SEOUL: Mercedes-Benz on Monday unveiled the all-new electric C-Class at a world premiere in Seoul, introducing the first battery-electric version of one of its best-known sedan nameplates and placing one of the brand’s core products into the premium EV market. The launch model, the C 400 4MATIC electric, was presented as the first fully electric C-Class, with the debut held at a pop-up venue in the South Korean capital. Mercedes-Benz Group AG used Seoul for the model’s global unveiling, its first such world premiere in South Korea.
The company said the new sedan uses a 94 kWh usable battery and an 800-volt electrical architecture, figures that place the car among the faster-charging vehicles in its segment. Mercedes said the model has a driving range of up to 762 kilometers under the WLTP standard and can recover up to 325 kilometers of range in 10 minutes under optimal fast-charging conditions. The launch version produces 360 kilowatts of power and is equipped with all-wheel drive, with Mercedes listing a 0 to 100 kph time of about four seconds.
Mercedes also used the launch to emphasize the vehicle’s ride, handling and packaging. The electric C-Class is fitted with a two-speed transmission on the rear axle and is available with rear-axle steering of up to 4.5 degrees, which Mercedes said cuts the turning circle to 11.2 meters. Optional AIRMATIC air suspension is also offered. The exterior keeps a conventional sedan profile rather than the one-bow shape used on some earlier electric models, while the front end adds an illuminated grille and the body is tuned for aerodynamic efficiency.
Mercedes’ new software and cabin take center stage
Inside, Mercedes centered the presentation on a more digital cockpit built around its MB.OS operating system, which integrates infotainment, charging, driving and other vehicle functions into one software platform. The system supports over-the-air updates, allowing software features to be refreshed without a workshop visit. The car is also offered with the latest MBUX interface, including an optional full-width Hyperscreen, augmented-reality navigation displays and a voice assistant with generative AI functions designed for more complex spoken interactions inside the vehicle.
The Seoul event also highlighted the importance of the model within the brand’s current lineup, given the long-standing role of the C-Class in Mercedes sales worldwide. Mercedes-Benz Korea hosted the world premiere before an audience that included senior executives and international media, with local reports saying about 80 journalists attended. The company presented the car as a larger, more spacious interpretation of the C-Class formula, combining a longer wheelbase and new EV packaging with features such as a front storage compartment and a larger rear cargo area.
Range, charging and market details
Mercedes said the electric C-Class also incorporates a heat pump, regenerative braking and bidirectional charging capability, though some functions will depend on local regulations and market availability. The company said specifications may vary by country at launch. In its launch materials, Mercedes framed the car as a model aimed at combining long-distance usability with the comfort and digital functions expected in the premium midsize segment, while keeping familiar C-Class styling cues rather than shifting to a more radical exterior design language.
The unveiling gives Mercedes a new electric entry in one of its most established passenger-car lines and adds another high-volume nameplate to its expanding battery-powered portfolio. For now, the company has disclosed the C 400 4MATIC electric as the launch version and centered the announcement on range, charging speed, software integration and chassis technology rather than pricing. Mercedes said the quoted range figure was measured under the WLTP procedure and refers to the German market. – By Content Syndication Services.