This is Mat’s first drive of the new Mercedes C-Class Electric. He’ll be testing it on track, walking through the design and interior, while also revealing the price and the real-world range.
Mat’s got his hands on the all-new Mercedes C-Class Electric!
It’s the first time the C-Class has gone electric, and he’s about to test it over in Helsinki and see just what it’s like to drive. Not only that, he’ll be seeing if it offers real value against class-leading competitors like the Tesla Model 3.
So can this all-new EV compete with the best? Let’s take a closer look…
In terms of design, the new C-Class Electric uses three-pointed-star headlights and taillights, as seen in all recent Mercedes reveals. The car we have here is in AMG-Line trim, which means it comes with large front vents and lower front and rear bumpers. It’s also fitted with the Black Pack, which means the grille is blacked out, and there are black surrounds on the windows and the side skirts. It looks pretty smart overall, but the same can’t be said for the car without the Black Pack fitted - the grille looks absolutely awful!
On the inside, the cabin is dominated by a large screen that stretches across the entire dash (although in the entry-level car, it’s effectively three screens rather than one). The infotainment system is crisp and easy to use, although there are lots of menus and the climate controls are handled through the screen. Elsewhere, the cabin is well-built with soft-touch materials throughout, although there are a few switches and features which are plastic and relatively cheap-feeling to touch.
The C-Class Electric comes with two motors, and these combine for a maximum output of 482hp and 800Nm. It comes with all-wheel drive, and can accelerate to 62mph in 4.1 seconds. It has a claimed range of 473 miles, and it comes with 300kWh charging, which enables you to add 200 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
The C-Class Electric has a starting price of £57,995 for the entry-level car, rising all the way to £70,995 for the top-of-the-range model. In contrast, a top-spec Tesla Model 3 costs just £59,990. So is the new Mercedes really worth it? You’ll need to stick with Mat to see for yourself!
