Mercedes-Benz has announced a starting price of $105,700 (excluding on-road costs) for its new electric C-Class sedan in Australia, launching it as a standalone model separate from its petrol-powered version. Customers can begin ordering the vehicle in late 2024, with deliveries scheduled for early 2027.
The electric C-Class is based on Mercedes-Benz’s dedicated MB.EA-M electric platform, which will also underpin the upcoming GLC Electric. This architecture marks a deliberate separation from the traditional combustion-engine platform used in the petrol C-Class, which will receive a facelift in 2027 but will not share styling cues with the electric model.
For the Australian market, only the C 400 4Matic variant is available, priced $6,272 higher than the petrol C 300. This model competes directly with BMW’s incoming i3 40 xDrive and 50 xDrive, which are priced between $96,900 and $112,900.
Performance and battery specs outpace rivals
The C 400 4Matic generates 360kW and 800Nm of torque through dual electric motors, paired with a two-speed rear-axle transmission. Mercedes-Benz states the vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.0 seconds, outperforming both BMW i3 models, which take 5.4 seconds and 4.7 seconds respectively. The 94kWh battery provides a claimed WLTP range of 753km, with energy consumption rated at 16.1kWh per 100km. This places it between the BMW i3 variants, which use 82.8kWh and 108.7kWh batteries.
Charging infrastructure supports an 800-volt architecture, allowing for up to 330kW DC fast charging. While the exterior retains a coupe-inspired silhouette with a GT-style rear, local reports confirm it remains a four-door sedan, measuring 4,883mm in length, 1,892mm in width, and 1,503mm in height, with a 2,962mm wheelbase.
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The front end features an illuminated grille with a smoked-glass panel and 1,050 LED dots, accompanied by animated lighting sequences for locking, unlocking, or charging.
Interior tech and luxury features redefine driving
Inside, the MBUX Superscreen system dominates with a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, a 14-inch central touchscreen, and a 14-inch front passenger display all integrated under a single glass panel. The vehicle runs the new MB.OS operating system, which supports over-the-air updates, Google Maps navigation, and an AI assistant integrating ChatGPT, Bing, and Google Gemini. A Sky Control panoramic roof divides into nine adjustable transparency segments.
Optional packages range from a $5,200 Agility Package to an $8,200 Luxury Package, which adds a 39.1-inch Hyperscreen, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and an illuminated roof star pattern.
Safety features are extensive, covering adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, a surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking. The model comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty, though service pricing has not been disclosed. Unlike many competitors, it has not undergone crash testing by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.
