2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV Spotted Again

Mercedes-Benz was spotted testing a prototype of the electric sedan that will join the C-Class family.

As the spy shots reveal, its styling will be different from the gas-powered C-Class sedan that arrived in the United States in its current form for the 2022 model year.

In addition to helping distinguish the electric C-Class from its gas-powered sibling, the unique styling should also improve aerodynamic efficiency, which is important for range.

A similar strategy is planned for the electric crossover that will join the expanded GLC-Class family. A prototype of the electric GLC-Class has also been spotted.

The electric C-Class prototype is heavily camouflaged, but its design is likely influenced by the concept CLA-Class that Mercedes unveiled at the 2023 Munich Motor Show. An electric CLA-Class prototype is also being tested.

Underpinning the vehicle is likely Mercedes' new MMA platform, designed primarily for EVs but also for hybrid vehicles. This platform will be used for vehicles up to C-class size. For larger sizes, there will be the MB.EA platform for midsize and full-size EVs, the AMG.EA for AMG's high-performance EVs, and the Van.EA for light commercial EVs.

Mercedes has not provided specifications for vehicles based on the MMA platform, but at least one version of the electric C-Class, or perhaps all versions, are almost certain to have a range of 300 miles or more. As demonstrated in the Concept CLA-Class, the MMA platform also features an 800-volt electric architecture, which would allow for rapid charging when using a DC fast charger.

The electric C-Class is currently expected to go on sale in 2025, and will likely appear as a 2026 model in the US. After the regular electric C-Class goes on sale, a series of AMG-tuned versions should follow.