From the 190 to the C-Class
The 190 remained in production until 1993. Its successor got a totally different name: C-Class. In fact, every model in the portfolio began to use the new naming system. The first-generation C-Class, nicknamed W 202, lasted until the spring of 2000. A wagon variant joined the lineup in May of 1996.
The W 203 (or the third generation of the Baby Benz) took over in the 2001 model year, offering an even more diversified range of cars. In addition to the sedan and wagon, a stylish new coupe with liftgate was available.
Then, in March of 2007, the W 204 made its debut. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz started offering two different designs: the Sport model with an oversized three-point star in the middle of the grille and the Comfort model with the traditional star as a hood ornament.
Since the early 1980s, more than six million Baby Benzes (190 and C-Class) have been manufactured, which puts a big smile on Werner Breitschwerdt's face. "When we created the 190, we were looking to achieve the same level of sophistication and refinement as larger Mercedes cars. After spending only five minutes behind the wheel, you had to forget that you were driving a Baby Benz. We not only did it, but this car proved to be the most sophisticated Mercedes at the time."
Today, the octogenarian drives a stately CL600 coupe which he is extremely proud of. When asked what kind of vehicle he would like to create, his response is unequivocal: "In terms of research and development, explains Werner Breitschwerdt, the newest model is always the most important for us!" Having said that, he would love to design a modern 300 SL. After all, he used to own a couple of them...
photo:Matthieu Lambert, Mercedes-Benz
The 190 remained in production until 1993. Its successor got a totally different name: C-Class. In fact, every model in the portfolio began to use the new naming system. The first-generation C-Class, nicknamed W 202, lasted until the spring of 2000. A wagon variant joined the lineup in May of 1996.
The W 203 (or the third generation of the Baby Benz) took over in the 2001 model year, offering an even more diversified range of cars. In addition to the sedan and wagon, a stylish new coupe with liftgate was available.
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| Four generations of Baby Benzes. |
Then, in March of 2007, the W 204 made its debut. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz started offering two different designs: the Sport model with an oversized three-point star in the middle of the grille and the Comfort model with the traditional star as a hood ornament.
Since the early 1980s, more than six million Baby Benzes (190 and C-Class) have been manufactured, which puts a big smile on Werner Breitschwerdt's face. "When we created the 190, we were looking to achieve the same level of sophistication and refinement as larger Mercedes cars. After spending only five minutes behind the wheel, you had to forget that you were driving a Baby Benz. We not only did it, but this car proved to be the most sophisticated Mercedes at the time."
Today, the octogenarian drives a stately CL600 coupe which he is extremely proud of. When asked what kind of vehicle he would like to create, his response is unequivocal: "In terms of research and development, explains Werner Breitschwerdt, the newest model is always the most important for us!" Having said that, he would love to design a modern 300 SL. After all, he used to own a couple of them...
photo:Matthieu Lambert, Mercedes-Benz
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