The first all-electric Mercedes C-Class is the sportiest car yet

Mercedes-Benz C-Classwhich is usually standard in luxury compact sedans, now gets the all-important electric variant. The new C 400 4MATIC is designed with an 800V architecture designed for efficiency and long-distance travel. Its estimated range is up to 762 kilometers (473 mi) on the WLTP cycle. Mercedes boasts that it is “the sportiest C-Class ever” but also “as smooth as an S-Class”.

While Mercedes-Benz has a long history of launching electric vehicles under its “EQ” brand, the current C-Class is only available in gas-powered, mild-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. This is the first time the C-Class name has been affixed to a purpose-built battery electric vehicle.

There’s a lot going on under the hood, or under the floor in the battery pack, so to speak. Mercedes says the C-Class can add up to 325 kilometers (202 miles) of range in just 10 minutes while connected to a 330 kW DC fast charging station. The electric car can produce 360 ​​kilowatts of power, equivalent to about 483 horsepower, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about four seconds. It supports two-way charging, which means it can act as a mobile power storage unit for other devices or homes.

Unlike most electric cars, which have a single gear, this C-Class features a two-speed transmission on the rear axle. First gear is short for off-the-line acceleration, while second gear is longer for maximum efficiency and quietness at highway speeds.

In addition, the front engine is equipped with a separator unit. While stationary, the car automatically disengages the front axle to save power, effectively turning it into a rear-wheel drive car until additional traction or power is needed.

The air suspension system doesn’t just react to road bumps; Mercedes says she’s expecting them too. Using Google Maps data and subscription-only “Car-to-X” communications, the system “knows” there’s a speed bump or rough patch ahead and adjusts the damping milliseconds before impact. MB.Drive Assist Pro promises “point-to-point” assisted driving in locations where Mercedes has received regulatory approval. This is the system that Powered by Nvidia AI chips It is supposed to compete with Tesla’s full self-driving system.

Inside, the C-Class’s dashboard is a screen, which, for better or worse, It has become the hallmark of maximalist design For Mercedes over the years. The 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen is powered by the Unity game engine for improved graphics. The panoramic roof, which contains 162 illuminated stars, can turn from transparent to opaque within milliseconds. The most premium trim level adds the Burmester 4D surround sound system with speakers built into the seats. This includes Mercedes’ “Energizing Comfort” system to reduce stress through massage functions.

There are also a host of AI-powered features built into the infotainment system. A more familiar virtual assistant will run naturally on a variety of models, including ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini. The infotainment system isn’t powered by Google’s Android, but it features native Google Maps powering “electric intelligence” that plans routes based on real-time traffic, terrain and wind conditions.

The augmented reality head-up display projects 3D navigation signals and safety warnings directly into the driver’s field of vision. Over-the-air software updates will keep the C 400 fresh, whether through increased driving assistance or entertainment offerings.

The Electric C-Class is the latest electrified model from Mercedes, which recently promised a “wave” of electric vehicle debuts this year, which also includes… GLC SUV, EQS updatedAnd the CL sedan. It might be a three-pointed star It has backed away from its plan to sell only electric cars after 2030but this does not mean that it has completely given up on additional energy.

Photography by Mercedes Benz