In the early ‘90s, Mercedes-Benz decided to break the mold. The result? The Avantgarde Rosso, a bold, limited-edition version of the W201 190E that looked more like a designer's statement piece than a conservative German sedan. It didn’t whisper refinement; it shouted personality.
Released in 1992 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 190E, the Avantgarde Rosso was part of a trio of special editions, alongside the Avantgarde Azzurro and Avantgarde Verde. Approximately 2,300 units of the Rosso were produced, all finished in the exclusive Avantgarde Rosso Metallic (paint code 569). Matching bumpers and mirror caps gave the car a sleek, monochromatic look that was radical for the time.
Inside, things got even more daring. The seats, headrests, and door cards were upholstered in the striking “Arcade” plaid fabric, a mix of red, black, and grey geometric patterns. Most interiors featured black dashboards and trim, accented with red carpets and piping, giving it that unmistakably early '90s Mercedes vibe, funky yet premium.
Under the hood, the Avantgarde Rosso typically came with the 1.8-liter M102 engine, producing 107 hp, paired to a 5-speed manual transmission. Some later models (especially from 1993) were fitted with the 2.3-liter engine and a 4-speed automatic, depending on market and customer preference. These models were never about outright performance, it was about style, individuality, and breaking tradition.
The Avantgarde models rode slightly lower than base W201s and wore distinctive 15-inch Gullideckel alloy wheels. Mercedes-Benz was aiming for a younger, fashion-forward demographic, and the Rosso delivered that flair in spades.
Today, a clean, original Avantgarde Rosso is a rare and desirable collector’s piece. Many have been repainted, modified, or simply neglected over the decades. But an unmolested survivor? That’s a red rebellion in a world of grey suits, and it still turns heads more than 30 years later.