Next-Gen 2026 Mercedes C-Class EV Targets Tesla Model 3, Check Out This Realistic Design

That’s all fine and well but seeing it for the first time in traffic as a camouflaged prototype raised several issues for us. One is pertaining to its size, and the other its styling. We’re genuinely worried that it might end up looking like no other Mercedes-Benz that came before it, and not in a good way.

Mercedes have already strayed from their legacy sedan designs when they brought us the likes of the EQS and EQE. These two were styled to be as aerodynamic as possible, with little concern for familiarity, proportionality, and visual appeal.

The SUV variants of the EQS and EQE were even worse. I mean, those two are some of the ugliest cars ever created, and I don’t think I’m breaking any news here. They’re just so... uninspiring. I could live with the sedans, since they do have a futuristic thing going for them, but the EQS/EQE SUV combo really failed to deliver on a visual front. One could argue that even the BMW iX has more personality.

Anyway, back to sedans and this upcoming C-Class EV – which, by the way, may not even be called the C-Class EV. It might not even be a C-Class for all we know. The only thing the prototype tells us is that its size is somewhat comparable to that of the current-generation C-Class. Personally, I think it either looks about the same or slightly smaller – like something that can fit between a C-Class and the CLA.

We also know that it’ll ride on the company’s upcoming MB.EA architecture, which will also underpin a new GLC-sized electric crossover.

In terms of styling, we can tell that the camouflaged prototype features one or two cues found on the current EQC, as well as on the EQE/EQS duo. It also has a few things in common with the Concept CLA, specifically at the front, although I have a “better” comp if we’re simply talking about the design of the fascia. Ready? Ugh, here goes: this thing seems to resemble Smart’s new crossovers, the Smart #1 and #3, both of which feature this overly friendly front end design, with a full-width light strip that seamlessly blends into the headlights.

We’re seeing something very similar on the prototype, despite the camo. The front fascia is clearly narrower between the headlights, just like on those Smart models, and the headlights themselves appear to flow into the fenders. Beneath that narrow gap there’s a bulging segment, which will either hold the badge, or some other type of design element, maybe even some sensors.

As for the rear, this is clearly going to be an “EQ-product” through and through. I actually think these new renderings courtesy of Kolesa should prove remarkably accurate – certainly more so than any other “C-Class EV” CGI depictions out there. They nailed nearly every detail, from the pop-up door handles to the door-mounted side mirrors and the yet unconfirmed Smart-like design language.

Now, say the final product does turn out to be 85-90% of what we’re seeing here, then what? I mean, would it look better than a Tesla Model 3? Debatable. But what about the Polestar 2 or the BMW i4? Those are two very well-proportioned four-door fastbacks, and I fear this new design path that Mercedes appears to be on seems to only lead to cars that look surprisingly docile.