- 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 borrow cues from the EQE and EQS, while the interior is expected to be dominated by multiple screens.
- We could get our first look at the C-Class EV as early as this year, with sales slated to commence in 2025 as a 2026MY in North America.
Mercedes is broadening its electric vehicle lineup with both an entry-level CLA and an electric sedan variant of the C-Class. Our spy photographers recently captured another prototype of the upcoming C-Class EV during testing, adding to the roster of compact luxury electric vehicles under development.
Spotted wearing thick black and white camouflage, the electric sedan mirrors the design approach of the EQE and EQS, sporting a streamlined yet somewhat generic appearance. While specifics are difficult to make out, we can see a prominent central intake and temporary headlights that give off a pre-facelift Tesla Model 3 vibe.
More: 2026 Mercedes C-Class EV Spied As It Takes Aim At Tesla’s Model 3
Photos Baldauf
The curvaceous front end gives way to a relatively short hood and a rakish windscreen. We can also see a rather generous wheelbase as well as a long sloping roof with a panoramic glass panel. They’re joined by wide hips that direct air to an integrated rear spoiler. Rounding out the highlights are flush-mounted door handles and a small rear window.
Our spies captured a peek inside the prototype’s interior, unveiling a dashboard characterized by nearly vertical orientation and dominated by screens. This setup seems to be a more budget-friendly iteration of the MBUX Hyperscreen, as the display likely spans the width of the cabin. Furthermore, the screen will apparently be shared with the CLA EV, judging by previous spy photos.
There isn’t much else to see inside, but the model has a three-spoke steering wheel, slender air vents, and an in-cabin camera. The sedan also embraces a minimalist design that largely eschews physical switchgear.
More: The Facelifted 2025 EQS Actually Looks Like A Mercedes Now
Little else is known about the C-Class EV at this point, but sources report that it will ride on the MB.EA platform instead of the Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) that underpins the CLA. This indicates that the model will boast a more advanced setup, potentially incorporating an 800-volt electrical architecture that enables rapid charging via DC fast chargers.
Mercedes’ naming strategy for the electric C-Class also remains uncertain, as officials have indicated a desire to depart from the EQ nomenclature.
The new electric C-Class could make its debut as early as this year, with sales to commence in 2025, potentially reaching the North American market as a 2026 model. After that, we can anticipate the release of a more powerful, performance-focused AMG edition.
Update: We’ve revised this article to incorporate all the latest information available on the electric C-Class, along with a new set of spy shots.
