THE BREAKDOWN
- The first electric C-Class has 473 miles (762 kilometers) of WLTP range.
- It has all-wheel drive and dual motors delivering 482 hp and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm).
- The C-Class EV gets optional predictive air suspension and rear-wheel steering.
- A single-motor, rear-wheel-drive version with more range will follow in 2027.
Mercedes is living up to its promise of merging combustion-engine and electric offerings into a single cohesive lineup. Instead of an EQC Sedan, as it would have been called in the old naming scheme, this BMW i3 rival from Stuttgart is called the C-Class Electric. There’s no mention of “EQ" in any of the press materials, and, as is immediately apparent, the bulbous shape of EQ-branded models is gone.
Significantly different from the combustion-powered C-Class, the electric sedan features a vintage-inspired grille with a modern twist. It pays homage to legendary models like the W111 and W108, featuring an imposing front end first seen on the electric GLC and the Vision Iconic concept. It stands out even at night thanks to 1,050 optional illuminated pixels, something that wouldn’t look out of place on a Hyundai Ioniq model.
The star motif in the headlights and taillights makes it clear this is a Mercedes, and there are an additional 162 illuminated stars embedded in the panoramic glass roof. Overall, the design is exactly what you’d expect: essentially a sedan version of the electric GLC, without the controversial egg-like styling of the larger EQE and EQS sedans and SUVs.
Beyond the screens, this is the most spacious C-Class yet. It rides on a dedicated EV platform, allowing Mercedes to extend the wheelbase by 3.8 inches (97 millimeters) compared with the gasoline model. The distance between the axles now measures 116.6 inches (2,962 millimeters), improving legroom, particularly for the driver and front passenger. The standard panoramic glass roof also boosts headroom for all occupants. If you want the illuminated star pattern mentioned earlier, you’ll need to opt for the panoramic roof with dimmable glass sections.
While a combustion engine would normally sit under the hood, the EV architecture frees up space for a sizable front trunk with 3.5 cubic feet (101 liters) of capacity. At the rear, the trunk offers 16.6 cubic feet (470 liters). Should you need to haul more, Mercedes quotes a maximum towing capacity of 3,968 pounds (1,800 kilograms).
As with the electric GLC, Mercedes is launching the lineup with a C400 4Matic variant. It features dual motors producing 482 horsepower and 590 pound-feet (800 Newton-meters) of torque, paired with a lithium-ion battery pack offering a net capacity of 94.5 kWh. The electric C-Class can travel up to 473 miles (762 kilometers) on a single charge in the WLTP cycle.
While that figure falls short of the smaller CLA’s 492-mile (792-kilometer) range, it still marks a clear improvement over the GLC. The electric sedan travels about 30 miles (49 kilometers) farther than its crossover counterpart, largely thanks to its more aerodynamic shape. The C-Class has a drag coefficient of just 0.22, compared to the SUV’s 0.26.
We're told the electric C-Class is as "smooth as an S-Class on long journeys." Optional adaptive air suspension with predictive damping scans the road ahead using Google Maps data and cloud-based real-time inputs, preparing the suspension for upcoming imperfections. To ensure long-distance comfort comparable to the flagship, Mercedes includes noise-insulating laminated glass for the front windows, a quieter air-conditioning system, and additional sound insulation throughout the cabin.
For now, the model is offered exclusively as a sedan, although Mercedes already sells an electric CLA Shooting Brake. Whether a direct rival to the BMW i3 Touring will follow remains to be seen. In the meantime, the C400 4Matic sedan is scheduled to arrive at U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2027.
Additional rear- and all-wheel-drive variants will follow next year, with availability depending on region.
Motor1's Take: Although Mercedes’ EV sales clearly haven’t met expectations, this new wave of models could help turn things around. With the polarizing EQ styling now in the rearview mirror and solid technical specifications, the German luxury brand has reason to believe demand for its electric vehicles will improve.
That said, the all-screen interior layout is likely to alienate some buyers. Then again, the BMW i3 sedan also replaces most conventional controls with a screen-dominated dashboard. It appears to be the direction many automakers are taking, although some are already beginning to walk it back by reintroducing physical buttons and switches.