Mercedes C EQ: How does the electric C-Class drive?

With high charging power and ample range, the upcoming C-Class as EQ will leave hardly any points of criticism for electric cars. The electric version is not even expected to surpass its thermodynamically powered counterpart in price. The drive and chassis offer the comfort expected from the brand and do not neglect driving dynamics. Test drives with two pre-series models convincingly confirmed this.

The Mercedes C-EQ models will be presented in the summer as part of the scheduled facelift, being the first C-Class models. Mercedes is using the complete drive technology of the electric SUV model Mercedes GLC EQ for this. With this counter-offer to the BMW i3, also a possible response to the upcoming Volvo ES60, Mercedes' model range will become a bit more electric.

More dignified than a CLA

We were on the road with the development team of the new C-Class. Already on public roads, the revised C-Class drives in a completely different league than the smaller Mercedes CLA, which Mercedes celebrated as an electric hope last year. More wheelbase, plus successful insulation and, above all, a skillfully tuned chassis allow you to glide so quietly over the country roads in the Black Forest that you might feel more like you are in an E- or S-Class model.

In addition to the base model Mercedes C 300 EQ, the C 400 EQ 4matic will be offered as a second engine variant to appeal to customers who want more power and, in particular, all-wheel drive. In both versions, the rear motor has a two-speed transmission; in the all-wheel-drive model, the front PSM machine can be mechanically disengaged to avoid drag losses. The two electric motors of the C 400 EQ are expected to deliver a combined 360 kW, as in the Mercedes GLC, and be supplied with energy from a 94 kWh underfloor battery.

According to Mercedes, this should allow for a range of significantly more than 800 kilometers. With the 800-volt system voltage of the battery, which is less sensitive to cold due to its NMC cell chemistry than the now widespread LFP batteries, a charging power of up to 330 kW is possible in the Mercedes GLC EQ. This corresponds to a range increase of over 300 km within ten minutes. The electric C-Class could even be slightly better in this regard. While it is unlikely to charge faster, it will probably be able to travel slightly further per kilowatt-hour than the SUV.

Air suspension and all-wheel steering

Mercedes achieves the impressive level of comfort not only through extensive sound insulation. The optional air suspension, noticeable on the test drive, also contributes to this. It adapts variably to conditions and the driver depending on speed and selected driving program. The rear-axle steering is also noticeable, especially in tight corners. The car feels more agile and even lighter than it actually is. According to Mercedes, the additional steering system is also capable of reducing the turning circle by almost a meter, thus facilitating maneuvering in confined spaces, such as in city traffic.

While all these goodies come at an extra cost, Mercedes' extensive equipment makes it superior to most competitors in the mid-range. The interior of the sedan is on par with the GLC, with the familiar large displays, comfortable seats, and a panoramic roof that can be electrochromatically shaded for an extra charge. Until now, it was also possible to open it in the C-Class.

The achievements in handling are even more impressive when moving to the handling course with the second pre-series C. Even at ambitious speeds near the limit, the C-Class moves, at least perceptually, more calmly and confidently than the smaller CLA. Larger wheels, more wheelbase, and a wider track are just as noticeable as the chassis tuning and the wider sports tires. They almost make you forget that the electric C-Class is a heavy car: Few customers will likely ever truly test how quickly the electric C 400 4matic can be driven.

Just like the Mercedes CLA, the electric C-Class is on par with the corresponding combustion engine versions – or even better. Mercedes is not yet commenting on prices several months before the sales launch. We expect them to be slightly below the GLC EQ. Those who estimate around 60,000 to 65,000 euros for the preliminary base model are likely already quite close to the truth. We have not yet been given a more precise sales date than "mid-2026".

(nie)