MERCEDES BENZ C-Klasse T-Modell (S202) 1996-1997 Photos, engines & full specs

When Mercedes-Benz replaced the Model 190 in 1993 with the C-Class, it introduced it as a sedan only, while the station wagon showed up later, in 1996.

Mercedes-Benz created the C-Class T-Model (S-202) mainly for those who needed more trunk space, but not necessarily a van-size area. It was more for families who needed room to take the baby strollers or two bicycles with them but didn't want to show up at work with a vehicle that looked like a delivery van. Mercedes offered its new station wagon in three trim levels: Esprit, Elegance, and Sport.

At the front, the Esprit and the Sport version featured orange turn signal lamps, while the Elegance had them with clear lenses. The radiator's grille still resembled the classic design with chromed slats and a vertical bar in the middle. Up to the B-pillar, the S-202 used the same body panels as the sedan, but after the C-pillar showed an extended roofline. Regardless of the car color, the B- and C-pillars were black, while at the back, a roof spoiler adorned the top of the arched tailgate.

Inside, there were different color schemes according to the trim level, with a chess-like pattern on the seats and door panels for the Esprit. Depending on the options, the car featured air-conditioning and power windows for all. The sunroof was available as an option. Its 60/40 split-folding rear bench increased the trunk space from a decent 465 liters (16.4 cu-ft) up to 1,510 liters (53.3 cu-ft) when the seatback was folded down.

Under the hood, Mercedes-Benz installed only four-valves per cylinder engines paired as standard to a five-speed manual and an option for a five-speed automatic.