All-new electric Mercedes C-Class unveiled

For more than 40 years now, the smallest Mercedes saloon and the BMW 3 Series have been virtually inseparable. Whatever one did, the other would follow. Back in the days of the E30 and the W124, that meant making touring car titans. During the ’90s, the C-Class and 3 Series showroom rivalry evolved into making the most compelling turbodiesels, then cabriolets for all tastes, then squeezing the silliest V8s possible into the E9X BMW and ‘204 Merc. Now the battleground is electric, the mission to create nothing less than the best mid-size EVs around. BMW has already shown the i3; now we have the electric C-Class, said to be the ‘sportiest’ C ever and capable of ‘redefining the segment’ with its tech and driving dynamics. 

As has become familiar when discussing new electric reinventions of familiar models, it’s the architecture that’s going to make the biggest difference to the C-Class experience this time around. And not just in terms of being purely battery powered; despite occupying a similar space on the road, it’s going to be a more accommodating small saloon than ever before. The wheelbase of this C is 97mm longer than the previous generation, at 2,962mm, which will bring some useful legroom benefits. A standard pano roof means more headroom, and the 470-litre boot is complemented by a 101-litre frunk, ‘ideal for a crate of 0.33-litre bottles, a carry-on trolley or the charging cables, rather than just a few items.’

While further models will join the range in time, including a 500-mile rear-driver, the electric C-Class will launch as a C400 4Matic; that means 489hp from a twin-motor set up, the ability to reach 62mph in four seconds, and 473 miles to a charge. In case there was any doubt about how closely aligned this would be with the BMW. Its 94kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged at up to 330kW, so 201 miles could theoretically be replenished in just 10 mins. This being a new Mercedes, moreover, there are a host of clever EV features. The front motor can be disconnected when it’s not needed, battery to wheel efficiency on long journeys is said to be 93 per cent, and a two-speed transmission for the rear motor boosts low speed zip. Recuperation power is up to 300kW, adjustable via paddles, and bi-directional charging is included. 

Mercedes’ claims of this being the sportiest C-Class ever are backed up by the chassis hardware as well. Or the optional stuff, at least, with rear-axle steering (up to 4.5 degrees) and air suspension on the extras list to ensure that ‘maximum driving pleasure is guaranteed.’ As standard, the electric gets ‘fast-acting amplitude-selective damping and very direct steering’, plus a one-box braking system promising ‘consistent, confident and transparent brake pedal feel… at all times.’ Recuperation will, of course, manage much of the slowing down.

Maybe all that lot will convince some customers to go for the Mercedes over the BMW. What seems more likely to make the decision for them, though, is the new interior, one where ‘analogue and digital aesthetics merge seamlessly to create a perception of quality that is exceptional in this segment.’ While the ‘exceptionally immersive’, optional Hyperscreen is still likely to be the feature dominating discussion, complete with 39.1 inches of screen real estate and over 1,000 individual LEDs, there are additional touches that might appeal more to some buyers. 

That standard pano roof, for example, is actually a SKY CONTROL panoramic roof, boasting 162 illuminated stars that will match the colour chosen for the ambient lighting. Certified vegans can have a vegan-certified interior. Every seat option has been approved by the German Organisation for Healthy Backs, and the optional active ambient lighting with sound visualisation can turn a C-Class into a mobile discotheque. A Burmester 4D surround system puts body sound transducers into the seats, which promises to make those charging stops feel even faster still. And check out two proper cupholders in a useful place – they really have thought of everything. Mercedes believes the new C interior is a ‘refuge where they can relax and recharge, away from daily stress.’ 

But there’s more to an interior these days than nice seats, ‘solid metal look’ air vents and a good stereo. As has been the case for many Mercedes for a while now, the C-Class MBUX infotainment is underpinned by the MB Operating System, using AI to make every command seamless (in theory) and with updates to follow over the air so it’s not out of date come 2028. Notable features include a virtual assistant that can respond ‘like an informed friend’ (we could all do with more of those), an augmented reality head-up display, and a ‘comprehensive, holistically orchestrated “Welcome” sequence’. The navigation will, of course, help make charging stops as painless as possible, and digital extras ‘can be activated and paid for directly via the Mercedes-Benz Store.’ Get used to reading lots of similar statements about new cars

Any suggestion that the recent Concept GT XX was little more than a flight of fancy has been answered by the subsequent production cars. The recognisable cues from that car for this C-Class are plain to see, in the rear light treatment most noticeably (which has a bit of CLA to it also). The front end borrows most heavily from the recent GLC, complete with what’s best termed a prominent (and very illuminated, with 1,050 dots) grille alongside the lights with Benz three-pointed stars in them. The back is most definitely where the C is most different, with the ‘dynamic fastback rear… a statement for a new sporty driving experience.’ Presumably it has aerodynamic benefits as well, which we all know are vitally important for EVs – Mercedes says a 0.01 reduction in drag co-efficient can boost range on long trips by 2.5 per cent – with the electric C-Class kicking off at 0.22Cd. Just don’t forget that going for 20-inch wheels won’t help…

Mercedes Chairman Ola Källenius said of the new car: “ Customers will get exactly what they expect from this new version of the beloved model: the perfect blend of performance, comfort, dynamics, and intelligence. On top of that, it is the most powerful and sportiest C-Class we’ve ever built, offering pure driving pleasure and outstanding real-world range – all while being the perfect sanctuary for our customer.” You can almost picture the twin tests on magazine covers already. Expect to see a C-Class electric in an outside lane – or plugged into an Ionity – near you soon. Probably just after the BMW i3, in fact.