Spy shots of the next-generation performance Mercedes-AMG C-Class have emerged. This will be the new C53.

Picture credit:S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.

The new 5th generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be revealed soon, but attention is focusing on the performance variants. When we got wind of the Mercedes-AMG C63 losing its iconic 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 in favour of a 4-cylinder motor, we were keen to see what AMG would come up with.

What you see here is the Mercedes-AMG C53 4Matic, which will rival the BMW M340i xDrive and Audi S4. We know it's an AMG thanks to its grille, performance wheels and big brake callipers. There are also large exhaust tips, indicating this isn't your average C-Class. Under the bonnet is not going to be the 3.0-litre inline 6 like the E53 and CLS 53, but rather an advanced version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder motor which we've experienced in the compact Mercedes-AMG A45 S hatchback. For the record, that motor produces 310 kW and 500 Nm. That's more power than the current C43 3.0-litre biturbo V6 which makes 287 kW.

Expect to see a production reveal of the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class before the end of 2020, with the AMG performance models following on in 2021.

Want to buy a Mercedes-Benz C-Class? Click here.

Further Reading

Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic (2019) Review

RIP C63 S 4.0 V8?

Ciro Vlogs: 2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 S