- The new electric C-Class adopts a full-width digital dashboard layout.
- A 39.1-inch Hyperscreen dominates the cabin with few physical controls.
- Mercedes promises improved space, long-distance comfort, and sportiness.
Mercedes is getting ready to reveal its all-electric C-Class on April 20, but the interior has already made an early appearance. Front and center is a massive MBUX Hyperscreen stretching almost the full width of the dashboard, uninterrupted and unmistakably similar to what we have already seen in the GLC EV.
The company describes the new interior of the electric sedan as a “driver-oriented refuge”, though it reads more like a rolling digital billboard from where we’re sitting. The display appears to mirror the 39.1-inch Hyperscreen from the GLC EV, which makes the recently updated EQS and S-Class flagships feel either a step ahead or already behind, depending on your perspective.
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With approximately 10 million pixels, the giant display aims to reduce the need of menus, having everything within reach. Even so, experience keeps reminding us that glass can’t replace the certainty of a proper button or dial. There are at least a few holdouts here, with physical controls still present on the center console and steering wheel, the latter seemingly lifted straight from its SUV counterpart.
Besides the attention-grabbing Hyperscreen, Mercedes also mentions the Superscreen, which is a more conventional triple-screen layout reserved for lower trim levels of the sedan. Both setups offer the option between ten ambient styles with different colors to fit your mood.
More Space And Comfort
The company promises that the electric sedan will be the best and sportiest C-Class yet, while offering more space than ever before. It will also bring “exceptional” long distance comfort thanks to the new seats, the optional star-shedded panoramic sunroof, the sophisticated climate control system, and the extensive sound insulation.
The front seats come with electro-pneumatic four-way lumbar support, 4D sound, massaging and ventilation functions. These are coordinated with the Energizing Comfort programs designed for “mental and physical rejuvenation” while on the go. Furthermore, the climate system features a multi-source heat pump that can heat the cabin twice as fast as a combustion vehicle while using 50% less energy.
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The electric C-Class will also offer a vegan-certified interior with soft-touch surfaces. Other options include the Softtorino leather grain, the Twisted Diamond Nappa leather, and the 3D-relief stainless steel speaker grilles for the Burmester 3D sound system.
In terms of exterior design, we already know that the model will adopt a large illuminated grille flanked by aggressive headlights with star-shaped LED graphics.
Recent spy shots have also revealed the sleek surfacing of the profile, looking like an evolution of the EQE and EQS sedans albeit with more pronounced front and rear volumes to avoid an egg-shaped silhouette. Expect sportier bumpers and different wheels for the AMG Line trims.
Any Specs?
Mercedes has yet to announce the technical specifications of the electric C-Class, but the model will most likely ride on the same 800-volt MB.EA platform with the GLC. The SUV produces 483 hp (360 kW / 490 PS) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque from dual electric motors, with a 94 kWh battery offering a WLTP range of 673 km (418 miles).
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In terms of the chassis setup, the company claims that the sedan “raises performance and driving dynamics”, making our appetite for future AMG-branded versions.
We will learn everything about the new model at its official debut in South Korea on April 20. The EV will be joined by a facelifted version of the ICE-powered C-Class, also expected to be unveiled later this year. It’s biggest rival is the new BMW i3 Neue Klasse sedan that debuted last month.
