- First-ever electric Mercedes-Benz C-Class revealed
- Billed as the sportiest model in the C-Class’ long history
- Power of 489 PS
- 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds
- Range of up to 473 miles
- Key rival to the incoming BMW i3
- UK price and spec still to be confirmed
This is the first-ever electric Mercedes-Benz C-Class - and it promises to be the sportiest car in the model’s history.
When the electric C-Class arrives in the UK later this year, it’ll launch with rear-axle steering, air suspension, and all-wheel drive for optimum agility as well as S-Class levels of comfort.
With power of 489 PS, the electric C-Class will be able to accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds - which is Mercedes-AMG territory.
The electric C-Class will go toe-to-toe with the incoming BMW i3, which is similarly pacey.
And with a range of up to 473 miles between charges, the Mercedes-Benz’s new saloon EV will also be able to go the distance.
With pricing and UK spec still to be confirmed, here’s everything we know so far:
What is the electric Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The C-Class has been wafting along UK roads since its debut way back in the early 1990s.
And this, the electric variant, takes all the key ingredients of the C-Class’s success - comfort, refinement and performance - and adds in next-gen EV tech.
Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management at Mercedes‑Benz Group, adds: “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.”
Why is the cabin of the electric C-Class described as a ‘sanctuary’?
The electric C-Class’s cabin has some serious ‘wow’ factor.
Mercedes-Benz describes the interior as a ‘sanctuary’, with high-quality materials, including optional vegan finishes, and features such as massage seats and an advanced 4D audio system.
There’s a massive 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen, powered by the company’s new operating system, while you also get an AI virtual assistant and Google built in.
The show-stopper is the C-Class’s panoramic glass roof, which can display 162 stars that change colour according to the ambient lighting.
That celestial ‘star’ theme is continued in the headlights and the illuminated front grille.
How powerful is the new electric C-Class, and what is its EV range?
The electric C-Class will launch in its sportiest form - the dual-motor C 400 4MATIC - before less potent variants are added in due course.
The C 400 4MATIC gets power of 489 PS and a 0-62mph time of just 4.0 seconds. That’s similar oomph to the BMW i3, which will arrive later this summer with 469 PS.
All of this means the C-Class will continue to trade blows with its long-standing German rival.
When it comes to distance abilities, the top-rung C-Class will have a range of up to 473 miles between charges, but Mercedes-Benz tells us that a future rear-wheel drive model will be able to journey up to 497 miles between trips to the plug.
Underpinning everything is a 94 kWh battery and 800-volt EV architecture. Rapid charging at speeds up to 330 kW DC will be able to put 202 miles of juice back in the battery in just 10 minutes.
A new multi-source heat pump is also designed to improve cabin heating performance while reducing energy consumption.
The AIRMATIC air suspension and rear-axle steering are packaged up as an optional extra.
Interestingly, a new two-speed transmission finds the sweet spot between instant acceleration and power delivery at high speeds, with the shift occurring automatically depending on how you’re driving.
How practical is the Mercedes-Benz electric C-Class?
The C-Class will launch as a coupe-shaped saloon but we’d guess that an estate version will be just around the bend.
The saloon gets a 470-litre boot with an additional 101-litre frunk.
Meanwhile a towing capacity of up to 1.8 tonnes means the C-Class is ‘ideal for transporting a jet ski or glider’, if you happen to have either of those things.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- Denza Z9GT arrives to take on the Porsche Taycan
- Nissan launches 'audacious' new Juke
- New Mazda CX-5 arrives with hybrid power and upgraded tech
- Best SUVs to lease in 2026
- Affordable Kia EV2 arrives - priced from £24k
Where To Next?
What is car leasing? Read our car leasing explainer.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
