2022 Mercedes-AMG C53 Spyshot.

Mercedes-Benz is working on a refresh of the C-Class, and again with a high-performance version developed by Mercedes-AMG.

This time, the C53 will complement the current C43, while the C63 will remain at the top of the lineup.

The latest spy shots show a prototype of the new C53, which should arrive late this year or early next year as a 2022 model. The regular C-Class is expected to arrive around the same time, while the new C63 is expected to arrive six months to a year earlier.

Distinguishing features of the C53 include four round exhaust tips at the rear, a Panamericana grille at the front, and large cross-drilled brake rotors on the front axle The C63 will have a more aggressive front end, square exhaust tips, improved brakes and possibly carbon-ceramic. brakes and possibly carbon-ceramic rotors. brakes and possibly carbon-ceramic rotors.

Both the new C53 and C63 will use turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Yes, say goodbye to the C63's V8 engine.

The C53 should get a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine from AMG's compact lineup. It currently develops 416 hp, up from 385 hp in the current C43.

In the C63, this engine will likely be combined with a mild hybrid system, and its total output will match or exceed the 503 hp of the current C63 S. The mild hybrid system will likely include an electric compressor and a belt-driven electric motor-generator. The latter acts as a starter for the engine and can also provide supercharging at high loads and recover energy under braking.

A nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive system should complement the mechanicals of the C53 and C63.

Stay tuned for more news as development progresses.