2026 Mercedes-AMG C-Class EV: The Future of Electric Luxury Unveiled at Nurburgring
Stuttgart's gem, the Mercedes-AMG C-Class EV, was recently spied in action, camouflaged but buzzing with anticipation at the world-famous Nurburgring circuit. This early glimpse offers a mouth-watering preview of what's to come for luxury EV enthusiasts. From mismatched Michelin summer tires to makeshift rear lights and front bumper canards, this prototype is already making waves.
Unmistakably, the prototype boasts the distinctive AMG treatment. A closer examination reveals striking copper gold brake calipers at the front—usually indicative of AMG’s top-tier carbon-ceramic brakes. Curiously, this luxurious touch hasn’t made it to the rear calipers. Adding to the modern aesthetics, pop-out door handles and a charging port door neatly positioned on the rear passenger-side quarter panel catch the eye, while muscular side skirts and door-mounted side mirrors enhance its sporty stance. Unlike its combustion-engine predecessor, this all-electric makeover forgoes the traditional V6, I6, or V8 engines, exclusively featuring a streamlined all-electric powertrain system.
As you might expect, competition primarily comes from Audi and BMW. The current Audi A4 tops out with a 2.9-liter V6, while BMW’s ultimate 3 Series, the M3, flexes a 3.0-liter straight-six engine. But where its rivals boast larger displacements, the AMG C-Class EV leverages electric sophistication to deliver an astounding 671 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque, putting it tantalizingly ahead of the RS 4 and M3 in terms of sheer brute force.
Specifications hint that this AMG-ified sedan could be hitting the market as a 53-series model. Excitingly, previews show it sporting a panoramic glass roof and a provisional third brake light—an unmistakable sign that numerous tweaks are underway before the anticipated 2025 production kickoff. Expect more refined and polished versions by the time this zero-emission stunner gears up for its 2026 debut.
Photo: Baldauf
The underpinning platform for this revolutionary C-Class EV is believed to be the MMA, though some whispers in the auto community suggest it could be the more promising MB.EA Small. The MB.EA Small seems like a better fit, designed for compact EVs like the CLA and other front-biased models from Mercedes.
Looking ahead, the MB.EA Small will intertwine with the MB.EA Large as Mercedes gradually pivots away from the somewhat underwhelming EVA platforms seen in the EQS and EQE models. Not just limited to the C-Class, this electrification wave will encompass the CLA and other core models. The upcoming G 580 with EQ Technology further signifies the looming phase-out of the EQ sub-brand.
What’s more, the C-Class EV won’t be navigating this electric frontier alone. It is set to be joined by the equally anticipated GLC EV. Rumors suggest production for the GLC EV will commence at Mercedes' Tuscaloosa plant in early 2026. To accommodate this burgeoning EV lineup, reports indicate that EQS SUV production will be shifted to the Bremen plant in Germany.
As the AMG C 53 EV inches closer to release, it’s clear that it aims to set new benchmarks in the segment. Featuring twin electric drive units, its rival-on-paper, the Tesla Model 3 Performance, is undoubtedly feeling the heat. Although the M3P's dual-motor setup boasts 510 horsepower, accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, and offers a range of 303 miles (488 km) in the U.S., the upcoming Mercedes AMG promises to revamp these standards with an all-new electric flair.