Mercedes Teases C-Class EV with Same Glitzy Grille as the GLC EV

EV editor focused on charging, batteries and ownership costs. Drives a Kia EV6 GT and does tough winter range tests.
In a striking debut at the IAA show in Munich, Mercedes-Benz unveiled its latest electric innovation, the 2027 GLC-class EV, while simultaneously teasing the upcoming C-class EV. The new sedan, expected to debut in 2026, promises to carry forward the brand's signature design aesthetic, featuring a dazzling illuminated grille similar to its SUV counterpart.
Mercedes-Benz continues to expand its electric vehicle lineup with the introduction of the C-class EV, a sedan that shares a platform with the newly introduced GLC EV SUV. The highlight of this reveal was undoubtedly the grille, a focal point that embodies the merging of style and technology. The GLC EV's grille, composed of 942 individual illuminated dots, is set to be a defining feature of the C-class EV as well. This eye-catching design is more than just aesthetic; it represents Mercedes' commitment to combining luxury with cutting-edge innovation.
While the teaser image of the C-class EV reveals little beyond its grille and sedan silhouette, it offers a glimpse into the future of Mercedes' electric design language. The grille's narrow LED strip and the three-pointed star emblem's integration into the LED elements hint at a sophisticated and cohesive design approach. This visual continuity extends to the vehicle's headlights, which feature a thin LED 'eyebrow' and a distinctive shape that echoes the iconic Mercedes brand. The glitzy grille is expected to be an optional feature, similar to the GLC EV, allowing customers to tailor the appearance of their vehicle.
The strategic decision to unveil the C-class EV alongside the GLC EV highlights Mercedes' effort to create a unified electric vehicle family. Both vehicles are anticipated to share not only design cues but also powertrain options. The GLC EV offers a choice between a 369-horsepower single-motor setup and a more powerful 483-horsepower dual-motor configuration. It is likely that the C-class EV will offer similar options, providing a range of performance levels to meet diverse consumer preferences.
Looking ahead, the introduction of the C-class EV is poised to coincide with a refresh of the current gas-powered C-class, which first hit the market in 2022. This strategic timing suggests that Mercedes is positioning its electric sedan as a pivotal model in its transition towards sustainable mobility solutions. As the C-class EV is expected to debut in 2026, followed by a U.S. release in 2027, the automotive world eagerly awaits further details about its specifications and features. With an expected range of approximately 376 miles from a 94-kWh battery pack, the C-class EV is set to be a formidable contender in the luxury electric sedan market.

About Elena Park
EV editor focused on charging, batteries and ownership costs. Drives a Kia EV6 GT and does tough winter range tests.