New Mercedes-Benz C-Class goes fully electric and grows dramatically

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the first in the model’s history to do without any combustion engine. But going fully electric has brought far more than a different powertrain. Thanks to a new platform, it has grown in every direction-and the change is obvious at first glance.

At 4883 mm long, 1892 mm wide and 1503 mm tall, the new C-Class is up by 13 cm in length, 7 cm in width and 6 cm in height compared with the current combustion-engined version. By a clear margin, it is the biggest C-Class ever made.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class dimensions: now close to the E-Class

The points of interest do not stop with the comparison to the combustion C-Class, which will remain on sale alongside it. The bigger surprise comes when this new electric C-Class is measured against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

It is only 6.6 cm shorter than the E-Class’s 4.964 m, and in wheelbase terms there is virtually nothing in it-if anything, it very slightly favours the C-Class: 2962 mm versus 2961 mm for the E-Class. The electric model is also wider, at 1892 mm against 1880 mm, and taller too, with 1503 mm compared with 1468 mm.

The figures make one thing clear: a C-Class has never been this close to an E-Class in overall size. As always, though, measurements rarely tell the whole story on their own. Usable space, comfort, build quality and commercial positioning will continue to separate the two models.

Why has it grown so much?

This increase is not simply a deliberate move upmarket. The main reason is the C-Class’s new MB.EA electric platform, which is also shared with the new electric GLC.

MB.EA platform, battery packaging and range

The architecture has been engineered to take a battery with 94.5 kWh of usable capacity. Because it sits in the floor between the axles, it helps explain the extra height compared with both the E-Class and the combustion-engined C-Class.

For the launch version, the C 400 4MATIC, Mercedes-Benz quotes up to 762 km of WLTP range. A rear-wheel-drive variant will follow later, and it is expected to manage around 800 km on a charge.

Fastback styling and a different look from the EQ saloons

Alongside the bigger footprint and improved aerodynamics, the result is a C-Class with a more striking presence than the combustion model. The new electric car drops the traditional three-box saloon shape in favour of a fastback profile-effectively a two-and-a-half-box silhouette-with a coupé-like influence.

It also sets itself apart from the arched roofline and the softer, more generic lines seen on EQ-family saloons, a look that has proved highly controversial.

Where it sits next to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The move towards E-Class territory is undeniable-at least if you judge it by the tape measure. Even so, the E-Class will retain its higher position in the range. Which raises an obvious question: how much larger will the future electric E-Class, due in 2027, be? Could it end up as big as an S-Class?