Spy photographers have caught a mysterious Mercedes mule undergoing testing.

Wearing the body of the new C-Class, this mule stands out for a number of reasons including its higher ground clearance and wider track as indicated by camouflaged fender flares. The model is also believed to have all-wheel drive and a rear-axle steering system like the redesigned S-Class.

Given this, it’s not surprising to learn the mule is likely a test vehicle for an upcoming crossover. However, Mercedes has been testing full-bodied GLC prototypes for months so it’s unlikely the mule is related to that vehicle. It also seems unlikely that this is a C-Class All-Terrain prototype as we would expect that to be based on the C-Class estate instead of the sedan.

Also Read: 2022 Mercedes C-Class Bows In Sedan And Estate Form

As a result, we’re not entirely sure what Mercedes has up their sleeve. However, it’s worth mentioning their SUV lineup is pretty fresh as the GLA, GLB, GLE, GLS and G-Class are all relatively new and we’ve seen full-bodied prototypes of a number of upcoming electric crossovers.

That leaves us with a mystery, but there’s a chance this could be a mule for the second-generation EQC. That’s just speculation, but the next EQC is likely several years off and this mule is likely several years away from morphing into a production vehicle. That’s an admittedly flimsy connection but, if you have a better guess, let us know in the comments below.

Picture credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops