collections as much as for the open road. Still, the project stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Evo II and the passion of those who refuse to let automotive history fade away.
The return of the Evo II also highlights a broader trend of reviving classic models with modern engineering—a movement seen across the industry. For example, Volkswagen’s latest Passat 2.0 TDI 4Motion has set new standards for comfort and efficiency in family cars, blending tradition with innovation in a way that resonates with both enthusiasts and everyday drivers. Volkswagen’s approach shows how legacy and progress can coexist, much like the philosophy behind the HWA Evo II.
As the automotive world moves rapidly toward electrification and digitalization, the HWA 190 E 2.5-16 Evo II serves as a reminder that there is still room for analog passion and mechanical artistry. For a select few, this reborn legend offers a rare chance to own a piece of history—reimagined for a new era, but never forgetting its roots.
