15 Mercedes-Benz Cars Every Enthusiast Should Know About

Mercedes-Benz 190E

The Mercedes-Benz 190E shows that a car doesn't have to be the fastest, biggest, or most luxurious to be considered great. Sometimes, it's all about being exactly what it's meant to be---and the 190E does just that. Designed by Bruno Sacco, the 190E introduced a fresh, boxy look with clean lines and sharp edges, setting the tone for Mercedes-Benz's design language for years to come. It marked a new direction for the brand, and the public loved it.

The 190E, often called the "Baby Benz," was Mercedes-Benz's way of entering the small car market. But it wasn't just about looks---it also featured several innovative safety technologies. The car was built with high-strength steel and a frame designed to minimize the impact of a collision, offering extra protection to passengers. Soon after its launch, a diesel version was introduced, featuring what Mercedes called "whisper diesel"---a diesel engine designed to be as quiet as possible.

The 190E became a popular choice for those seeking a smaller, entry-level luxury car from Mercedes-Benz. It stayed in production for over a decade, with nearly 1.9 million units sold, according to The World of Mercedes-Benz AMG.