Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its first electric C-Class with a 473-mile range and twin-motor setup producing 482 horsepower. The new EV directly challenges BMW’s upcoming i3, which promises 500 miles per charge.
For the first time in its 33-year history, the C-Class ditches traditional engines entirely. Mercedes is betting this electric-only approach will establish the brand at the top of the compact executive EV market.
The C-Class EV uses Mercedes’s MB.EA platform – the same foundation that underpins the GLC SUV.
Range and Charging Capabilities
The 94.5kWh battery pack delivers that 473-mile range figure. More importantly for daily use, the 800-volt charging system handles up to 330kW charging speeds.
That translates to 199 miles of range in just 10 minutes at compatible charging stations.
Mercedes included a 400-volt inverter alongside the 800-volt hardware. This means the C-Class EV works with slower public chargers common across the UK – not just the latest ultra-rapid stations.
The company plans additional variants down the line. A rear-wheel-drive model will target 500 miles of range to match the BMW i3. An AMG version with three motors will compete against BMW’s planned iM3, which promises four motors and around 1,000 horsepower.
Powertrain Details
The all-wheel-drive setup uses a two-speed gearbox for the rear motor. This optimizes both acceleration from standstill and efficiency at highway speeds.
The front motor only engages when you need extra power or traction. Mercedes says it’s disconnected from the drivetrain up to 90% of the time during normal driving – helping preserve battery range.
Airmatic adaptive suspension comes standard. The system connects to cloud data to prepare for potholes and speed bumps ahead of time. Rear-wheel steering turns the back wheels up to 4.5 degrees to improve handling at both high and low speeds.
Interior and Technology
Inside, Mercedes has eliminated most physical buttons. The dashboard features a 39.1-inch Hyperscreen running the MBUX operating system.
The optional Hyperscreen includes a third display for the passenger. The standard Superscreen setup covers just the driver and central infotainment areas.
Seats include four-way electro-pneumatic lumbar support. The optional Sky Control panoramic roof incorporates 162 illuminated three-pointed stars. High-end models get a Burmeister 4D sound system that puts bass transducers in the seats – letting passengers feel the music as well as hear it.
Mercedes promises “vegan leather” options alongside traditional Nappa leather trim.
Exterior Design Changes
The C-Class EV shares its front-end design with the GLC SUV. The grille contains 1,050 embedded LEDs for lighting effects. Headlights feature the three-pointed star signature within the lens design.
At the rear, four taillights create what Mercedes calls a “GT rear end.” The three-pointed star logo sits centered between them, surrounded by black trim.
This is the first C-Class with a fastback roofline rather than the traditional three-box sedan shape. The high waistline and extended glass area give it a coupe-like profile.
Storage and Pricing
Boot space measures 470 liters with an additional 101-liter frunk for charging cables and small items.
Mercedes won’t offer an estate version. The company says buyers wanting more space should consider the GLC SUV instead.
Pricing hasn’t been announced, but expect figures around £50,000 to match the BMW i3. The C-Class EV goes on sale this summer in the UK with deliveries starting before year-end.
