Mercedes-Benz locks in electric C-Class sedan

FULL ELECTRIFICATION will spread to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class family with the Stuttgart, Germany-based marque confirming the long-running nameplate will gain a battery electric (BEV) adaptation in the near future.

Akin to the BEV version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC midsize SUV, which was revealed in full in advance of the IAA Munich motor show, the C-Class Electric will sit atop the Mercedes-Benz Electric Architecture (MBEA) rather than the MRA2 platform used for the existing W206 internal combustion (ICE) ‘C’.

The forthcoming C-Class BEV was teased by Mercedes-Benz chief executive officer Ola Källenius in the wake of the BEV GLC reveal at an evening media event in Munich.

The announcement represents a further step away from the previous Benz BEV strategy, based upon a dedicated series of EQ models that attracted modest sales, and were notable for their dedication to aerodynamic, cab-forward styling.

Going forward, Mercedes-Benz will anchor its BEV rollout in established core nameplates, regardless of powertrain, with MBEA set to be used for an expanding range of electric models. However, the brand has flagged that specialist BEV models may still use other platforms.

The goals for the ‘core’ BEV models atop MBEA are to blend “perfect proportions on the outside and maximum space on the inside,” Mercedes-Benz said in a statement released to media.

Mercedes-Benz released a single teaser image alongside confirmation of the C-Class BEV, confirming the sedan will adopt the large and heavily chromed grille seen on the GLC Electric.

Daytime running lights incorporate a three-pointed star signature while brightwork around the daylight opening extends rearward toward a more rounded boot than that seen on the ICE W206. Inside, buyers should expect a coast-to-coast Hyperscreen display.

The new C-Class will compete with the forthcoming BMW i3, the next release of the Bavarian brand on its ‘Neue Klasse’ platform—which, like MBEA, is capable of 800-volt charging. Other rivals will include the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal.

Electric driving range for the new C-Class is expected to match or exceed 800km (WLTP), implying a sub-12kWh/100km efficiency figure if the GLC’s 94kWh (usable) nickel manganese cobalt battery pack is utilised.

The GLC can charge at up to 330kW (DC) and similar capability is expected for the closely related C-Class BEV. Power outputs will differ depending on powertrain, though the launch powertrain for the C-Class could be similar to the GLC400’s 360kW dual-motor AWD offer.

Prototypes of the C-Class BEV have been undergoing testing on European roads and tracks for months. While no firm production date has yet been announced, the production version of the electric ‘C’ is expected to be revealed in 2026.