Mercedes C 300 4MATIC electric: 690 km range and 320 kW charging capacity
Mercedes-Benz now offers the electric C-Class as well in the C 300 4MATIC version, equipped with 310 kW of power and an 85-kWh battery. This all-wheel-drive model starts at 62,951 euros, can travel up to 690 kilometers according to WLTP standards, and charges at a rate of up to 320 kW.
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Mercedes-Benz is adding another variant to its lineup of electric C-Class models. The C 300 4MATIC electric is now available for ordering. This brings the total to two all-wheel-drive versions alongside the already existing C 400 4MATIC, with this new model positioned below the previous one in terms of performance. Additional versions with rear-wheel drive and different battery capacities are expected to follow later, though the manufacturer has not provided a timeline for this.
Prices and Leasing
In Germany, Mercedes charges at least 52,900 euros net for the C 300 4MATIC electric model. Private customers pay 62,951 euros including VAT, plus additional costs for delivery or pickup from the factory. The C 400 4MATIC is 4,000 euros (net) more expensive, at 56,900 euros net or 67,711 euros gross.
For private customers, Mercedes also offers a leasing option starting at 449 euros per month. However, this rate requires a one-time payment of 20 percent, over a period of 36 months with a total mileage limit of 45,000 kilometers. Based on the list price, this one-time payment amounts to around 12,600 euros, which should be taken into account when evaluating the offer.
Powertrain and Suspension
The C 300 4MATIC, like its more powerful sibling model, uses a permanent magnet synchronous motor at both the front and rear axles. Its peak power is 310 kW (421 hp), with a maximum torque of 800 Nm. The sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, with a top speed limited to 210 km/h. For comparison, the C 400 4MATIC delivers 360 kW (489 hp) with the same torque and reaches 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds.
According to Mercedes, all-wheel drive is activated only when needed, which is said to have a positive impact on fuel consumption. Optionally available are an AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping as well as rear-wheel steering. With rear-wheel steering, the turning radius is 11.2 meters.
Specifications
Battery, Range, and Charging Capacity
The C 300 4MATIC is equipped with a lithium-ion battery having a usable capacity of 85 kWh, while the C 400 4MATIC has one with 94 kWh capacity. Mercedes states that the C 300’s WLTP range is between 549 and 690 kilometers, with combined fuel consumption ranging from 14.1 to 17.8 kWh/100 km depending on the trim level. The larger model achieves a range of 594 to 762 kilometers, with fuel consumption between 14.1 and 18.5 kWh/100 km.
Both variants are based on an 800-volt architecture. The C 300 can charge at compatible fast chargers at up to 320 kW, while the C 400 can charge at up to 330 kW. According to the manufacturer, it takes 22 minutes for either model to charge from 10% to 80%. The C 300 is said to be able to recharge enough energy for up to 290 kilometers (WLTP) in ten minutes, while the C 400 can cover up to 325 kilometers. These figures apply to fast chargers that provide a charging current of 500 amperes. The C-Class charges via alternating current at 11 kW as standard and optionally at 22 kW.
A new one-box braking system is intended to improve efficiency. It enables a regenerative braking capacity of up to 300 kW and is designed to recover energy even when the ABS system intervenes or on slippery roads. According to Mercedes, this allows up to 99 percent of all braking actions to be handled without using the mechanical friction brakes.
Space, Interior, and Assist Systems
The sedan features a trunk with a volume of 470 liters, plus a frunk under the front hood that holds 101 liters. The permissible towing capacity is 750 kilograms without braking and 1,800 kilograms with braking. Externally, the electric C-Class features a flat front end, a coupe-like roofline, and a radiator grille that includes light animations during unlocking, locking, and charging, depending on the trim level.
The interior features the so-called MBUX Hyperscreen with a diagonal size of 99.3 centimeters (39.1 inches). The software is based on the MB.OS operating system. Additional functions, including navigation and charging capabilities as well as assistance systems, can be enabled later through the Mercedes-Benz Store. Currently, over 40 entertainment apps are available. Some of these digital extras have a limited time frame and must be extended at an additional cost. Optionally, there are comfort seats with massage and ventilation functions.
The standard equipment includes the DISTRONIC distance control with stop-and-go function as well as a parking assistant. Mercedes offers the MB.DRIVE Assist package at an additional cost, which combines the distance control with a steering assistant at SAE Level 2 and can assist with lane changes on highways and motorways. A 360-degree camera is also available as an option.
The electric C-Class will be launched in the year of Mercedes-Benz’s 140th anniversary, which the company is celebrating with various events including a global tour of three S-Class limousines. The C-Class has traditionally been one of the manufacturer’s best-selling models.
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