The all-electric C-Class was discovered with a large digital display and an exterior design reminiscent of the EQS
- Mercedes is developing an electric variant of the C-Class sedan to compete with the Tesla Model 3 and BMW i4.
- The exterior design appears to be based on the EQE and EQS, while the interior is expected to be dominated by multiple screens.
- We could get a first look at the C-Class electric vehicle as early as this year. Sales are scheduled to begin in 2025 as a 2026 model year in North America.
Mercedes is expanding its range of electric vehicles with both an entry-level CLA and an electric C-Class sedan variant. Our spy photographers recently captured another prototype of the upcoming C-Class electric vehicle in testing, expanding the list of compact luxury electric vehicles in development.
Wearing a thick black and white camouflage pattern, the electric sedan mirrors the design approach of the EQE and EQS, sporting a streamlined but somewhat generic appearance. While it’s difficult to make out details, we can see a prominent central air intake and temporary headlights that give off the vibe of a pre-facelift Tesla Model 3.
More: 2026 Mercedes C-Class EV spied targeting Tesla’s Model 3
Photos Baldauf
The curved front section gives way to a relatively short hood and a slim windshield. We can also see a fairly generous wheelbase as well as a long, sloping roof with panoramic glass. There are also wide hips that direct the air to an integrated rear spoiler. The highlights are rounded off by flush door handles and a small rear window.
Our spies caught a glimpse inside the prototype, revealing a dashboard characterized by a near-vertical orientation and dominated by screens. This setup appears to be a cheaper version of the MBUX Hyperscreen, as the display likely spans the entire width of the interior. Additionally, the screen is apparently shared with the CLA EV, as seen in previous spy photos.
There’s not much else to see inside, but the model features a three-spoke steering wheel, slim air vents and an interior camera. The sedan also features a minimalist design that largely dispenses with physical switchgear.
More: The revised EQS 2025 now actually looks like a Mercedes
Little else is currently known about the C-Class EV, but sources report that it will be based on the MB.EA platform rather than the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) that underpins the CLA. This suggests the model will feature a more advanced setup, possibly with an 800-volt electrical architecture that allows for fast charging via DC fast chargers.
Mercedes’ naming strategy for the electric C-Class also remains uncertain, as those responsible have expressed a desire to deviate from the EQ nomenclature.
The new electric C-Class could debut as early as this year, with sales scheduled to begin in 2025 and possibly reach the North American market as a 2026 model. After that, we can expect the release of a more powerful, performance-oriented AMG edition.
To update: We’ve revised this article to include the latest information available on the electric C-Class, as well as a number of new spy images.