Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its all-new C-Class electric sedan, due to go on sale in Australia in 2027 where it will be sold alongside the current C-Class petrol line-up. It’s the first time the German automaker has offered an electric version of its popular mid-sized executive saloon. It will go head-to-head in the premium EV space with the upcoming next-generation BMW i3, the Bavarian brand’s electric take on its popular 3 Series range.

Mercedes-Benz has opted to launch its newest electric model globally with the flagship C 400 4Matic with EQ Technology (its full and proper name). Sitting on the same 800-volt MB.EA platform as the recently launched GLC electric SUV, the range-topping all-wheel drive C-Class features two electric motors with combined outputs of 360kW and 800Nm and a 0-100km/h claim of just 4.0 seconds.

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A 94.5kWh (usable) lithium-ion (NMC) battery is good for a claimed 760km driving range. According to Mercedes-Benz, the maximum 330kW DC charge rate can add around 320km of range in just 10 minutes. Replenishing the battery from 10-80 per cent at the maximum rate will take just 22 minutes, according to Mercedes-Benz. AC charging at 11kW is standard with the faster 22kW available as an option. 

Rear- and further all-wheel drive models are set to join the range in 2027, with Mercedes-Benz claiming that at least one of the rear-wheel drive models will offer a driving range of “around 800km”.

The new C-Class electric features the same Bruno-Sacco inspired grille up front as seen on the new GLC electric SUV, lending it an imposing stance on the road. According to a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson at the media reveal in Portugal – attended by WhichCar – the new grille ”shows more status”.

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Like its GLC counterpart, the electric C-Class is significantly larger than its petrol-powered stablemate – 4833mm long (92mm longer than ICE C-Class), 1892mm wide (+72mm), 1503mm tall (+57mm), and sitting on a 2692mm (+97mm) wheelbase. That translates to a larger 470-litre boot area (up from 455L) with an additional 101 litres of storage available up front under the bonnet.

Inside, Mercedes-Benz’s new optional 39.1-inch hyperscreen dominates the cabin, running the full-width of the dashboard. It runs the brand’s new MB.OS operating system and seamlessly integrates the digital driver display, infotainment screen and a separate display for the passenger into a single panel. Models lower down the range will be offered with either a single panel hosting three individual screens or the more commonplace two-screen set-up – a 14.5-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

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Other optional items, include 4.5-degree rear-wheel steering, Mercedes’ Airmatic air suspension, a certified vegan ‘leather’ interior, and a premium Burmester 4D Surround System.

An optional panoramic glass roof with what Mercedes calls ‘Sky Control’ can be switched between transparent and opaque and when packaged with optional ambient lighting, can display 162 illuminated stars mimicking a night sky.

Mercedes-Benz’s comprehensive suite of active safety and advanced driver assist systems, dubbed MB.Drive, is fitted as standard as is a complement of 11 airbags, including a front-centre ’bag that reduces the impact of occupant head clashes in the event of an accident.

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Final pricing and specification for Australian-delivered cars is still to be confirmed and will be released closer to the new model’s launch next year.