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Spy Photos Hint at a High-Performance Electric C-Class
Mercedes-Benz’s performance arm, AMG, has been caught testing a heavily camouflaged C‑Class wearing EQ Technology underpinnings — and the prototype already gives away a couple of clear signals: star-motif signature lighting and a rear treatment that’s different from today’s internal-combustion C‑Class. Photographers in Germany snapped the mule wearing thick camouflage, but discerning details point toward a production-intent AMG electric sedan arriving in the 2028 model year.
What the spy shots reveal
The camo doesn’t merely obscure body lines; it also showcases lighting elements that mirror the star-pattern illumination introduced on the redesigned CLA and the GLC with EQ Technology. That suggests Mercedes is planning consistent visual identity across its EQ range — even for hi-po AMG variants.
Other visible cues:
- Distinct rear end with a subtle trunk-lip spoiler, separating it from the conventional C‑Class silhouette.
- No obvious movable rear aero devices on the prototype, a notable omission given AMG’s use of active aero on the AMG CLA with EQ Technology.
- Mismatched wheels shod with Michelin rubber, plus undrilled brake discs and modest calipers — signs the test car is an early development prototype rather than a near-production press mule.
- Heavy interior camo, indicating much of the cabin and tech are still in validation.
These are early test cars — AMG still has time to tune aero, brakes and final design before homologation.
Platform, powertrain and tech expectations
Underneath the prototype is the MB.EA electric architecture shared with the GLC with EQ Technology. Reports and industry whispers point toward a three-motor configuration using ultralight axial motors (some developed by YASA). Conservative performance estimates place the range-topping AMG C‑Class well north of 600 horsepower, with the possibility of far higher output in more extreme models.
Key technical possibilities:
- Three-motor layout: two motors at the rear for enhanced electric torque vectoring and one up front for balance and all-wheel drive behavior.
- Battery tech using liquid cooling and full-tab round cells — a cell format AMG previewed on the GT XX Concept.
- Rear-wheel steering and advanced torque vectoring to sharpen handling and cornering dynamics.
While Affalterbach’s GT XX Concept boasts over 1,000 kW from three axial motors, the production AMG C‑Class will likely be tuned down from showcar extremes. Still, AMG’s direction is clear: electrified performance that rivals or surpasses internal-combustion predecessors.
Design and aerodynamics — what might change
The current prototype’s lack of visible active aero parts could be a temporary choice — AMG has used moveable aero elements on recent EQ-badged models, and those may appear later in testing. Expect the final AMG C‑Class EQ to receive unique bumpers, wider fenders, and refined diffuser and undertray solutions that balance drag and downforce.
Small details to watch for as development progresses:
- Production-ready star-motif LED signature across the front fascia.
- More aggressive brake hardware and larger, drilled rotors on top-spec models.
- Interior differentiation with AMG seats, steering, and bespoke software tuning.
Competitive landscape and timing
Mercedes-Benz plans to unveil the regular C‑Class with EQ Technology in 2026 as a 2027 model, which means AMG variants are likely to appear as 2028 models. The primary direct rival appears to be BMW’s high-performance i3 M (codenamed ZA0), rumored to enter production in March 2027 — and possibly offered as a wagon variant. That makes for a narrow head-to-head between BMW’s most aggressive electric compact sedan and AMG’s electric C‑Class.
Quote to note: "Affalterbach is shifting its expertise to electrified performance — the goal is to translate AMG drama into the EV era without losing the brand’s corner-carving DNA."
What this means for buyers and enthusiasts
If AMG succeeds with a three-motor C‑Class that blends more than 600 hp, advanced torque vectoring, and a sophisticated battery pack, buyers will get a driver-focused electric sedan that competes with the best of BMW’s M electrified efforts. Early prototypes indicate Mercedes is cautious — prioritizing platform validation and component development before finalizing styling and aero.
Highlights:
- Platform: MB.EA (shared with GLC EQ Technology)
- Likely top output: conservatively >600 hp; AMG variants could push much higher
- Key rivals: BMW i3 M (ZA0) and other performance EV sedans
Expect more substantive spy reveals as testing ramps up. With the C‑Class EQ launch timeline lining up for 2026/2027, the AMG derivative will be worth watching for enthusiasts who want AMG performance in an all-electric package.
Source: autoevolution
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