Article Abstract
- The electrical Mercedes C-Class’ launch model can cowl 762 kilometers on a single cost, or 138 km lower than the BMW i3 50 xDrive.
- Mercedes will comply with up with a longer-range model providing round 800 km.
- The C-Class EV’s DC fast-charging at 330 kW falls in need of the BMW i3’s 400-kW capabilities.
Following an all-screen appetizer final week, Mercedes’ BMW i3 rival is right here. It’s a whole reinvention of Stuttgart’s common sedan, constructed on a devoted electrical platform and wrapped in a completely new design. Consequently, it has little in frequent with the combustion-engine C-Class (W206) that the three-pointed star has been promoting since 2021.
The styling, inside and outside, could also be all-new, but it’s immediately recognizable. We’ve already seen this look on the electrical GLC launched final yr as a direct rival to the BMW iX3. Now, Mercedes goes after the i3, and identical to Munich, Stuttgart is providing a single taste at launch. The electrical C-Class debuts because the C400 4Matic, positioned towards the iX3 50 xDrive.
Twin electrical motors draw energy from a 94.5-kWh battery with 762 kilometers (473 miles) of WLTP vary on a cost. Should you’re in a rush, 10 minutes at a charging station provides 325 kilometers (202 miles) of vary. Whereas the i3 50 xDrive helps as much as 400-kW charging, the C400 4Matic tops out at 330 kW.
It additionally trails the BMW in total vary, because the i3 can journey as much as 900 kilometers with out recharging. Nonetheless, Mercedes plans to counter with a single-motor C-Class EV that may go farther. However even the longer-range variant is anticipated to “solely” attain round 800 kilometers. Nonetheless, these are spectacular figures and additional proof that vary nervousness is steadily turning into a factor of the previous.
The C-Class EV might lag in vary and charging velocity, however it makes up for it with larger output. Its twin motors produce a mixed 482 hp and 800 Nm, whereas the i3 50 xDrive delivers 463 hp and 645 Nm. That mentioned, BMW is making ready an M Efficiency model and a full-blown M variant. Likewise, Mercedes-AMG is anticipated to develop sportier variations.
Mercedes additionally holds a bonus in different areas. The C-Class presents air suspension and rear-wheel steering, options not accessible on the i3. These elective extras purpose to make it the “sportiest C-Class ever,” whereas remaining “as clean as an S-Class on lengthy journeys.” Moreover, the devoted EV platform improves inside house in comparison with the gas-powered mannequin and even permits for a 101-liter entrance trunk.
Past the frunk, the 2 automobiles share one other trait: a heavy reliance on screens. Mercedes takes issues additional with an enormous 39.1-inch uninterrupted show, reserved for larger trims. Lesser variations characteristic three separate screens below a single pane of glass. Just like the i3, the electrical C-Class eliminates most standard switchgear, changing buttons and knobs with contact controls and voice instructions.
Whereas styling is subjective, Mercedes clearly opted for a flashier strategy, embedding three-pointed stars within the headlights, taillights, and even the panoramic glass roof. The retro-inspired grille lights up, giving the C-Class EV a powerful presence, whereas the outsized illuminated emblem leaves little doubt about its id.
Latest BMW designs aren’t precisely refined, however the i3 is noticeably extra restrained than the electrical C-Class. Even its inside, with the iDrive X central show and pillar-to-pillar Panoramic Imaginative and prescient projection, feels much less dramatic than Mercedes’ Hyperscreen setup.
Simply as BMW has already expanded the iX3’s lineup with a rear-wheel-drive 40 variant probably earmarked for the i3 as effectively, Mercedes plans to introduce further C-Class EV variations. Some will characteristic a single motor, whereas others will retain dual-motor setups. In BMW’s case, a full-fledged M3 counterpart has already been confirmed, arriving in 2027 with a quad-motor configuration. Furthermore, an electrical X3 M can also be coming.
Mirroring the i3’s U.S. launch subsequent yr, the electrical C-Class received’t attain the American market till 2027. In the meantime, Mercedes and BMW will begin Euro deliveries of each fashions earlier than the top of the yr.
