2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric Brings Big Range, Bigger Screen

Merc's latest sedan adopts electric power for more power than any non-AMG model before it—and still around 400 miles (644 kilometers) of range.

Mercedes-Benz on Monday revealed the 2027 C 400 4Matic Electric. As the name suggests, it pushes the brand's stalwart small sedan into EV territory, adopting the 800-volt architecture of the brand's new MB.EA platform and directly challenging the upcoming BMW i3.

The spec sheet for this latest C-Class reads much like the GLC EV—just lower to the ground and lighter. The sedan runs the same 94.0-kilowatt-hour, lithium-ion battery pack for instance and, at least at launch, shares the same dual-motor setup as well, with a healthy 482 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. A two-speed transmission gives Merc's EVs a broader operating range than most electric models: quicker acceleration, but still solid efficiency at highway speeds. To that end, Mercedes is quoting up to 473 miles (762 kilometers) of range on the European WLTP cycle; we suspect that will drop to around 400 mi (644 km) here. In addition to the two-speed 'box, a front-axle disconnect improves efficiency when there's no need for front-end power. Mercedes still quotes a speedy 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) time of 3.9 seconds.

The other quickness that matters for EVs is, of course, charging, and that high-voltage architecture enables a top-up of 202 mi (325 km) in just 10 minutes with the right setup. Mercedes points out that, with a quick stop, trips could easily top 1,000 km (621 mi). Put another way, you could drive from San Diego to Napa, and so long as the stop includes a quick hit of DC fast charging, you should even have range left.

While the general shape is familiar, the C-Class EV has different proportions, starting with a 116.6-inch (2,962-millimeter) wheelbase, 3.8 in (97 mm) longer than its gas sibling, which will continue on alongside this model. Rear legroom increases by a half-inch, while a standard panoramic roof adds more headroom in both rows. Merc won't be sealing off the frunk anymore either, so owners will get more storage space at both ends of the car.

It's common shorthand for the industry to dub the C-Class a "baby S-Class," but Mercedes is really leaning into it this generation by offering plenty of tech typically reserved for its larger cars. An adaptive air suspension is available, as well as optional rear-axle steer, which slices three feet off the turning circle at low speeds, and turns up to 2.5 degrees in parallel with the front wheels at high speeds for more stability.

The outside of the C-Class Electric is reasonably familiar, at least from the front. The headlights take on a similar shape to the gas model, and even closer to those of the GLC EV. Just like its high-riding sibling, the C 400 takes on the unsubtle shield grille, two body-color intakes low in the fascia corners, and three-pointed star daytime running lights. Merc's thick rear light bar is also present here, capping off a tail that splits the difference between the gasser C's more upright greenhouse and the ultra-tapered look of the EQ cars. Flush-fitting door handles contribute to a slippery 0.22 drag coefficient.

Inside, Mercedes is keeping up on its pillar-to-pillar screen approach, with a standard three-screen setup under a single panel of glass as well as the available Hyperscreen. The latter is a 39.1-inch display, running the brand's latest operating system with an improved voice assistant. Mercedes says the assistant pulls from three models: ChatGPT4o, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini, and that it's "exceptionally personal" and "like a friend." Not creepy at all. One area AI can also help is dynamic route planning, including charging stops that contribute to the quickest overall trip time.

Another MB strength is ambient lighting, and that also sees a big upgrade with the available Sky Control pano roof. The glass panel can be swapped from opaque to transparent at the touch of a button, and also includes 162 individual three-pointed stars that illuminate to the selected ambient light color.

Other noteworthy ugprades include a redesigned steering wheel (with physical volume controls), twin wireless chargers, optional Burmester 4D surround sound system, and massaging front seats.

While there are various leather options (including Nappa selections), Mercedes is offering what it calls the first independently certified vegan interior in the business. The optional quilting is intricate, while buyers can also go the other direction with pared-back, Alcantara-lined AMG sport seats.

While the GLC Electric will no doubt account for the lion's share of Merc's 2027 EV sales, the C-Class model is nonetheless important. Mercedes, like BMW, stakes its driver's car reputation on, well, cars, and the C 400 will set the tone for the brand's electrified three-box designs. Just as the C-Class has fought the 3 Series for decades, the C EV will face off against the BMW i3 as both vehicles go on sale within months of each other. The three-pointed star has a power advantage while the Bimmer goes further on a charge. Both have cabin-spanning screens, though how they execute them is very different. Naturally, we can't wait to pit these two against each other next year.

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