Mercedes Classe C electric: a new version that is cheaper but still has a range of 682 km

Mercedes is already expanding its lineup of the all-new electric Classe C. Following the powerful C400 4MATIC, the manufacturer has added a C300 4MATIC with 421 horsepower, equipped with a smaller battery. This approach aims to reduce the price point without compromising the sedan’s performance.

The electric Classe C didn’t wait long before its lineup was expanded. Launched in France initially with only the C400 4MATIC offering 489 horsepower, the sedan now includes a C300 4MATIC as well. This version remains highly powerful but focuses on using a smaller battery to position itself below its larger sibling.

421 horsepower and still all-wheel drive

The C-Class isn’t meant to become a quiet family car just because of this. With two electric motors, the C300 4MATIC delivers 310 kW, or 421 horsepower, while retaining the same 800 Nm of torque as the C400. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, compared to 4 seconds for the 489-horsepower version. The all-wheel drive system only engages the front engine when necessary to reduce consumption.

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Mercedes C400 4Matic review: a great electric road car that checks almost all the boxes

The main difference lies under the floor. The battery has a usable capacity of 85 kWh, compared to 94 kWh in the C400. Mercedes France claims a WLTP range of 682 km for the current model listed on its website, whereas the C400 offers 753 km. Depending on the selected equipment, the manufacturer reports a range of up to 690 km.

Almost as fast charging

The maximum charging power drops from 330 to 320 kW. In other words, customers will hardly notice any difference... Mercedes still claims 22 minutes to go from 10% to 80% charge, with up to 290 km of range added in ten minutes under optimal conditions. The electrical architecture remains at 800 volts.

Otherwise, nothing really changes. The C300 retains a 470-liter trunk and a 101-liter front compartment. The AIRMATIC air suspension, rear steering wheels, and large MBUX Hyperscreen are still available as options. Other powertrain variants and several battery capacities are yet to be added to the lineup.

What’s the price?

Budget? We’re looking at a price of 62,999 € for this C300, compared to 66,399 € for the C400. On paper, this new version of the electric Classe C faces already strong competition. At BMW, the current i4 xDrive40 delivers 401 horsepower, has an 81.3 kWh battery, and boasts a WLTP range of 547 km. Its starting price is 67,750 €.

At a lower price point, the Tesla Model 3 Premium Long Range with all-wheel drive remains a strong competitor: priced at 49,990 €, it offers a WLTP range of 660 km and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. The BYD Seal Excellence AWD also performs well, with 530 horsepower and a WLTP range of 520 km for 50,990 €. But a Mercedes is still a Mercedes... Well, who knows?