Mercedes-Benz has vowed to go all-electric, and the C-Class EV is arguably the most important model in that strategy. The electric sedan will also get an AMG variant, giving the Tesla Model 3 Performance a run for its money.
It wasn't enough that AMG neutered the C 63 SE Performance by swapping out the V8 for a 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain as a stopgap solution. The Affalterbach company is preparing to go even lower with an all-electric replacement from 2026 alongside the next-generation C-Class. We’ve already seen prototypes of both models tested on public roads and at the Nurburgring, so we know what to expect.
The Mercedes-AMG C-Class Electric vehicle development is accelerating, as prototypes spotted at the Nurburgring have lost some of their camouflage. The Germans have risen to the challenge and aim to offer a potent competitor to the Tesla Model 3 Performance. Since we’ve previously seen the upcoming AMG GT 4-Door EV, we can confirm that the two EVs will share some styling cues. However, the AMG C-Class EV will be marketed as a more mainstream sports car, offering practical features and more space without compromising too much in the performance department.
We note that the prototype in the images still features pre-production lights front and rear, as well as canards in the front bumper for better high-speed aerodynamics. These details were previously reserved for the Black Series models, so AMG could be giving the C-Class EV some serious competition or a more menacing look. The front and rear bumpers are likely pre-production parts that will be replaced in the production model. Expect a light bar at the rear like on the current EQ models and futuristic-looking headlights up front inspired by the 2022 Mercedes Vision AMG concept.
Compared to the regular C-Class EVs, the AMG model sports larger brakes, an extended rear spoiler, and a wide-body kit. Instead of the expected diffuser at the rear, we see a rather dull real bumper, which will also change in the production model. The prototype in the photos looks similar to the one we spotted back in June, right down to the mismatched wheels and copper-gold brakes on the front axle. However, the door handles are now exposed, revealing that they are similar to the handles on the Tesla Model S.
The Mercedes-AMG C-Class EV will likely use the same MB.EA architecture as its more pared-down Mercedes-Benz siblings. Being an AMG model, it will have a dual- or even triple-motor setup, although the former is more likely. There's only one rival that matters in the executive EV segment, and that's the Tesla Model 3 Performance. It needs just 2.9 seconds to reach 60 mph (97 km/h) from a standstill and can hit a top speed of 163 mph (262 km/h).
Although the Tesla athlete only makes 510 horsepower, Mercedes-AMG will want to give the C-Class EV more power than the C 63 SE Performance hybrid, which boasts 671 horsepower. The 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain allows it to accelerate to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, still a bit slower than the Tesla Model 3 Performance. That’s why Mercedes-AMG will want to turn things around with an even more powerful setup to save face.