After a rather lengthy teaser campaign, Mercedes-Benz has finally unveiled the all-new, all-electric Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Described as the sportiest C-Class the German automaker ever built, the new C-Class Electric has set its eyes on the new BMW i3 Neue Klasse, featuring up to 762 km range and an assortment of technological innovations to make its W206 ICE-powered twin look outdated.
More Streamlined Design with Elements from GLC EV
Take one glance at the new C-Class Electric, and you’ll immediately see the similarities to its SUV twin, the Mercedes-Benz GLC with EQ Technology, but at least the sedan gets a less mouthful name and a sportier, more streamlined design.
This more streamlined design gives the new C-Class Electric an almost coupe-like silhouette that blurs the line between a traditional three-box sedan and a fastback, which also explains why Merc billed this new EV sedan as the sportiest-looking C-Class in recent times.
And this isn’t just for show, as the sleek silhouette enables the sedan to achieve an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.22 Cd—something it really needs to topple the BMW i3 in the efficiency game.
But by far the most noticeable design element primed to this EV saloon is the illuminated grille carried over from the GLC EV, featuring 1,050 individual light elements and a large three-pointed star right at the centre. If that’s not starry enough for you, even both the headlights and taillights get the same three-pointed star elements on their lighting signatures.
Rounding off the exterior design includes sporty front and rear bumpers with lower side vents, hidden door handles for better aerodynamics, two-tone multi-spoke wheels, and many more.
While it may not look like it in the picture, the new C-Class Electric is larger than both the ICE-powered W206 C-Class and the i3 Neue Klasse on paper, spanning 4,883 mm long, 1,892 mm wide, and 1,503 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,962 mm.
Tech-Forward, Screen-Galore Interior
But the star-studded exterior suddenly looks less bold and daring once you step inside the new C-Class Electric, with the new 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen setup with matrix backlighting dominating the front dash, bringing Merc’s flagship-level tech into its sports sedan segment.
The expansive display features three separate segments that can be operated independently, comprising a digital metre setup for the driver, a main infotainment hub at the centre, and a dedicated entertainment display for the front passenger.
Sticking with the lounge-on-wheel theme are the new front seats that now gain both massage and integrated 4D sound functions on top of the standard ventilation and lumbar support. The quilted upholstery option on both the front and rear seats, plus the wood trims, helps to make the new C-Class Electric feel like a mini S-Class and quite the opposite of the sporty ethos it was originally known for.
Some other key amenities primed here include a panoramic glass roof featuring 162 illuminated stars that sync with the car’s ambient lighting system, wireless charging pads with cooling vents, a large frunk on top of the standard 470-litre boot, and many more.
Single C400 4Matic Electric Variant for Now
Similar to its Bavarian rival, the new C-Class Electric will be offered in a single C400 4Matic Electric guise at launch, featuring the dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain setup found on the GLC 400 4Matic EV.
With a combined output of 489 PS (360 kW) and 800 Nm, the C400 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in four seconds flat, while its V-max is electronically capped at 210 km/h. Mind you, Mercedes-Benz claims these figures are enough to make it the sportiest C-Class in history, if you set aside the hotter AMG versions.
Performance aside, Merc also claims the new C400 is good for a maximum WLTP range of up to 762 km from its 94-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which sounds impressive until you compare it to the i3 Neue Klasse’s 905 km WLTP range claim. The same goes for its charging performance, with the Merc only accepting 300 kW of DC fast charging against the Bimmer’s 400 kW.
Perhaps the deal breaker for the Merc lies in its chassis setup, where the C400 comes with an air suspension system with predictive damping, and we’d reckon this is something a 2.4-tonne electric saloon probably needs. Not to mention, there’s also rear-axle steering that helps to make this big and heavy C-Class more nimble and agile.
America First, Rest of the World Later
Another outlying fact about the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric is that this EV sedan will head to the US market first, before making its way to other key global markets. Predictably, no pricing details and exact delivery dates were given, at least for now.
