Lineage: C-Class

Like the Audi A4 and BMW’s 3-Series, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class firmly belongs in the daily traffic around Namibian towns. NamWheels gives you a brief lineage (model history) of this accomplished German sedan. 


W201 (1982)

190E “Baby Benz”

  • First “compact” Mercedes to rival the successful 3-Series.
  • Never officially sold in ZA / Namibia until the early nineties.
  • Some 16V models made it to South Africa in the late eighties.
  • Range from 190 1.8 to 190E 2.5-16V




W202 (1993)

First official “C Class”

  • Sold in southern Africa from 1994/5.
  • The first model to be built in South Africa.
  • One of the first C-Classes in Namibia went to sprinter Frank Fredericks.
  • First Mercedes to introduce trim lines – e.g. Classic or Elegance.
  • Also available as an estate / station wagon (S203).
  • Local range from C180 to C280

W203 (2000)

Second generation “C-Class” 

  • The second model to be built in South Africa and exported to other markets.
  • Also available as an estate / station wagon (S204).
  • Range from C180 to C55 AMG.

W204 (2007)

Third generation

  • Also built in S.A., this model included over 100,000 LHD exports to the U.S.A.
  • Also available as a coupé (C204) or estate / station wagon (S204).
  • Range from C180 K / CGI to C63 AMG.

W205 (2014)

Current generation

  • The current C-Class range was introduced last year.
  • Estate models arrived recently, coupé coming soon!
  • C43 AMG 4Matic and C63 AMG / S coming soon!



Leave a Comment