1955 Mercedes-Benz W188 II Coupe Dimensions, Size & Specs

The W188 II Coupe weighs 1780 kg (around 3924 lbs) in curb weight, which refers to the weight of the car without occupants or cargo but with all necessary fluids. Its maximum weight capacity is 2040 kg (approximately 4498 lbs), accounting for passengers, luggage, and additional load. This relatively heavy weight contributed to its stable and comfortable ride but also reflected the robust build quality and luxury appointments typical of Mercedes-Benz at the time.

Standard garages typically have dimensions around 6 meters (20 feet) in depth, 3 meters (10 feet) in width, and approximately 2.1 to 2.4 meters (7 to 8 feet) in height. With the W188 II Coupe measuring 4700 mm (4.7 meters; 15.4 feet) long, 1916 mm (1.916 meters; 6.3 feet) wide, and 1510 mm (1.51 meters; 4.95 feet) high, it fits comfortably inside a standard one-car garage both in length and width. Its lower height also ensures easy clearance with typical garage doors.

The W188 II Coupe follows the W188 I Roadster and shares similar dimensions, though the coupe variant is typically a little heavier due to its fixed roof and added structure for rigidity. While the W188 I Roadster had comparable length and width, the coupe version's roof adds slightly to the height and weight, with the W188 II Coupe featuring a curb weight of 1780 kg compared to lighter open-top variants. In general, the coupe variant conveys a more enclosed and substantial presence with minor dimensional differences but enhanced comfort and style.

The Mercedes-Benz W188 II Coupe is comparable in size to other premium grand touring coupes of the 1950s, such as the Jaguar XK140 or the Ferrari 250 GT models. Its length of 4700 mm (185 inches) and width near 1916 mm (75.4 inches) place it within the upper range for luxury coupes of the era. Although a bit heavier, the W188 II’s substantial weight reflects its focus on luxury and advanced engineering compared to lighter sports models. Overall, it stood out by combining classic grand tourer dimensions with refined, elegant styling unique to Mercedes-Benz.

The Mercedes-Benz W188 II Coupe was designed as a luxurious grand tourer aimed at affluent buyers seeking elegance, performance, and comfort. It combined the smooth power of its inline-six engine with finely crafted interiors and advanced safety features for its time. The coupe body provided a more refined and quieter alternative to the open-top roadster, enhancing long-distance cruising capability. Its design emphasized timeless style, durability, and driving pleasure, making it an iconic 1950s grand touring Mercedes-Benz.

At 1780 kg (3924 lbs), the W188 II Coupe was relatively heavy compared to smaller sports cars but this weight was an integral part of its design philosophy. The heft contributed to a smooth, stable ride especially at speed, lending to the car’s grand touring credentials. The weight also reflected the use of luxurious materials, robust construction, and added sound insulation, offering occupants refined comfort. While it may have compromised outright agility relative to lighter sports cars, its handling was balanced to prioritize comfort and stability for long-distance touring.

With a width of 1916 mm (75.4 inches) and a height of 1510 mm (59.4 inches), the W188 II Coupe sits within practical limits for urban driving and parking, especially for a 1950s luxury coupe. The car’s width requires moderate clearance in narrow city streets or tight parking spots, but is typical for grand touring vehicles. The relatively low height aids in aerodynamic styling and can make multi-story parking feasible without concerns about clearance—this makes it reasonable for city use, although modern traffic conditions should be considered.

While exact interior dimensions are less documented, the W188 II Coupe was designed for two passengers with a focus on driver and passenger comfort and luxury. Its coupe body allowed for a more insulated environment, minimizing wind noise and increasing cabin refinement. The design emphasized spacious seating with ergonomics tailored to long-distance travel, including high-quality leather upholstery and classic wooden trim. Though not spacious by modern standards, it provided a comfortable and elegant cabin befitting a luxury grand tourer of the 1950s.

Compared to classic American luxury coupes from the mid-to-late 1950s, such as the Cadillac Eldorado or Lincoln Continental coupes, the W188 II Coupe is generally more compact but wider relative to its length. At 4700 mm (185 inches) long and 1916 mm (75.4 inches) wide, it is shorter than many American counterparts but often similarly wide, emphasizing European design priorities of balance and agility over sheer size. The Mercedes also tends to weigh less than those larger American luxury machines, reflecting its emphasis on engineering precision and driving dynamics.