The New All-Electric Mercedes C-Class Arrives

Mercedes has reinvented the C-Class and brought out a much needed electric version with a range of upto 473 miles on the WLTP test cycle.

Opting for an updated version of the coupe-esque shape, that the EQS and EQE first adopted,
utilises the highly aerodynamic shape improving efficiency as it cuts through the air cleanly.
However, the rear end has been transformed with a completely new look, with a nod to some American muscle cars. Mercedes refers to this as its “expressive GT rear’.

Some of the key elements to the Mercedes are illuminating - literally. The grille, for example, is is lit by 1,050 individual lights to radiate the Mercedes message on its travels.
And inside Mercedes says customers can create their own starry sky via the 162 stars illuminated in the SKY CONTROL panoramic roof.

Mercedes claims its setting a new benchmark in the premium saloon category, but it has to elevate itself above the excellent CLA marking a distinct step-up in materials and quality.
There’s a new “Twisted Diamond” Nappa leather design, with the new electrically operated seats that offer lumbar support, massaging functions, seat ventilation and integrated 4D immersive sound.

The new C‑Class EV has an advanced HVAC system that quickly adapts the interior climate soon after getting in, even without pre-conditioning.
Mercedes even claims that when it’s -7 degrees Celsius and frosty, the interior heats up twice as fast thanks to the multi-source heat pump. It also uses half the energy of conventional heaters meaning more winter range as less energy is required for the climate control.

Inside features a cutting-edge 39.1‑inch seamless MBUX Hyperscreen, which is understood to be an option, but ultimately it blends the drivers display, central touchscreen and a passenger-side display (that can be personalised) into one large, screen covering the width of the dashboard.

The C-Class has mild-rear-wheel steer with a 4.5‑degree rear-axle steering, reducing turning circle to 11.2 metres, but also improving handling. Coupled with features from the luxury end such as the S-Class and EQS, the C-Class includes AIRMATIC air suspension with predictive damping based on Car-to-X4 and Google Maps data. This ensures the best possible ride as the car reads the road ahead making micro adjustments to the suspension on the move.

As with many Mercedes cars now, the C-Class has their MBUX Virtual Assistant with conversational AI, responding like a human. And the navigation system includes an AR head-up display to guide customers through the most complex of road situations without needing to take their eyes off the road ahead.

As well as 473 miles of range available, the new C-Class sits on 800-volt architecture and an all-new 94 kWh (usable) battery that can add 201 miles of range in just 10 minutes at an appropriate DC rapid charger.
But it doesn’t stop there as its also capable of bi-directional charging, too, meaning power tools, batteries, e-bikes, coffee machines and so on can be powered from the high voltage battery.

For families looking for a little more cargo space, the C-Class won’t disappoint as Mercedes has introduced a 101 litre frunk into the new C-Class providing greater flexibility with storage along with a 470 litre boot.

Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management, Mercedes‑Benz Group AG says “the all-new electric C‑Class is redefining the mid-size segment for electric vehicles. 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.”

Pricing and a release date for the U.K. market will be communicated in due course, mercedes said.

———

About the Author

Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more.

You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb or YouTube @REV-EV.