Mercedes C-Class EQ, new electric saloon debuts with over 700 km range

In this context, the battery-powered Mercedes C-Class arrives with all the technologies brought to debut by the GLC EQ suv and also debuting with the 400 4Matic version that will later be joined by others with rear-wheel drive. The articulation of the range is supported by the 800 Volt MB.EA platform developed by the Star for the medium and large sized models, capable of handling power up to 670 bhp and with the MB.OS digital architecture with Ai that manages and connects every car function to optimise efficiency, recharging, dynamism, comfort and connectivity.

The 400 4Matic is powered by a twin-engine powertrain that generates all-wheel drive with 490 bhp and 800 Nm of torque and integrates a two-speed gearbox, which come into play depending on driving conditions and the car configuration used. The former supports acceleration and pick-up, towing capacity and efficiency in traffic; the latter high-speed cruising. The system is powered by a lithium-ion battery with a usable capacity of 94.5 kWh promising a range of up to 760 kilometres, which can be recharged with 11 kWh alternating current and up to 330 kW direct current from 10 to 80 per cent in 22 minutes, with which energy can also be recovered to cover 320 kilometres in 10 minutes. Regarding consumption, Mercedes claims 18.5 kWh/100 km.

Finally, the Mercedes C-Class EQ is equipped with Ai-supported automatic regenerative braking and the one-pedal mode, the function that disconnects the front electric motor on versions with all-wheel drive when it is not needed, the all-wheel drive distributes more power to the rear axle with the Sport configuration and, generally on request, also the package that combines rear-steer and predictive air suspension, which optimises calibration according to parameters developed by the Ai to optimise comfort and dynamism.

Aesthetically, the electric Mercedes C-Class has a more robust build than the thermal version. In fact, it is 4.88 metres long, 1.89 metres wide, 1.50 metres high and has a wheelbase of 2.96 metres. The line is streamlined and aerodynamic, inspired by those of the four-door coupes. The design, which follows the canons introduced by the battery-powered GLC suv, defines through soft surfaces and well-balanced proportions a balanced line that undoubtedly aims to capture the sympathy of a more youthful public than that of the C-class saloon we all know. The attention to aerodynamics is remarkable, but in this case it does not go so far as to delineate an exaggeratedly teardrop-shaped profile like that of the larger EQE and EQS. The outfit is rounded off by the tapered tail and the family style hoisted by the front where the evolution of the most iconic component of Mercedes design stands out: the grille that projects tradition into the future by becoming a purely stylistic element and that is also offered in a version illuminated by a thousand LEDs. These can originate animations to launch warnings and information to other road users, just as the front and rear light signatures can do.

The luggage compartment, which has a capacity of 470 litres and is within the average range for the battery-powered C, is supplemented by a useful 101-litre front frunk, suitable for holding a trolley.

As we saw during a preview in Alabama in Tuscaloosa where we got to know the Mercedes C-Class EQ live, the cabin is also spacious at the rear thanks to its long wheelbase, flat floor and furniture design. The latter is identical to that of the GLC SUV. Thus, it is developed in a rather classic manner while proposing a new and functional interpretation of the central tunnel, it is carefully crafted with quality materials but, above all, it is characterised by the spectacular effect created by the dashboard clad at the front by the latest generation of the Mbux system. The system integrates Ai with Microsoft and Google support and originates the Superscreen with three individual front displays concealed under a single screen almost a metre long, and the Hyperscreen which, on the other hand, seamlessly connects the digital dashboard, the multimedia system displays and the passenger display with a diagonal of 39.1". In this case the clear graphic interface that rationally leaves so many physical controls in view can also be configured to create different welcome home atmospheres.

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