Mercedes-Benz C-Class With EQ Technology Testing At The Nurburgring

As the 206-series Mercedes C-Class prepares for its mid-cycle refresh, the German automaker is testing a full-electric sibling with completely different underpinnings from the internal combustion model. Expected to drop sometime next year, the C-Class with EQ Technology steers clear of the polarizing design language of the EQS Sedan and EQE Sedan.
 

Equipped with placeholder lights instead of production-intent clusters, the all-new electric sedan isn’t afraid of showing its mettle on the world’s most grueling circuit. Under the camouflage wrap, the zero-emission model flaunts door-mounted side mirrors compared to A-pillar mirrors for the C-Class.
 
The differences are much bigger from the C-pillar trim pieces back. Pictured with different wheel designs for the front and rear axles, the C-Class with EQ Technology also stands out from the 206-series Mercedes C-Class by means of a slightly rounder front end.
 
To compete against BMW’s forthcoming Neue Klasse i3 sedan, the Mercedes-Benz model is righting the wrongs of the EQS and EQE under the skin as well. Instead of a 400-volt electrical architecture, this fellow packs 800-volt goodies and eATS 2.0 drive systems.
 

Hearsay suggests a long-range battery option with a net capacity of 94.5 kilowatt-hours, a pack that can allegedly replenish up to 330 kilometers (205 miles) of driving range in 10 minutes. Rumor has it that Mercedes-Benz AG is targeting a maximum range of 870 kilometers (540 miles) in the WLTP test cycle.
 
More streamlined than its four-pot brother, the 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with EQ Technology is certain to adopt starry headlights and taillights. The Stuttgart-based automaker went crazy with the three-pointed stars with the ground-up redesign of the CLA, whose full-electric version is especially impressive.
 
In Germany, the CLA with EQ Technology tops 792 kilometers (492 miles) between charging stops and recharges an estimated 325 kilometers (202 miles) in merely 10 minutes on DC at 320 kilowatts. Available in sedan and shooting brake flavors, the redesigned CLA uses the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture.
 

For the C-Class with EQ Technology and larger models, the German automaker will use MB.EA underpinnings. The AMG division has an 800-volt electric platform of its own, a high-performance architecture that will underpin at least two models. Also worth mentioning, the Mercedes-Benz Vans division will debut VAN.EA sometime in 2026.
 
Similar to the CLA with EQ Technology, the larger model should feature rear-wheel drive by default and twin-motor AWD by choice. At least two Mercedes-AMG versions are coming, namely performance versions that will complement the C 43 and C 63.
 
Although we don’t know if the MB.EA platform of the C-Class with EQ Technology supports three-motor setups, the C 63 may drop its current four-cylinder turbo in favor of a sixer with plug-in hybrid assistance. Only time will tell whether that inline-six turbo is the very same unit as the engine in the E 53 HYBRID.