Due to reach dealers in the second half of 2025 for the 2026 model year, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV borrows exterior styling cues from both the mid-size EQE and the larger EQS. Also influenced by the forthcoming CLA EV, the newcomer will face stiff competition, including from the BMW i3.
The third-generation i3, that is, which is expected to enter series production in November 2026 under the codenames NA0 for the sedan and NA1 for the wagon. The second-gen i3 is dubbed G28. Exclusive to the Chinese market, the G28 is based on the long-wheelbase version of the 3 Series.
Pictured with German plates while testing in Stuttgart, the C-Class EV is completely different from the C-Class under the sheet metal. Rather than the MMA platform of the next-generation CLA, this fellow uses the MB.EA-S platform that also underpins the GLC EV. The MB.EA-L serves as the backbone of the replacement for the EQS, and there's also talk of a fully electric SL for 2028.
In addition to vehicle segments and the 800-volt electrical architecture, not much else is known about MB.EA at press time. According to a release from December 2022, the German automaker will manufacture electric drive units for the MB.EA and lesser MMA at Mercedes-Benz Werk Unterturkheim in Germany, Sebes in Romania, and Beijing in China. Battery production will be handled at Kamenz, Unterturkheim, and Beijing. Battery assembly will take place at Kolleda.
It's natural to assume that Mercedes will go for at least two drive setups for the C-Class EV, beginning with a rear-mounted electric drive unit. Battery size should be in the 80-kWh range, for C-Class EV is the luxury-oriented alternative to the Tesla Model 3 Long Range. Its cockpit is believed to be heavily inspired by that of the Concept CLA Class.
Photo: Baldauf
Minimalist elegance is the name of the game, but chances are that Mercedes won't gift the base specification with the MBUX Superscreen. Think digital instrument cluster, touchscreen infotainment system, and one more touchscreen for the front passenger. A thoroughly distracting setup, but then again, that's how Mercedes rolls these days.
The streamlined C-Class EV appears to be a sedan through and through rather than a five-door liftback. Not as bulbous as the EQS, the C-Class EV is rocking a relatively small rear window and a panoramic glass roof. The headlights and taillights of this prototype are – obviously – not final.
Visually different from the internal combustion C-Class, the C-Class EV might eschew the EQ nomenclature. However, because the zero-emission Gelandewagen is called G 580 with EQ Technology, said rumor about the EQ nomenclature going the way of the dodo should be snubbed.
After the C-Class EV drops in late 2025 for model year 2026, the Stuttgart-based automaker will strengthen the lineup with at least one high-performance version. The C-Class EV AMG – or whatever it will be called – will feature MB.EA underpinnings instead of the AMG.EA platform.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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