2027 Electric Mercedes C-Class Debuts With S-Class Comfort and Fastback Style

A month after BMW revealed the new i3—essentially an electric 3 Series—its great rival has responded with the electric Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It marks an all-new era for the iconic compact sedans, and the new C-Class has been completely redesigned for the challenge. From its coupe-like profile to a jaw-dropping amount of tech inside and the bold claim that it rides as well as an S-Class, it’s a complete departure from the current gas-powered C-Class. But in order to edge its rival, the C-Class will also have to be a great EV. Has Mercedes nailed it or not? Here’s a first look.

Fastback Design Deviates From Traditional Sedan Look

The new electric C-Class completely reimagines the traditional look of the sedan. In front, there’s a larger iconic grille with optional illumination and a chrome frame. This panel grille features optional animation when the vehicle is opened, closed, or charged. The new headlights have Mercedes star motifs, as we’ve become used to seeing on the latest vehicles from the brand. Digital Light headlamps are optional, and for the first time in the U.S., these will be offered with a partial high beam function.

Flush-fitting door handles and that fastback rear define the sleek side view. Those door handles contribute to a drag coefficient of as low as 0.22. Deep red star design taillights also have the star motif.

In terms of size, the car’s wheelbase is 3.8 inches longer than the combustion-powered C-Class, but the short overhangs mean its body may not be longer.

“With the all-new electric C-Class, we have made a profound statement: reinventing classic elegance for the electric age,” said Bastian Baudy, Chief Design Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “Its distinctive coupe-like silhouette, sculpted with taut surfaces and muscular wheel arches, radiates a powerful emotional appeal.”

Interior: Screens Galore, More Space, and Sustainable Materials

Mercedes revealed the interior a few days ago, but now we have a clearer look at it from all angles. The new screen-festooned dashboard catches the eye first, with three different display options:

• 10.3-inch driver’s display, 14-inch center display, and digitally animated panel (standard equipment)
• MBUX Superscreen with 10.3-inch driver’s display, 14-inch center display, and 14-inch passenger-side display (optional)
• MBUX Hyperscreen with continuous 39.1-inch display (optional)

The Hyperscreen looks best, as it does away with the bezels of the other two options. Elsewhere, it’s the modern Mercedes interior we expect. There’s extravagant ambient lighting, high-end materials like “Twisted Diamond” design Nappa leather, and plenty of tech, including the available Sky Control panoramic roof with 162 illuminated stars. For the more environmentally-conscious customer, a certified vegan interior option is available.

Mercedes has incorporated a number of noise-reducing measures, which includes standard noise-insulating front door glass and a quieter air-conditioning system. The new climate control system heats up twice as fast as the one in a combustion-engined vehicle, further improving comfort. There’s also more space than in the gas-powered C-Class, with greater front legroom and overall headroom. Here are just a few of the advanced features available inside the C-Class:

• Burmester 4D sound system
• Massage function across entire backrest
• 11 high-resolution ambient styles
• MBUX Virtual Assistant
• MBUX Augmented Reality Head-Up Display
• AI integration of ChatGPT4o, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini

Although touchscreen-based controls dominate, Mercedes has incorporated new physical roller switches on the steering wheel for volume control and the cruise control. There’s another row of physical switches lower down for the hazards, driving mode selection, and volume. Overall, it’s a cabin that looks upscale and ultra-modern. 

Performance, Range, and Charging

The first variant of the new C-Class to be available at launch will be the C400 4Matic Electric. Producing 482 horsepower and with standard all-wheel drive, it’s capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in only 3.9 seconds. That power comes from the combination of a permanently excited synchronous motor on the rear axle and another motor on the front axle. Under low load, the front motor can be decoupled, which improves efficiency and range. The rear axle features a two-speed transmission, which boosts performance and efficiency, with the second gear designed for power delivery at higher speeds. Depending on the driving mode, the shift points will differ.

With 800-volt technology and a 94-kW battery, the C-Class is capable of fast charging and a long range per charge. Mercedes claims a WLTP-rated range of 762 kilometers, which works out to around 473 miles. Expect closer to 400 miles by EPA standards, which means the 440-mile BMW i3 would be ahead in this department.

DC fast charging at up to 330 kW is possible in the Mercedes, again slightly down on the BMW’s 400 kW maximum. Still, the Mercedes will be able to add around 200 miles of range in 10 minutes, which is impressive. A standard DC converter enables charging at 400-volt charging stations when needed. 

Mercedes has made the bold claim that the C-Class delivers levels of comfort and smoothness to match the S-Class on longer journeys. The optional Airmatic air suspension and 4.5-degree rear-axle steering deliver high levels of sportiness and comfort, depending on the driving mode. These capabilities can be unlocked by opting for the Agility & Comfort Package. With this, the car can automatically adjust the damping before encountering a speed bump. The new braking system offers a consistent pedal feel and can bring the car to a stop without you needing to touch the brake pedal, based on the level of recuperation chosen via the steering wheel shift paddles.

Further adding to the elevated driving experience will be City Pro, a point-to-point driving experience that can automatically navigate the car through heavy city traffic. This function will be available at a later stage.

“The all-new electric C-Class is redefining the mid-size segment for electric vehicles. Customers will get exactly what they expect from this new version of the beloved model: the perfect blend of performance, comfort, dynamics, and intelligence,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management, Mercedes-Benz Group AG.

Pricing for the electric C-Class hasn’t been announced yet, but we expect the C400 to start at close to $60,000 when it goes on sale. It arrives at U.S. dealers in the first half of 2027.

What It Means

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is no gentle evolution of the current, gas-powered C-Class. It had to be revolutionary, though, as BMW has taken a similarly large leap forward with the i3.

With this C-Class, Mercedes is also trying to shed the mediocre reputation of previous EQ-badged EVs. The C-Class has dropped the ‘EQ’ moniker entirely, and it has also moved away from the excessively rounded and polarizing design themes of models like the EQE and EQS. We expect a new gas-powered C-Class to adopt the same look and technologies of the electric sedan you see here.

The stage has been set for a heated face-off in the EV segment between BMW and Mercedes next year.