Battery size: 94.5kWh
Max charge rate: 330kW
WLTP range: 472 - 497 miles
Introduction
Welcome to the battle of the executive electric saloons! It’s an age old tale, isn’t it? BMW vs Mercedes. This looks set to be one of the most epic, because the new Mercedes C-Class Electric is really punching at the BMW i3.
I went to see it out in Germany, and talked to the experts all about the new C-Class, which sits on the same platform as the new electric Mercedes GLC.
Mercedes is going big on emphasising its heritage, in order to differentiate itself from new brands like Tesla, BYD and MG – all of which have rivals to the electric C-Class in the shape of the Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal and the MG IM5.
So that huge, illuminated grille? That’s there as a nod to the heritage, and harks back to the big, upright chrome grilles that were a trademark on halo Mercedes models through the latter half of the 20th century. It’s divisive, I know. And I wasn’t sure about it initially. But having seen it, I actually really like it! I also reckon that it’s good that Mercedes has kept a slightly traditional, heritage feel as it makes it look and feel more different to the very unashamedly modern BMW i3.
These things are very subjective, I know, so let us know which one you think looks best – and what you think of the grilles! – in the comments on our YouTube vid.
Range, battery and charging
The electric Mercedes C-Class gets runs on a dedicated platform – called the ‘MB.EA’ platform by anybody who’s in a Mercedes boardroom.
It packs a 94.5 kWh NMC battery, which promises a WLTP range of up to 472 miles. I haven’t driven it yet, but Mercedes has done really well with real-world efficiency on its new generation of EVs – as we’ve seen in the new CLA – so I’ve high hopes for the real-world range on the C-Class EV.
It’s also worth mentioning that the claimed range of 472 miles is for the C-Class 4Matic 400, which will be the only model on offer in the UK when it arrives in showrooms later in 2026. The 4Matic 400 is the sporty offering in the range, with four-wheel drive and 489hp for a 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds. There will be less powerful versions joining later, including single motor, rear-wheel drive variants. Mercedes has said that these will manage up to 497 miles WLTP range, which is more range than most people will ever need, I reckon - even those high mileage company car users that typically favour the Merc C-Class and BMW 3 Series.
Having said that, the BMW i3 has a range of up to 559 miles, so Mercedes is a touch behind the electric 3 Series (yes, yes, I know - the i3...) on that front.
Charging in the C-Class is up to 330kW, which is very competitive, if a little behind the peak charging speed of the BMW i3. Nonetheless, if you plug the C-Class into one of the 350kW 800V ultra-rapid chargers that are very common in UK motorway services, you can see as much as 200 miles of range in 10 minutes.
Plug into one of the common 400V rapid chargers and the C-Class will charge at up to 100kW, which will take more like 25- to 30 minutes for a top-up of 100 miles. You don't need to buy a converter to use these 400V chargers, though (as you do on the electric C-Class in some other markets). Merc has integrated that and made it standard for UK buyers, so the C-Class - which uses the same CCS and Type 2 charging sockets as every other EV - will be compatible with just about every public rapid charger in the UK and Western Europe. A full charge from a 7kW home charger will take around 15 hours.
The C-Class also gets bi-directional charging including vehicle-to-load and vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid, so that you can charge your devices – or even your house! – from the car’s high voltage battery.
Practicality and boot space
There’s a 470 litre boot in the new, electric C-Class, which is super competitive for this class. Obviously, it’s a saloon so the opening is narrow, but the boot space is very deep and you’ll get a couple of sets of golf clubs in there, I reckon. You can also tow up to 1.8 tonnes, which could be useful.
Not only that, but there’s a 101-litre frunk – which I absolutely love, because you open it simply by pressing the Mercedes badge on the bonnet. It makes it so much easier to use this space, than it does in rivals where you have to press a button on the screen in the car, or even rummage around in the footwell for a manual release. It’s really great.
Rear passenger space is very good, I’d say. I know I’m not the tallest person, but I reckon even six-footers will be comfortable back there. Naturally, you get charging ports and a centre rear armrest with cupholders. I really love that ‘Sky Control’ glass roof with the stars, too. It’s proper theatre.
Interior, styling and technology
As you’d expect, the Mercedes C-Class gets the new MBUX Hyperscreen technology, which features a huge 39.1-inch screen that stretches across the whole cabin. Initially this system is a bit overwhelming – if impressive – because of the sheer wall of screen that you’re greeted with. But actually, the graphics are fantastic, the screen responds quickly and when you’ve given yourself time to work out how it all works it is an easy system to live with.
The materials and general layout in the 2026 Merc C-Class are really lovely, although I’d caveat that by saying that I’ve only really experienced a very high-spec example. It’s just lovely, though, and the new generation of EVs have all been pretty well equipped as standard if the CLA is anything to go by. We haven’t got UK specific trim details yet, but I reckon the C-Class will be a gorgeous place to be regardless of how you spec it.
Motors and performance
The electric C-Class will go on sale initially only with the 400 4Matic model, which gets four-wheel drive and 489hp for a 0-62mph of 4.1 seconds. That’s not slow, is it? There will be less powerful versions joining later, including single motor, rear-wheel drive variants and other all-wheel drive 4Matic models, so it should be a pretty comprehensive lineup when all these new electric C-Class variants have arrived.
I haven’t driven the new C-Class yet, but watch this space as we’ll update this review as soon as we’ve been behind the wheel later this year. We do know that you’ll be able to add the active ‘Airmatic’ air suspension that read the road ahead, as well as rear-wheel steering for easier parking manoeuvrability. It also gets the same two-speed gearbox as the Merc CLA, which should be great for both performance and efficiency, while the C-Class’ new brake regen system also harvests more energy than ever and can be adjusted via paddle shifters on the wheel.
Which is all very promising, isn’t it? I’ve driven the Merc GLC and loved it, so I’ve high hopes for the new C-Class being pretty peachy to drive.
Pricing and on sale date
Pricing and UK specifications are yet to be confirmed but we’re expecting the C-Class 400 4Matic to come in at around £55,000 when it arrives late in 2026. The less punchy but longer range models that will follow afterwards in early 2027 will likely bring the price down to around £45,000, keeping the C-Class competitive with rivals like the BMW i3 and Tesla Model 3.
Verdict
We’ll have to get the new, electric Merc C-Class up against the BMW i3 before we can really draw final judgements on these new mid-sized saloons. But it’s really exciting, isn’t it, to see the progress that’s being made with these electric executive cars? I can’t wait to see how the new Mercedes C-Class drives, and how it stacks up against the BMW i3.
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