KATHMANDU: Mercedes-Benz has revealed the all-new fully electric C-Class sedan. The new model turns one of the brand’s most popular nameplates into an EV rival for BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse i3.
The new C-Class Electric gets a sleeker and sportier design than the petrol model. Mercedes says the car has a drag coefficient of 0.22 Cd, helping improve driving range.
At the front, the EV features an illuminated grille with 1,050 light elements. The daytime running lights and rear lamps use the brand’s star-shaped signature design.
Inside, the cabin gets a premium upgrade. Buyers can choose a 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen that stretches across the dashboard. It includes more than 1,000 adjustable LED lighting zones.
Mercedes says the system gives separate displays and entertainment functions for the driver and passenger. The new electric sedan also offers luxury features such as massage seats, ventilation, lumbar support and 4D sound functions.
A panoramic glass roof with 162 illuminated stars is also available. The lighting changes with the ambient cabin theme.
The launch model is called the C 400. It uses dual electric motors producing 482 hp. Mercedes claims the sedan can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
Power comes from a 94 kWh usable battery pack. Mercedes says the car can deliver up to 762 km of WLTP range.
Using a fast charger, the battery can recover up to 325 km of range in just 10 minutes.
The C 400 also gets optional air suspension, predictive damping and rear-axle steering with up to 4.5 degrees movement. This reduces the turning circle to 11.2 meters, helping in city driving.
Mercedes says the electric C-Class will launch first in the United States. Other markets will follow after local approvals.
Pricing, kerb weight and full specifications are yet to be announced. A high-performance Mercedes-AMG version is also under development.
