Mercedes-Benz has globally unveiled its all-new electric C-Class saloon car, signalling a major evolution for one of its most recognisable nameplates. It blends a sleek, coupé-inspired design with cutting-edge digital tech, luxury comfort and advanced safety.
This new-generation electric saloon is engineered to deliver both emotional appeal and everyday usability in equal measure. It is the first to debut the ground-up MB.EA Medium architecture focused on extreme efficiency and high-end tech.
Its most direct competitor is the BMW i3 (Neue Klasse). Only the Mercedes-Benz C 400 4MATIC dual-motor AWD variant will be launched in the first half of 2027 in Australia, followed by an RWD variant with an expected range of up to 800km at a later date.
Performance and powertrain details
| Specification | Mercedes C 400 4Matic |
|---|---|
| Battery | 94.5kWh |
| Drivetrain | AWD with dual motors |
| Power output | 360kW |
| Range (WLTP) | 760km |
| Acceleration (0-100km/h) | 4.1s |
| DC fast charging | 330kW (320km range in 10 mins) |
| Braked towing capacity | Up to 1.8 tonnes |
| Towball load | 80kg |
The electric C-Class features a permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) on the rear axle and an innovative two-speed transmission. The first gear (11:1 ratio) offers strong off-the-line acceleration and improved towing and urban efficiency, while the second gear (5:1 ratio) is optimised for high-speed cruising and enhances motorway efficiency and range.
Gear shifts are managed dynamically based on driving conditions and drive modes, and continuously optimised using real-time data like battery level and driver behaviour.
The electric C-Class is built for long-distance driving. It is capable of over 1,000 km journeys with a single short charging stop. The platform has an 800-volt architecture. An optional converter enables the use of 400-volt fast chargers.
The PSM motor on the front axle also functions as a boost motor when needed. It disconnects under low load, reduces energy losses by up to 90%, and maximises overall driving range. Battery-to-wheel efficiency reaches 93% over long distances.
A rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant is expected later with ~800 km range, setting a benchmark in the segment.
Suspension, handling and comfort
Even the standard setup delivers amplitude-selective damping, direct steering, four-link front and multi-link rear suspension. The optional Agility and Comfort Package includes AIRMATIC air suspension and rear-axle steering (up to 4.5°).
Braking and energy recovery
A new one-box braking system delivers a consistent pedal feel and maximises energy recovery. It offers recuperation of up to 300 kW of regenerative braking power.
MB.OS: the brain of the car
It is Mercedes-Benz’s AI-driven operating system. It connects infotainment, driving dynamics, charging, comfort systems, and driver assistance. It gets over-the-air (OTA) updates via the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Cloud and powers next-gen MBUX and MB.DRIVE systems.
Exterior: sleek, sculpted and high-tech
The electric C-Class adopts a low, flat front, flowing roofline and rounded rear to create a distinctly coupé-like silhouette. Key design elements are short overhangs and a long, flowing body. Strong character lines and muscular wheel arches, an (1,050 dots) illuminated iconic grille with chrome frame and central star, and smoked glass-look mesh design further define its look.
The grille itself comes alive with animated lighting sequences when opening, closing, or charging.
It features star-inspired headlights and taillights, “Visor-style” daytime running lights and indicators, and optional DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps with unique light signatures. A GT-style design with round star-pattern taillights reinforces its identity at the rear.
The optional SKY CONTROL panoramic roof adds a standout feature of dimmable glass and 162 illuminated star elements, customisable in colour.
Bigger, more practical
Compared to the petrol-powered C-Class, it has a longer wheelbase of 2,962mm (+97mm) with more interior space: +12mm front legroom, +22mm front headroom, and +11mm rear headroom. It has a boot capacity of 470 litres and a frunk capacity of 101 litres.
Also read: Mercedes-Maybach S-Class revealed with more luxury, same V12 power
Interior: digital luxury meets comfort
The interior of the electric C-Class is designed as a seamless, high-tech space with extensive sound insulation, delivering high levels of acoustic and vibration comfort. The MBUX Hyperscreen features an optional full-width display spanning 39.1 inches (99.3 cm), which creates a wide, immersive digital environment and a floating effect enhanced by ambient lighting.
The cabin features flowing trim linking the centre console and dashboard. It has a new control panel with a roller switch for volume and a multifunction steering wheel with tactile controls.
Seating and comfort
The new C-Class features fully electric seats with memory, 4-way lumbar support tailored to spine curvature, ventilation, massage, and heating functions. All seats carry certification from Aktion Gesunder Rücken (AGR) for back-friendly design.
The standard material is Softtorino leather grain with the Optional “Twisted Diamond” design with Nappa leather. AMG Line adds moccasin stitching and sport detailing. The standard colour options are Deep black, Beech brown, and Ivory beige
Notably, this is the first midsize saloon from Mercedes-Benz with a vegan-certified interior option.
Smart access and Welcome experience
It comes with optional KEYLESS-GO. The flush door handles automatically extend when the key is nearby, and the car unlocks and locks itself seamlessly. A fully choreographed “Welcome” and “Goodbye” sequence adds theatre via animated grille and taillights and coordinated sound effects via Sound Experience.
Premium sound and ambient experience
The new electric saloon features Burmester 3D Surround Sound (with stainless steel speaker grilles) and optional Burmester 4D system with seat-integrated sound transducers. The 4D speakers are positioned near the ears for clarity.
It also has 11 detailed ambient lighting themes that extend across doors and the panoramic roof. It also has optional active lighting with sound visualisation, and music becomes visible.
Climate and wellness tech
A multi-source heat pump delivers major efficiency gains while heating the cabin twice as fast. It features ENERGIZING COMFORT programs: Fresh Breeze, Warm & Cozy, Energy, Good Vibes, Relax and a 15-minute Power Nap mode.
Next-gen MBUX and AI integration
It features an MBUX Hyperscreen (39.1 inches) and an MBUX Superscreen (three-display function under one glass panel). The displays are powered by high-performance chips and real-time graphics via Unity Game Engine.
The fourth-gen MBUX integrates ChatGPT-4o, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini to offer natural, multi-step conversations, context-aware responses, and short-term memory functionality.
It also has a virtual assistant activated with “Hey Mercedes.” Moreover, the Mercedes pay+ enables secure in-car payments via biometric verification.
Safety and driver assistance features
Safety remains a major focus for the C-Class, with systems designed to both prevent and mitigate accidents. Its core safety features are:
- Crumple zones and rigid passenger cell
- Up to 11 airbags
- Standard front centre airbag
- New front passenger knee airbag
- PRE-SAFE System
- Predictive safety system reacts before a crash
- Curve function tightens the seatbelt if the speed is too high for an upcoming corner
Smart driving tech
The reversing function retraces the previously driven path automatically (under certain conditions). The DIGITAL LIGHT advances like the micro-LED tech increase illumination field by ~40%, reduce energy use by up to 50% and come fully integrated into Mercedes’ new MB.OS software system.
The electric C-Class is equipped with up to 27 cameras and sensors. Its intelligent MB.DRIVE is capable of Steering assistance, Lane keeping, Distance control, Braking and acceleration, Parking and manoeuvring, and Lane-change assist via indicator input (initially planned for the US market).
Navigation and augmented reality
The navigation system for the C-Class, developed with Google, uses an Automotive AI Agent. It smartly plans routes based on distance, energy consumption and charging needs.
The MBUX Surround Navigation combines real-world camera view, 3D mapping and real-time guidance overlays. The Augmented Reality (AR) navigation uses an 18-inch virtual display and appears to float ~3 metres ahead in the driver’s view. It was previously only available in flagship models like the S-Class and EQS.
The bottom line
The all-new electric C-Class isn’t just a shift to battery power but a complete technological overhaul. Mercedes-Benz has redefined what a midsize luxury EV can deliver, with strong performance, long-range capability, advanced suspension tech and a deeply integrated AI ecosystem.
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