Spy shots and videos of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The current Mercedes-Benz C-Class just underwent a mid-cycle update in 2019, but prototypes of the next-generation model have been testing for some time.

Our latest spy shots show some of the more advanced prototypes of the new C-Class, which is expected to hit the market in 2021 as the 2022 model.

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

The interior design is new for Mercedes, with a large infotainment screen positioned in the center stack and another screen serving as an instrument cluster. You will notice that the updated 2019 C-Class did 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 operates much like a smartphone operating system and can even use 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 new, 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-cylinder, and now a mild hybrid system will be added. On top of that will be a plug-in hybrid system, and most likely AMG's C53 with a mild hybrid powertrain. It is also possible that a four-cylinder engine will replace the current C63's V-8 engine.

There will also be an electric sedan that is roughly the same size as the C-Class and has the same interior space as the E-Class. This will be an independent model located in Daimler's EQ sub-brand for electric vehicles, targeting the Tesla Model 3 and BMW's upcoming i4.

Stay tuned for updates as development progresses.