2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric Photos, Specs, and Range
A look at the new electric C-Class, the most powerful version of the luxury sedan ever built.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz expands its electric-vehicle lineup with the 2027 C-Class Electric, a battery-powered sedan that goes up against new models like the upcoming 2027 BMW i3 as well as established EVs like the Tesla Model 3. This compact four-door car crams in as much technology as Mercedes-Benz can manage, while also introducing next-generation luxury features and styling that evolve beyond the design of the automaker's past electric models.
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2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric Design
It looks like Mercedes-Benz is heading in a different design direction with the C-Class Electric than it's taken with its EQ lineup of electric vehicles. In place of the latter's wind tunnel-shaped sheetmetal is a look that more closely resembles the gas-powered Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The EV features key changes, such as a more prominent and upright snout and a raked-and-rounded roofline that disappears into a short decklid at the rear. That large grille also offers the extroverted option of 1,050 points of light.
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2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric Interior
The C-Class Electric's cabin is a mixture of organic materials, smooth metals and woods, and large infotainment displays. Upholstery choices include premium leather or a full vegan alternative. The options sheet also contains a massage feature and 4D sound capability built into the front seats (with sound transducers incorporated into the backrests). A Mercedes-Benz Sky Control panoramic sunroof is also available, which can switch between a star-pattern ambient-light setting, full transparency, and complete opacity at the touch of a button.
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Is the 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric Bigger Than the Gas Version?
Mercedes-Benz has made the electric version of the C-Class larger than the gas model, primarily by stretching the wheelbase 3.8 inches over the existing internal-combustion model. That might not seem like much of a boost, but it translates into an interior that offers half an inch of extra legroom for front-seat riders. Mercedes-Benz also claims that the standard panoramic sunroof adds nearly an inch of headroom for the first two occupants and 0.4 inch of extra headroom in the back.
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2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric Specs
The first version of the new electric C-Class expected to hit dealerships is the C 400 4Matic Electric, which features a pair of electric motors that together produce 482 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. A two-speed transmission is included with the model, and all-wheel drive is also standard (with the front motor disconnecting when not needed). Mercedes-Benz calls the C-Class Electric the most powerful version of the sedan ever built — although that may refer to future configurations, as the current 671-hp AMG C 63 Performance model has the C 400 4Matic Electric beat.
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2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric Performance
The C 400 4Matic Electric is very quick in a straight line, with its sprint to 60 mph estimated at just 3.9 seconds. The luxury sedan's top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph. It's possible to equip the car with Mercedes-Benz's Airmatic air suspension, which lowers the vehicle's ride height to improve handling when set to Sport mode, and offers a rear-axle steering setup that can shift the rear wheels at lower speeds for improved cornering.
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2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric Range
The Mercedes-Benz C 400 4Matic Electric will come with a 94-kilowatt-hour (kWh) lithium-ion battery. This power pack operates on an 800-volt architecture, and while the EPA hasn't finalized range and efficiency data for the North American market, on the European WLTP test cycle the sedan is rated at just over 473 miles of range. WLTP range is typically much higher than real-world range, but even if range drops by 10-15% (which is typical for Mercedes EVs when comparing WLTP and EPA figures) that puts the C-Class Electric just behind the larger Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology, but very close to the BMW i4 and Tesla Model 3.
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2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric Charge Time
The C-Class Electric's 800-volt electrical system enables rapid charging when connected to a Level 3 plug. Mercedes-Benz says the vehicle can add about 40% of its driving range in just 10 minutes of charging time. The maximum charging speed is 330 kilowatts (kW), but the vehicle can also take full advantage of higher power charging stations thanks to a built-in converter.
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2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric Infotainment System
A trio of infotainment options is available with the C-Class Electric. The most spectacular is the MBUX Hyperscreen, which spans the entire dashboard with a 39.1-inch display that features independently adjustable brightness for different sections of the screen. A large — but not quite as overwhelming — Superscreen provides three distinct displays integrated behind a glass panel, giving the appearance of a contiguous screen.Â
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2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV Cargo Space
Despite being a sedan, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric leverages its electric drivetrain to improve its practicality when compared with a gas-powered vehicle. Specifically, there is a frunk under the hood that allows for an additional 3.6 cubic-feet of storage on top of the 16.6 cu-ft in the trunk. Those seeking more room can check out the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class Electric, a compact SUV that provides up to 61.4 cu-ft of cargo space (plus a 4.5-cu-ft frunk).
Benjamin HuntingNearly two decades into his career as an automotive journalist, Benjamin has had his hands greasy, his hair blown back, and his heart broken by more than one project car. In addition to his work at Capital One, he has contributed features and reviews to Motor Trend, Car and Driver, Hagerty, Driving Line, Inside Hook, Super Street, European Car, Roadkill Magazine, Motor 1, The Drive, the Toronto Star, the National Post, Business Insider, NAPA, Autoblog, Automotive News Canada, and AutoGuide. He is also cohost of the Unnamed Automotive Podcast and cocreator of the Code 45 and Dead Air graphic novels. In his spare time, he's a friend to vinyl and enjoys keeping the shiny side up during track days.
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