MERCEDES promised us 40 new models within three years.
I repeat, 40. At least one a month.
This electric C-Class is everything you’d expect it to be Credit: simon thompson
Mercedes C400 4Matic is a proper long-range family cruiser Credit: simon thompson
That’s got to be some kind of record. Not even the Chinese are doing that.
It all started with the brilliant CLA saloon — 2026 European Car of the Year — which was quickly followed by the CLA estate, GLC, GLB, S-Class, GLE, GLS, VLE, EQS, AMG GT 4-door Coupe, AMG CLA 45, Maybach GLS, C-Class saloon and, only last night, GLA.
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They’re filling every gap with cream.
I suppose the question is, “Which one would I buy?”
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C-CLASSY
First look at new Mercedes C400 as maker reveals £50k, 360kW EV answer to BMW i3
Ask me again in a year or two, but right now I’d say this C-Class. First, because it’s a saloon and not an SUV.
Second, because it’s bigger than a CLA and doesn’t have 147 glow-up stars in the front grille. The dots are cooler.
But also because it’s a proper long-range family cruiser with 489hp, variable four-wheel drive and Angry Birds on the touchscreen.
We tested the C400 4MATIC hooked up to a 452-mile battery. The rapid 800v technology sucks up 200 miles of juice in just ten minutes.
Even the seats pulse to the rhythm of your favourite songs Credit: ©Mercedes-Benz AG
This metre-wide super computer controls everything from automated parking to Teams calls Credit: simon thompson
We’re getting there, aren’t we?
There’s a more affordable rear-wheel drive version coming later that’ll nudge 500 miles.
On the road, the electric C-Class is everything you’d expect it to be.
Fast when you need to be somewhere quickly. Smooth and sophisticated when you don’t.
The front axle uncouples at motorway speeds for added efficiency.
Clever braking regen means you’ll only use the friction brakes about one per cent of the time.
You can pay extra for a “Refinement Package” which includes air suspension and rear-wheel steering.
But honestly, I wouldn’t bother.
The standard set-up on steel springs is fine. Mercedes has been making motor cars for 140 years so it knows a thing or two about ride and handling.
As for the cabin? Disappointing.
Ha, just kidding.
Merc knows a thing or two about craftsmanship as well.
KEY FACTS: MERCEDES C-CLASS C400 4MATIC
Price: £57,995Battery: 94kWhPower: 489hp0-62mph: 4 secsTop speed: 130mphRange: 452 milesCO2: 0g/kmOut: November
Mercedes’ GLA Electric has just been unveiled Credit: simon thompson
You can even choose upholstery certified by the Vegan Society if that’s important to you, at no extra cost.
The ballerina in the jewellery box, of course, is that metre-wide super computer which controls everything from automated parking to Teams calls.
The satnav is super-slick.
The Burmester sound system is top-notch. Even the seats pulse to the rhythm of your favourite songs.
The boot swallows all the usual family debris and there’s the bonus 100-litre front trunk (frunk) where an engine would normally be.
Which reminds me, today’s petrol and diesel C-Class will continue alongside the EV and will be updated shortly with new tech and a fresh haircut.
The C-Class estate is one of the few diesel plug-in hybrids out there.
What’s next from Merc?
Well, we’re still waiting for the baby G-Wagen, the on-off-and-back-on-again A-Class, an AMG GT SUV and goodness knows what else.
I’ll try to keep up.
