In a move uncannily reminiscent of its arch-rival, BMW, Mercedes-Benz used the unveiling of its new mid-sized SUV to preview its upcoming C-Class EQ sedan at the Munich show.
Said to use the same MB.EA architecture as its SUV cousin, the sedan also adopts many styling elements seen on both the GLC EQ and new CLA.
While most of the body is blacked out, we can see a new six-window DLO, with an extra window behind the rear door. Sculpted, organic hips form a more aerodynamic and sleeker body compared with the current model.
A typically rear-drive proportion has been maintained, with a long dash-to-axle ratio. The grille – for better or worse – is similar to the glitzy item of the GLC EQ, except this time it has four primary bar elements and an active grille shutter underneath them.
Range for the electric version will be as high as 800km thanks to the MB.EA 800V architecture, with a 94kWh NMC battery for the most expensive configurations. Up to 330kW DC fast charging will make this almost as as handy and convenient as a petrol car.
Unlike BMW, which promised both petrol inline-six and EV versions of the next 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz has not indicated it intends to renew the petrol and diesel models of the current C-Class.
Prototypes have been spotted out and about testing in Europe (as seen in the video below) with heavy camouflage and wrapping. This suggests it is still right in the thick of the development stages. More details are expected later this year.
