When is a C-Class not a C-Class? When it’s a C-Class Electric! In short, there’s a freshly updated C-Class range with hybrid petrol engines. And this, which carries the same name but is totally different and fully electric. Confused? We don’t blame you but here comes BMW doing exactly the same thing with the new 3 Series and electric i3 which both sell under the same branding despite being mechanically totally distinct. In all other respects it’s business as usual, the C-Class Electric tested here an impressively luxurious, powerful and refined premium alternative to the likes of the BYD Seal, Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai Ioniq 6. Packed with tech it’s an convincing player, but an expensive one once you start adding the features you probably want.
Mercedes-Benz has made a considerable effort to make the C-Class electric both efficient and environmentally responsible. By working with its suppliers, it has reduced CO2 emissions from the supply chain by 23 per cent and says the car's overall carbon footprint across its life cycle is two-thirds lower than that of the current combustion-powered C-Class. Around 45kg of steel comes from electric-arc furnaces powered by renewable energy, while more than 60 per cent of the car's aluminium comes from recycled material. Approximately 49kg of plastic is made from partially recycled materials, including wheel-arch liners that are 93 per cent recycled and a frunk tub made from 50 per cent recycled plastic. There’s even a ‘Sustainability Package’ option on the base trim, replacing wood and leather with recycled materials!
Running costs for a Mercedes-Benz C Class
“The C-Class Electric is both more expensive than most of its competitors and the hybrid model carrying the same name”
Mercedes costs more than rivals shocker! Yes, the C-Class Electric is both more expensive than most of its competitors and the hybrid model carrying the same name. And more so if you want the one with the signature technology like air suspension, all-wheel steering and the full-width Hyperscreen, a car with all this adding at least 10 per cent to the cost of the base trim. If you can stomach that, buy as a company car to benefit from low Benefit In Kind and have facility to charge at home on cheap off-peak domestic electricity you may claw some of that expense back.
Expert rating: 4/5
Reliability of a Mercedes-Benz C Class
“Mercedes also offers an extended warranty programme for owners planning to keep the car for longer”
The fully electric C-Class has fewer moving parts than a combustion-powered equivalent, potentially reducing its mechanical maintenance requirements, although that alone does not guarantee reliability. For added peace of mind, every new Mercedes comes with a three-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, while the high-voltage battery is covered for up to eight years. Mercedes also offers an extended warranty programme for owners planning to keep the car for longer.
Expert rating: 4/5
Safety for a Mercedes-Benz C Class
“At a more everyday level we welcome things like standard blind-spot alerts”
Mercedes has always had a good record for safety innovation, stretching back decades. This gets an electronic reboot for the C-Class Electric, even the base version getting LED headlights, parking assistance and Mercedes’ branded Pre-Safe system now expanded to anticipate and then prevent or mitigate all manner of potential accident situations. At a more everyday level we welcome things like standard blind-spot alerts, this one safety innovation we always like to see. Mercedes also seems to have refined its systems, with fewer of the annoying interventions from the lane-keeping, wrong-calls from the speed limit alerts or panicked autonomous emergency stops we’ve experienced in some of its other recent models.
Expert rating: 5/5
How comfortable is the Mercedes-Benz C Class
“It’s no S-Class in the back, either, the short doors and cosy rear somewhat lacking in legroom”
The C-Class fully leans into the mini S-Class vibe and premium expectations of that big, illuminated three-pointed star on the grille. But you have to pay quite a bit more to fully appreciate them, truly desirable features like the wafty air suspension, quilted Nappa leather, ‘energising’ ventilation or Winter Package of heating for the steering wheel in addition to that you get as standard for the front seats all cost options or reserved for the higher trim grades. The cars we got to drive were, in the way of these things, fully decked out with all the good stuff to show the C-Class in its best light. But your wallet is going to take a battering to achieve the same. It’s no S-Class in the back, either, the short doors and cosy rear somewhat lacking in legroom when we settled in behind an admittedly tall (if not exceptionally so) driver. Nor is the boot especially huge, though there is a decently sized storage compartment up front as well, which can at least take your muddy charge cables and other nick-nacks.
Expert rating: 4/5
Features of the Mercedes-Benz C Class
“Figuring out what you get at each grade demands a forensic analysis of the pricelist”
The technology on the C-Class Electric is nearly as dazzling as the complexity of the five-step trim progression, figuring out what you get at each grade demanding a forensic analysis of the pricelist. Take the infotainment, which at its peak comprises the incredible Hyperscreen stretching the full width of the dashboard. This combines instruments, central screen and an additional one for the passenger into a seamless single interface and is an impressive party piece powered by some very slick tech. If a little tiring on the eyes after dark and, just possibly, taking the whole screens in cars thing a bit far. More basic versions of the three-screen arrangement feature lower down the pricing pecking order, and the systems powering it are at least the same. Without getting too bogged down in the trim levels the one you probably want (if budget allows) is AMG Line Premium, this including the Hyperscreen, a Burmester stereo system, augmented reality navigation, the Energising Air Control and a nifty additional parking aid to stop you kerbing the fancy wheels.
Expert rating: 4/5
Power for a Mercedes-Benz C Class
“It’s an incredibly smooth and refined driving experience”
As it stands there’s only one powertrain for the C-Class Electric, known as C400 4Matic and comprising front and rear electric motors with a hefty 94kWh battery good for a claimed 452 miles on the entry-level model. This drops a tad as you make your way up the range but remains impressive, and more than enough for most journeys. As tested with the fancy air suspension and all-wheel steering it’s an incredibly smooth and refined driving experience, albeit clearly tuned for comfort over sportiness. Which fits Mercedes’ brand values. It’s also effortlessly fast, though very heavy with it, which you feel under braking and when the roads get twisty. The air suspension does a decent job of hiding this but we’d be interested to see if the standard set-up copes as well, and proves as relaxing to drive. We’ll report back when we’ve had a go!
Expert rating: 4/5
Still interested in buying a Mercedes-Benz C Class?
