Mercedes reveals sporty, tech-packed C-Class Electric with 474-mile range
Mon, 20 Apr 2026
- Sportier look than earlier model
- 474-mile range, fast charging
- Huge full-width interior screen
- 470-litre boot, 1.8-tonne towing capacity
Mercedes has drawn back the covers on the new Mercedes C-Class, showing off a sporty, tech-filled and coupe-like saloon with a range of up to 474 miles on a single charge.
The new-look C-Class has a large front grille with 1050 illuminated dots heading up a more athletic shape than the previous model. Inside, there's an enormous 39.1-inch infotainment screen that spans the entire width of the dashboard, as well as a pair of wireless phone chargers and physical controls for exterior cameras, drive modes, voice control and sound system volume.
The steering wheel combine physical switches and dials with touch-sensitive pads across four individual spokes. There are also thin bucket-style sports seats and a photochromatic sunroof.
Tech-wise, as well as the long battery range there's fast charging thanks to 800-volt architecture, and advanced air suspension with predictive damping that reacts to the road ahead for the best quality ride.
The arrival of the new C-Class is eagerly anticipated on the back of the reveal of the new BMW i3. The C-Class and 3 Series have had a rivalry going back decades and both should be on sale in the UK by the end of this year.
2026 Mercedes C-Class price and release date
No prices or firm UK release date has yet been announced for the new Mercedes C-Class, but we expect the car to be on sale before the end of the year, with prices for the electric version starting somewhere in the mid-£50,000s.
2026 Mercedes C-Class styling, interior and technology
The electric C-Class has a more athletic look than the petrol and diesel versions, with a large front grille packed with illuminated dots and an integrated Mercedes star. The grille's lights are animated when you open, close or charge the car. There are also star-design headlights and optional Digital Light units that up visibility while halving energy consumption.
The short rear end makes the new C-Class look more like coupe Grand Tourer – though it is a saloon. It has an impressive drag co-efficient of 0.22Cd thanks to its streamlined design, almost entirely closed underbody and flush fitting alloy wheels, which vary between 18 and 20 inches in diameter depending on the model.
The interior you see here is that of a fully-loaded model, with illuminated air vents, carbonfibre trim and, of course, that huge MBUX Hyperscreen setup. It combines the driver display, infotainment screen and passenger display into one, with shortcuts in the centre for adjusting the climate control and jumping between different features. Expect lower-spec models to have up to three individual screens, known as the MBUX Superscreen.
A panoramic roof is fitted as standard, with dimmable glass to keep the sun's rays at bay. Materials available vary by spec and options, but include high-end Nappa leather with diamond perforations, or Softtorino leather, as well as a certified vegan option.
Mercedes promises more space than before. The wheelbase measures 2962mm, which is up 97mm over the conventional C-Class, which means 12mm more legroom for front passengers and increased headroom both front and back.
The boot measures 470 litres in capacity, and there's a big 101-litre frunk under the bonnet.
2026 Mercedes C-Class motors, batteries and range
The most powerful model at launch will be the dual-motor C 400 4Matic, which has 490PS and will hit 62mph from standstill in 4.0 seconds. It has all-wheel drive, with an unusual two-speed transmission on the rear axle – the first gear gives the initial acceleration and improves efficiency around twon, while the second ratio is designed for higher speeds.
A disconnect unit, known as a DCU, decouples the front motor on dual-motor C-Classes during low loads, improving efficiency.
The C-Class is built on 800-volt technology, which allows for fast charging at speeds of up to 330kW, which means it can add 202 miles of range in 10 minutes using a suitable charger. The C 400 4Matic promises up to 475 miles on a full charge of its 94kWh lithium-ion battery, and a rear-wheel-drive model that will follow promises around 500 miles.
It has a towing capacity of 1.8 tonnes (braked). We'll find out more about the UK-specific models available when they're announced nearer to launch, and we'll update this article once the news is out.
