Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has previewed the all-new electric C-Class, bringing the midsize 4-door series with a fully electric powertrain. Badged as the Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC electric AMG Line Plus, the saloon generates 310kW (421hp) and 800Nm of torque, sprinting from 0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 210km/h.
New Mercedes-Benz Electric C-Class
The electric C-Class is built on a purpose-built all-electric architecture and comes equipped with an 85kWh usable battery, an 800V DC fast charging system capable of up to 320kW, and a claimed range of up to 690km on the WLTP cycle. Mercedes-Benz says up to 290km worth of range can be recovered in just 10 minutes at a compatible 800V charging point.
The drivetrain uses a permanent synchronous motor (PSM) on the rear axle paired with a two-speed transmission – first gear carries a short ratio of 11:1 for strong off-the-line acceleration and urban efficiency, while second gear (5:1) is optimized for motorway cruising and long-distance range. Battery-to-wheel efficiency over long distances is rated at 93%.
The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system adds a second PSM motor on the front axle, which acts as a boost unit. A disconnect unit (DCU) decouples the front motor when it is not needed, reducing front axle losses by up to 90% and improving range. The One-Box braking system supports recuperation of up to 300kW, and energy recovery continues even when ABS is engaged.
The interior of the electric C-Class is dominated by a new MBUX Hyperscreen spanning 99.3cm across the full width of the dashboard, backed by “high-performance chips” and Unity Game Engine graphics, with a matrix backlight featuring over 1,000 individual LEDs. In a rather ironic fashion, the C-Class comes with “camera-based blocking function” for its Hyperscreen to “minimize distraction for the driver,” in case they are looking at the passenger side of the display. Maybe we don’t need screens this big in cars to begin with, don’t you think?
Hardware aside, the infotainment system runs on Mercedes-Benz’s own MB.OS operating system and integrates Google Maps navigation with Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent for in-car conversational services. For the first time in this segment, Mercedes-Benz is bringing augmented reality navigation (previously seen in the S-Class and EQS) to the C-Class.
The SKY CONTROL panoramic roof spans the length of the cabin and features nine independently switchable glass segments that can switch between transparent and opaque in milliseconds. At night, 162 stars are illuminated in the driver’s chosen ambient color. Active ambient lighting with sound visualization responds to music, with fast rhythms triggering rapid light changes and slower music producing gradual atmospheric shifts.
Standard equipment on the AMG Line Plus specification includes 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps with star design, an illuminated iconic grille with animated opening and closing sequences, a Burmester 3D surround sound system with stainless steel speaker grilles, and MB.DRIVE ASSIST for partially automated driving. MB.DRIVE PARKING ASSIST 360 provides a full surround view for parking and manouvring.
Safety hardware includes up to 27 cameras and sensors, up to 11 airbags, a standard front center airbag, an optional knee airbag for the front passenger, and the PRE-SAFE system. Since EVs don’t make noises on its own, an acoustic presence indicator – legally required on EVs for pedestrian safety reasons – plays a Mercedes-Benz-specific sound at speeds of up to 30 km/h to alert pedestrians outside the vehicle.
The cabin uses ARTICO man-made leather for the instrument panel and beltlines, black leather sports seats with red contrasting stitching and red seat belts, and illuminated door sills with exchangeable covers. The wheelbase is 97mm longer than the combustion-engined C-Class, giving front passengers 12mm more legroom; a front boot (frunk) adds 101 liters of usable storage on top of the 470-liter main boot.
The Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC electric AMG Line Plus is available for pre-booking at an estimated starting price of RM360,888. For customers interested in a monthly payment arrangement, the Agility+ plan starts from an estimated RM3,988/month. The Agility+ plan includes a fifth-year extended limited warranty (Star Gold) and four Compact Service Packages.
Pokdepinion: The EQ branding is dead in the water, it seems.
