Spy shots and videos of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has just undergone a mid-cycle update for 2019, but prototypes of the next-generation model have already begun testing.

The latest spy shots show some of the prototypes of the new C-Class, which is expected to hit the market in late 2020 as a 2021 model.

The tester is heavily camouflaged, but appears similar in size and proportions to the current model. However, the front appears to be lower, giving the new C-Class a sportier stance.

2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Spy Video from Motor Authority on Vimeo.

The interior design features a large infotainment screen located on the center stack and an instrument cluster that Another screen that functions as an instrument cluster will be new for Mercedes. You may have noticed that the updated 2019 C-Class does not feature Mercedes' latest infotainment system, known as MBUX, but the latest version of this system will be available in the new C-Class. It works much like a smartphone operating system and also uses natural voice to control many vehicle functions.

Underpinning the new C-Class is an updated version of the current generation MRA rear-wheel drive platform. This platform is relatively young, as it actually debuted on the current C-Class.

The updated version brings about significant weight savings, primarily by increasing the use of aluminum over steel. This was made possible by advanced joining techniques, including welding of aluminum and steel.

In the powertrain department, the base model is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4, now with the addition of a mild hybrid system. On top of that will likely be a plug-in hybrid system, plus a C43 (possibly a C53) with the mild hybrid system already available in AMG's E53 and CLS53. And AMG's C43 (or possibly C53) will be equipped with the mild hybrid system already available in the tuner's E53 and CLS53.

There should also be an electric sedan based on the C-Class. This will be an independent model positioned under Daimler's "EQ" sub-brand for electric vehicles and will target the Tesla Model 3 and BMW's upcoming i4.

Stay tuned for updates as development progresses.