Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric review

It's a comfortable, refined and safe mid-size German posh saloon. Driven by electricity. You're allowed to feel confused here, because there's another Mercedes-Benz C-Class, with an engine. As with several German models (see also the Porsche Cayenne and Audi A6) you've got a pair of combustion and electric cars with the same name but different bodies.

The C-Class Electric is an all-new car, on Mercedes' all-new electric platform. It's not a stretched CLA nor a shrunk EQE. Rather, it's a lowered GLC Electric. Honestly we're not setting out to confuse you here. It's just that, as with many manufacturers, negotiating your way through the thickets of doubled-up electric and combustion ranges is pretty tricky.

But then, Mercedes actually wants you to think of an electric C-Class in exactly the same way as a petrol C-Class. It does the same job, with a different powertrain. At launch all versions have the same twin-motor setup, called C 400 4Matic, for 489bhp and four-wheel-drive. The rear motor is a two-speed, in pursuit of efficiency on motorways.

The 94kWh battery gives a range of 429 miles as tested, or 452 miles if you can be content with aero-optimised bumpers and 19-inch wheels. Impressive. As is the 22-minute 10-80 per cent recharge time on a 350kW charger. RWD and smaller batteries will follow.

What are we to make of the design?

Well, Mercedes has moved away from the computer-mouse silhouettes of the EQE and EQS, as well as from the EQ naming. The C-Class Electric has a proper length of bonnet, although it takes inspiration from the aero-inspired fastback rear of those bigger saloons.

The front end is the controversial elevation, on account of a grill that brings to our mind a piggy's snout. And like the pig it's got a ring in its nose – a big Mercedes star.

It's a bit of a chubber, closer in length to an E-Class than a petrol C-Class, and with this powertrain it's 2,500kg-odd.

If it's big, is it roomy?

Mostly yes, but as usual with low-set EVs there isn't much foot space in the back unless people in front raise their seats a bit. The boot's not that big either, and the fixed fastback design means you have to bend over and slide the bags in and out. A useful froot compensates.

Loads of tech, no doubt.

In top-spec form the dash becomes a seamless 8k IMAX. You probably don't need that. But all of them have a well-ordered central screen and driver display with sensible logic, high resolution and snappy response. It's also connected to Mercedes' own AI as well as Google's so can hold surprisingly fluent and lengthy verbal conversations with you, and enact your voice commands. Well, some of them.

It's another matter whether you actually like such a rich buffet of text and graphics in your visual field when driving. We're not sure, and we also reckon Mercedes is using all this screenage to distract us from some cheap-feeling materials elsewhere in the cabin. More details on the cabin if you click the Interior tab of this review.

The optional adaptive air suspension uses cloud-based signals from other Mercedes that have passed this way to prepare its dampers as you approach a bump. That chassis package also includes rear-wheel steering.

All the sensors and actuators for full ADAS are standard, but you can't use the systems unless you take out a subscription. On a car this pricey it should be standard.

But does it feel like a Mercedes to drive?

Very much so. There's a fine solidity to the way it goes down the road. The ride is pretty supple, but even more impressive is the way bumps and tramlines don't deflect it.

Push on a bit and the steering, which mostly seems oily and inert, does get more lively, so it can be a fun car as well as a faithful one.

Acceleration is dispensed with measured determination – you can be smooth because small foot movements bring smooth force rather than a slap in the chest. But no-one's going to quibble at a 0-62mph time of four seconds flat.

What are its rivals?

There are quite a few. It's likely the BMW i3 (not yet driven as we write this C-Class Electric review) will be a smidge more engaging to drive, but the Mercedes is quiet and stable at speed and smoother-riding than the Audi A6 e-tron.

Other choices? The Tesla Model 3 if you like the obvious. If you don't, the DS No 8. The Polestar 2 or 4 for their pared-back simplicity and fine dynamics. The Genesis GV60 has some appeal and feels simpler to operate. And Lexus's ES has now arrived in electric form but doesn't have a long-range battery option.

We're not totally smitten with some of the design and material choices, especially in the cabin. It's also, beware, a pretty bulky car. Still, the upsides are pretty compelling. For the most part this is Mercedes at its best. But it's not outstanding in its field like the CLA is, because its field is bigger.

The C-Class Electric is beautifully comfortable, with superb long-distance road manners and terrific quietness. The efficiency, long range and fast charging mean you can absolutely take advantage. Off the big highways, it's a reassuring companion, and if you egg it on it can show an engaging side too.