1988–1993 Mercedes 190 E 2.6 (Cat) Specs & Performance

The Mercedes 190 E 2.6 (Cat) brought smooth six-cylinder performance to the compact W201 sedan, combining understated styling with the solid engineering and refined character expected from Mercedes-Benz. Its four-door body and five-seat cabin made it practical for everyday use, while the longitudinal front-engine layout and rear-wheel drive gave it the balanced, traditional driving character that defined the 190 range. As part of the facelifted W201 generation, it represented a refined evolution of Mercedes-Benz’s compact executive sedan.

The 1988–1993 Mercedes 190 E 2.6 (Cat) uses a naturally aspirated 2.6-liter inline-six producing 158 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission sends power to the rear wheels, with 0–60 mph taking 8.9 seconds and 0–62 mph taking 9.2 seconds. Top speed reaches 132 mph, giving the sedan a strong balance of smooth six-cylinder performance, rear-wheel-drive dynamics and everyday practicality.