4 Minutes
Mercedes brings the C‑Class into the pure‑electric era
Mercedes‑Benz has revealed the first official teaser for its all‑electric C‑Class EQ, a model set to arrive in 2026 and aimed squarely at rivals such as BMW's i3. Unveiled alongside the new GLC EQ at the Munich Motor Show, this sedan will be one of the brand’s early models built on the dedicated MB.EA electric architecture.
Exterior design: a familiar silhouette with a dramatic new face
The teaser image highlights a bold front end that borrows Mercedes’ latest 'Iconic Grille' motif. Compared with the GLC EQ, the C‑Class EQ takes the graphic treatment further — its grille shows four illuminated horizontal slats rather than three, and the grille surround plus the three‑pointed star are all backlit by hundreds of tiny LEDs. The result will be a distinctive night‑time signature, while the new star‑pattern daytime running lights flank the grille to complete the look.
Proportions appear close to the current petrol C‑Class, keeping a sleek, aerodynamic profile that helps the electric sedan maximize efficiency and range.
Range and efficiency
Mercedes quotes a headline figure of 497 miles (800 km) on a single charge for the C‑Class EQ — a claimed range that would place it among the leaders in Europe. That slightly surpasses the new GLC EQ’s 443 miles (713 km), a gap largely explained by the sedan’s lower, more aerodynamic body.
Battery, charging and powertrain
Under the skin the C‑Class EQ is expected to share core hardware with the GLC EQ: a 94 kWh nickel‑manganese‑cobalt (NMC) battery pack operating on an 800‑volt electrical architecture. That allows DC fast‑charging rates up to roughly 330 kW, meaning significant replenishment in minutes rather than hours — performance comparable to top EVs from Porsche, Tesla and Hyundai.
Mercedes is likely to offer several powertrain variants. The GLC EQ line-up spans five configurations with peak system outputs up to 483 horsepower, and the C‑Class EQ will probably mirror that approach with rear‑ and all‑wheel‑drive options tuned for comfort or sport. Final power and torque figures are still to be confirmed.
Interior and technology
Although Mercedes has kept cabin details mostly under wraps, the brand hints at advanced digital interfaces and connected services. The C‑Class EQ could be fitted with the expansive 39.1‑inch MBUX Hyperscreen or a more compact 'Superscreen' arrangement similar to the new CLA: a 10.25‑inch driver display, a 14‑inch central touchscreen and a 14‑inch passenger display. Expect OTA updates, AI‑driven assistants and the latest connectivity features.
Market positioning and competition
The C‑Class EQ will intensify the premium midsize EV battle. Positioned against BMW’s i3 electric sedan, it will also vie with the Audi A4 e‑tron, Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2. Mercedes’ strategy is clear: electrify its most important nameplates while keeping proportions familiar to current C‑Class buyers.
What this means for buyers
Early signals point to a car that blends traditional C‑Class dimensions with cutting‑edge EV tech — long electric range, ultra‑fast charging, multiple drivetrain choices and a high‑tech cabin. If Mercedes delivers close to the claimed performance figures, the C‑Class EQ will be a compelling option for buyers seeking a premium electric sedan when it debuts in the first half of 2026.
Comments