The Mercedes-Benz C-Class takes on a sporty electric avatar and will arrive in the US next year
The IC-Class has always been a sweet spot in the Mercedes-Benz lineup — refined enough to feel classy. Now, for the first time, he is fully electric. Mercedes unveiled the new electric C-Class on April 20 at the world premiere in South Korea, and the US is already on track, with first deliveries expected to begin in the first half of 2027.
The numbers are hard to ignore
The US variant is called the C400 4Matic, and it comes with a 94.5-kWh battery that powers two electric motors. Combined output remains at 482 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to get the car from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. The maximum speed is approximately 130 mph. The distance is where things get even more interesting. Mercedes hasn’t released official EPA figures yet, but based on the European WLTP estimate of 473 miles, the estimates drop by about 400 miles per US cycle. That will put it in a competitive position with performance-oriented luxury sedans.
The electric IC-Class rides on a purpose-built EV platform, and you can see the fit. The wheelbase has grown by 3.8 inches compared to the current petrol model, which means more legroom at the front and rear. Switching to electric also opens up the front trunk with 3.5 cubic feet of space, while the rear trunk offers a generous 16.6 cubic feet. For those who need tow, the car is limited up to 3,968 kilograms. The sedan also has a drag coefficient of 0.22, which is much smoother than the electric GLC’s 0.26. That aerodynamic advantage is a big reason the C-Class can cover more ground per charge than its crossover siblings. In addition, the C400 4Matic supports DC fast charging up to 330 kW. That means about 200 miles of added range in just 10 minutes, and charging from 10 to 80 percent takes about 22 minutes. For those using older 400-volt infrastructure, a standard DC converter maintains compatibility.
Technology inside
Three different dashboard setups are available depending on how much screen space you want in your life. The flagship option is the Hyperscreen, a nearly 39-inch seamless glass panel that spans nearly the entire width of the cabin. Below that is the Superscreen, which pairs a 10.3-inch gauge with two 14-inch touchscreens under a single sheet of glass. Base models replace the passenger-side screen with an animated decorative panel. Optional kit includes an air suspension with predictive damping that pulls data from Google Maps to prepare the chassis for bumps before the car hits them. Rear-wheel steering is also available, turning the rear axle up to 4.5 degrees at low speeds, reducing the turning circle to 36.7. And if you want something a little theatrical, the optional panoramic roof features 162 illuminated stars.
More variants are coming, too. Mercedes has already confirmed that a rear-wheel drive single-car version is in the works, with an estimated range of 497 miles. US prices for either variant have yet to be announced, and the existing gasoline C-Class will continue to be sold alongside the electric model for buyers who aren’t ready to make the switch. The CEO of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Källenius, described the car as taking everything that customers like about the C-Class to another level. Whether that holds up in the real world remains to be seen, but on paper at least, the electric C-Class looks like a step forward.
