The first electric Mercedes-Benz C-Classwas unveiled and features a different design language than its combustion-powered sibling, as well as a larger interior with a large dashboard display and an 800V architecture that enables fast charging and a range of up to 800 km (WLTP).
The electric C-Class is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms in the first half of 2027 and will compete with upcoming models including the electric BMW i3.
It will be sold locally alongside existing petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) C-Class models, sharing the 800V base with the GLC electric SUV, due here before the end of 2026.
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Pricing and equipment levels for the Australian C-Class EQ models are yet to be announced. The current C-Class model range starts at $89,000 before on-road costs in mild-hybrid C200 guise.
Mercedes-Benz claims the C-Class EQ offers outstanding quality in the segment with its “coupe-like” silhouette and upright “iconic” grille already seen on previous prototypes.
The grille features 1050 illuminated dots, while the two-tone “expressive GT” rear design integrates three-pointed star motifs in the headlights and taillights, combining lighting and chrome elements.
A sweeping roofline and flush door handles lead to a black taillight surround reminiscent of the Nissan Z, as well as a diffuser-style rear bumper.
The C-Class EQ has the same 2962mm wheelbase as the GLC EQ, making it 97mm longer than petrol-powered models.
This results in increased legroom and headroom as well as a 470-litre boot – 15 liters more than the regular C-Class – as well as 101-litre storage space under the bonnet.
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed rear-wheel and all-wheel drive variants, with the rear-wheel drive versions offering a range of up to 800km (WLTP) – more than the Tesla Model 3 Long Range’s 750km, but less than the claimed 900km for the upcoming BMW i3.
While performance for the rear-wheel drive models is not yet detailed, the C400 will be the most powerful variant at launch.
It has a 360 kW dual-motor all-wheel drive with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and a range of up to 760 km (WLTP).
A two-speed transmission across the range is designed for optimum efficiency, with the first ‘gear’ tuned for city driving and the second for highway use.
Twin-engine versions like the C400 can decouple the second engine at light loads to maximize efficiency.
The C-Class EQ has a 94.5 kWh lithium-ion battery that can achieve a range of up to 320 km in 10 minutes – which corresponds to a charge of around 42.6 percent – and supports vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality.
Additional battery options will be announced later, with curb weight details yet to be confirmed.
The electric C-Class has a four-link front axle and a multi-link rear axle. The optional Airmatic air suspension, which lowers the ride height in sport mode, is linked to the rear axle steering.
The latter offers an angle of up to 4.5 degrees to improve maneuverability at low speeds.
Inside, the interior is dominated by an optional 39.1-inch (99.3 cm) MBUX Hyperscreen that spans almost the entire width of the dashboard.
The display integrates the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment system and creates individual brightness zones with more than 1,000 LEDs.
Standard equipment includes a 10.3-inch driver display and a 14-inch central touchscreen under a single pane of glass, while an optional ‘Superscreen’ adds a third 14-inch passenger display with camera-based distraction prevention.
The system works with 27 cameras and ultrasonic sensors to enable Level 2 autonomous driving functions, including adaptive cruise control and optional features such as stop sign and traffic light recognition.
“Surround Navigation” with “Electric Intelligence” can plan optimal charging stops, while a “Pre-Safe Curve function” tightens the seat belts if the car detects that it is approaching a curve too quickly.
Physical controls for key functions such as seat adjustment, cameras, volume and voice commands remain, supported by artificial intelligence (AI).
Mercedes-Benz says its latest MBUX system integrates AI from Microsoft Bing’s ChatGPT-4o and Google Gemini.
The steering wheel also features physical controls, including a volume roller and a rocker switch for cruise control, while regenerative braking can be adjusted via paddle shifters.
The interior is the first from Mercedes-Benz to be certified by the Vegan Society, with soft-touch materials and redesigned seats shaped to support the occupant’s spine.
Upholstery options include vegan “Softtorino” leather or genuine nappa leather in the “Twisted Diamond” pattern, with AMG Line models featuring red stitching.
The Overseas models have electrically adjustable front seats with seat heating and integrated speakers as standard; all five seats are certified by the German Back Association.
According to Mercedes-Benz, a multi-source heat pump allows the interior to warm up more quickly than gasoline models while using less energy than existing systems.
A panoramic roof is standard, and a dimmable Sky Control glass roof with 162 illuminated stars that match the selected ambient lighting color is also available as an option.
MORE: Discover the Mercedes-Benz C-Class showroom
