1952 Mercedes-Benz W188 I Coupe Dimensions, Size & Specs

The W188 I Coupe has a curb weight of 1740 kg (3836 lbs), which indicates the vehicle's weight including standard equipment, fluids, and a full fuel tank but without passengers or cargo. The maximum weight capacity—or gross vehicle weight—is approximately 2000 kg (4409 lbs). This means it can safely carry about 260 kg (573 lbs) of passengers and cargo combined, reflecting its robust build and chassis design for luxury touring.

The W188 I Coupe measures 4.73 meters (15.5 feet) in length and 1.91 meters (6.27 feet) in width. Standard single-car garages typically measure around 6 meters (20 feet) in length and 3 meters (10 feet) in width. Therefore, this coupe comfortably fits within a standard garage slot, offering sufficient clearance for door opening and vehicle maneuvering without difficulty.

The W188 I Coupe succeeded Mercedes-Benz's earlier luxury models like the W186 series. Compared to these, the W188 retained a similar length but introduced a wider and more streamlined body enhancing interior space and style. The W188’s width of 1910 mm (75.2 inches) is relatively broader than many contemporaries, giving it a more imposing road presence. Its height of 1510 mm (59.4 inches) aligns with the coupe design trends of the period, offering a lower, sportier stance compared to the taller sedans of the preceding generation.

In the early 1950s luxury coupe segment, rivals like the Jaguar XK120 and the Ferrari 212 featured sportier, smaller dimensions aimed at performance. The W188 I Coupe stands out for its grand touring appeal, boasting larger overall dimensions—4730 mm in length and a substantial width of 1910 mm—providing enhanced comfort and presence. Mercedes-Benz focused on blending performance with luxury and spaciousness, differentiating it from smaller, more performance-oriented sports coupes.

While exact interior dimensions for the W188 I are less documented, its substantial exterior dimensions—particularly the nearly 1.91 meter width—suggest a spacious cabin by 1950s standards. The coupe design emphasizes luxury and driver/passenger comfort, with ample legroom and headroom for front occupants. The lower height of 1510 mm contributes to a sleek roofline without significantly compromising interior space. Materials and craftsmanship further enhance the comfort, making it a notable grand touring vehicle of its time.

Although specific wheelbase data for the W188 I Coupe can vary slightly by model year and body style, it’s generally reported around 2800-2900 mm (110-114 inches). This relatively long wheelbase contributes to a smooth, stable ride at high speeds, enhancing comfort on long drives. It also improves straight-line stability and helps accommodate the spacious, luxurious interior synonymous with this model.

With a height of 1510 mm (59.4 inches) and a width of 1910 mm (75.2 inches), the Mercedes-Benz W188 I Coupe combines a low roofline with broad shoulders, creating an elegant, aerodynamic silhouette characteristic of classic grand tourers. The relatively low stance reduces air resistance while the wide body enhances stability and road grip. Visually, these proportions add to the car’s timeless, dominant presence on the road, blending style with performance.

The Mercedes-Benz W188 I Coupe is a celebrated post-war luxury vehicle, produced between 1951 and 1955. It was noted for combining advanced engineering—such as the robust inline six-cylinder engines—with exquisite handcrafted bodywork typical of the era. It embodied Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to luxury and performance, integrating a comfortable grand touring experience with cutting-edge technology for its time. The production numbers were limited, enhancing the model’s exclusivity and desirability among collectors today.

The W188 I Coupe, designed as a luxury grand tourer, offers moderate trunk space suitable for weekend travel or light luggage rather than large cargo loads. Its loading capacity reflects its grand touring focus—providing a balance between sleek design and practical storage. The rear space is more generous than typical sports cars of the era but limited compared to larger sedans, reinforcing the model’s priorities toward comfortable passenger space and style over cargo utility.