2021 Mercedes-AMG C53 spied again

The next Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been spied again, this time in mid-strength Mercedes-AMG C53 form.

Alternatively, this could be badged C43 but, either way, it’s expected to use turbocharged four-cylinder power.

Likewise, rumours have abounded even the lairy C63 will shift to a boosted four.

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is expected to launch next year.

The C53 could share its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with the A45 S, which pumps out 310kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

Although it’s down 1000cc and two cylinders on the 3.0-litre V6 in the current C43, the four-pot in the A45 S actually has 23kW more power. It’s down just 10Nm of torque.

Mercedes’ EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system is expected to be standard across the C-Class’ engine range, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid models also available.

Expect the new C-Class to follow the updated E-Class in adopting slimmer headlights, while its flanks will be bereft of creases à la the redesigned S-Class. Mercedes-AMG’s now de rigueur Panamericana grille will also feature.

Moving to the rear, we can see the C-Class follows its bigger sedan siblings in shifting to horizontally-oriented tail lights, as have previously been rolled out across Mercedes’ coupe, convertible, wagon and SUV ranges.

We already know what the C-Class will look like sans disguise thanks to a single, grainy photograph leaked a month ago.

Mercedes-Benz is taking a traditional, evolutionary approach to the C-Class’ design, though it’s possible the interior could go in a more daring direction and echo the redesigned W223-series S-Class with a large, portrait-style touchscreen.

It’s a good time for Mercedes-Benz to introduce a new C-Class as, after dominating the luxury mid-sized segment for some time, a rival has finally caught up.

Year-to-date, the BMW 3 Series is outselling the C-Class – 2371 vs. 2204 units.

It’s a reversal from last year, where the Mercedes was outselling the Bimmer by more than two-to-one. BMW, however, has been steadily narrowing the gap.