--- title: "2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots: This Thing Will Have You Seeing Stars" date: "2025-07-12" modified: "2025-07-12" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/2026-mercedes-benz-c-class-spy-shots" categories: - "Mercedes-Benz News" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Spy Photos" tags: - "luxury" --- # 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots: This Thing Will Have You Seeing Stars ![2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots]() *\Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien\* An upcoming refresh for the small Mercedes-Benz sedan will be anything but understated if prototypes provide an accurate indication. Spied in prototype form featuring what appears to be production-intent lighting, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will feature lighted star elements in both the head and taillights. Those design bits seem cribbed right from the [larger mid-size E-Class]() taillights and [smaller CLA-Class](). ![2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots]() **Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien** The light camouflage on the prototypes reveal the changes to the upcoming C-Class are mainly contained to revised front and rear fascias. But new side mirror caps with embedded cameras can be seen for the surround-view camera system. We'll have to wait to see what changes come inside the C-Class, but expect an upgraded infotainment system that falls inline with the rest of the current Mercedes lineup. Currently, today's C-Class comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbo-4 paired with a mild-hybrid system rated at 255 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive is standard while all-wheel drive is an option. It's unlikely the base powertrain changes format in a meaningful way. But AMG-badged variants will be [bringing the V8 back]() after Mercedes realized it made a mistake with enthusiasts. The [current AMG C63]() has a turbo-4 hybrid powertrain that is a monster, but it sounds like an appliance without a soul. Speed and power without a soul stirs few emotions. The updated C-Class is expected to debut this year as a 2026 model shortly followed by [the electric variant](). While the debut likely isn't far away, you can check out these prototype photos by swiping or clicking through the full gallery below. - ![2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots]() - ![2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots]() - ![2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots]() - ![2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots]() - ![2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots]() - ![2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots]() - ![2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots]() - ![2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots]() - ![2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots]() - ![2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots]() - ![2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots]() - ![2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots]() - ![2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots]() - ![2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Shots]() [][][] **Spot something weird in the wild? Let us know at tips@thedrive.com.** ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()