2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV First DriveMercedes BenzThe all-new 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class midsize sedan might be better than it looks, and we mean that as something of a backhanded compliment. The C-Class is the second brand nameplate to be built using the new Mercedes-Benz Electric Architecture, or MB.EA, that debuted for the EV version of the GLC-Class SUV and will go on to underpin the all-electric models of the next-generation E-Class, S-Class, and their respective SUV counterparts.The C-Class EV will go battery to battery against the equally shiny and new 2027 BMW i3 electric sedan. What sets the launch of the latest-generation C-Class apart from its predecessors is that the pure electric-powered model is rolling out first, followed by a mild hybrid a few months later.While the Neue Klasse BMWs have adopted an edgy style, Mercedes has hewed a more traditional design approach. It's so understated, in fact, that it might disappoint some in a bid to placate loyalists. Some might find the new C EV's overall shape, with its low and flat front and rounded rear, not flashy enough. Then again, others may find the new grille, with its wide chrome frame, 1,050 points of light, and a star pattern in the smoked glass-look mesh, too flashy. Others still may decide the new direction is just right and appreciate the illuminated Mercedes star and round headlamps with their star pattern design.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis is why we say it's better than it looks if you don't like how it looks. It took laps on a track in Finland near Helsinki in a 2027 Mercedes-Benz C400 4Matic to appreciate its dynamics and the boost that comes from a second electric motor on the front axle—Mercedes says it can whoosh from 0 to 60 mph in about four seconds. Under low load, that front motor disengages for greater efficiency.Mercedes BenzPushing the C-Class EV on Track Is TellingWhile following a professional driver from apex to apex during our hot laps, we got a far better sense of the C400 4Matic's aggressive acceleration and braking capability than we could detect on the drive from Helsinki to the performance center facility.The handling track and a slalom course showcased the sedan's 4.5-degree rear-axle steering system that helped it nimbly dance around the carefully placed cones. Accidentally taking a closed road and having to turn around on a narrow path showed its practicality in a real-world situation; a three-point turn sufficed where multiple turns and gear changes would have been necessary to correct the mistake. The turning circle has been reduced to 36.7 feet.Depending on spec, the 2027 C-Class EV will be available with either the standard steel spring suspension or the optional air suspension that our test cars were equipped with, which did a solid job of sopping up imperfections on Finnish roads that admittedly didn't provide much of a true test. Like many Mercedes models, the C-Class can be equipped with a predictive damping system that "sees" a speed bump or pothole ahead and prepares for impact, although we didn't experience these preventative measures during our drive. Finland is a land of speed cameras; speed bumps not so much. Engineers say the C-Class has 20 percent more damping of body motion and 11 percent less body roll compared to the GLC. Having an 11 percent lower center of gravity helps. We got a test on the track, and the car did feel well planted.AdvertisementAdvertisementDrive modes include Comfort, where most drivers will spend their time; Eco, where acceleration is damped relative to pedal travel; Sport with its more pronounced acceleration; and Individual, where the customer can individually tailor acceleration, steering, suspension and stability control. Switching from Comfort to Sport lowers the car, makes steering more responsive with less input, and elicits an immediate lurching forward, like a cat ready to pounce.Mercedes BenzWhat's the Range?The C-Class will first be offered here as the C400 4Matic with all-wheel drive, with more variants to follow. The C400 has a rear motor producing 402 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of toque through a two-speed drive unit. There's a second booster motor up front that makes 215 hp and 221 lb-ft with a clutch to disconnect it when the system determines it's not needed. Range is estimated to be roughly 335–350 miles at this point (EPA ratings have not been finalized) thanks in part to the combination of a slippery vehicle design (drag coefficient of 0.22) and up to 300 kW of recuperative power from the braking system.The car uses an 800-volt architecture, and its lithium-ion battery pack has 94 kWh of usable energy (a lower-priced, lithium-iron-phosphate battery will come later). Drivers can adjust the level of recuperation using the steering wheel pedals, choosing from conventional brake feel to aggressive regen that allows for one-pedal driving.When it's time to charge the battery, the C EV can DC fast charge at speeds of up to 330 kW at 800-volt-capable chargers, and it has a standard DC converter that allows easy charging at 400-volt charging stations, as well. In optimum conditions, it can add as much as 150 miles of charge in 10 minutes, according to Mercedes.Mercedes BenzHop Inside the 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-ClassInside the C-Class, all eyes quickly fixate on the screen, the wow-factor, 39.1-inch Hyperscreen, with its matrix backlight technology utilizing more than 1,000 individual LEDs that help it display what we found to be incredibly sharp graphics. The base setup is no slouch, either: a version of the automaker's Superscreen, with dual 14.0-inch center and passenger screens behind a single glass panel. Again, customers may be divided. Many will be blown away by the Hyperscreen's plethora of information and ability to configure it as you like by swiping widgets. Then again, others might be overwhelmed by all the touchscreen controls and menus.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe C-Class also benefits from the fourth generation of the automaker's MBUX Infotainment system powered by MB.OS. Among its features is Surround Navigation that displays a real-time 3D representation of the vehicle and its surroundings on the driver's display for enhanced situational awareness. The brand's optional augmented reality head-up display is available for the first time for the C-Class, putting route guidance in the driver's field of view. Intelligent navigation will plan the charging stops on your journey, adjust charging settings along the way, and will precondition the battery so it's ready to charge when you stop for some juice.Mercedes BenzStarry, Starry NightLook up, and 162 stars twinkle in the panoramic roof. It has three settings that are accessed via the touchscreen. The Clear setting leaves it as regular glass, dotted with Mercedes stars. In Dimmed, the entire surface is opaque. The Motif setting lets you adjust how much light comes in via each of the nine switchable segments of the glass. We were surprised that none of the choices go very dark, but opaque offers glare protection.The roof slopes down on either side, making it easy to bump your head getting into the rear seat. Once you're safely inside, though, the head- and legroom are decent. The rear seat benefits from a wheelbase that's a full 3.8 inches longer than the present C-Class.In addition to the trunk, the electric C-Class has a frunk. Push the Mercedes star on the hood to open an area spacious enough for an overnight duffel.Mercedes BenzSafety and Autonomous Driver Assistance SystemsThe C-Class is available with the same laundry list of Mercedes driver assist and safety systems as all models from the CLA to the S-Class. The newest version of its Distronic adaptive cruise control comes standard. You can also option the MB.Drive Assist suite, which offers even more advanced features and future enhancements. You can get it for a month, a year, or buy it outright.AdvertisementAdvertisementThere are several packages to help with assisted driving, parking, and more, and because the C-Class is a software-defined vehicle, many will be able to be enhanced over time through over-the-air updates. That includes point-to-point driving—set your destination and let the car take you there—which will be available at a later date.We rode along on some demos where motorcycles and pedestrians suddenly cut out in front. The car performs full-on emergency braking when required. A nice piece of engineering is that if the car needs to brake but has the time to avoid a close call without causing whiplash, it will use more comfortable braking to avoid a collision, using only as much as the danger dictates.Mercedes BenzTo enable it to do what we experienced, the C-Class uses a full 27 sensors and four corner radars to accurately read what's happening at an intersection or perform automated parking, and there's another radar behind the star in the grille to help it see the traffic ahead. There are two cameras behind the windshield, one to read the distance far ahead and one that provides a closer and wider angle. Two more side cameras are for blind-spot monitoring. Another 360-degree camera provides the wide view needed when in reverse. There are also 12 ultrasonic sensors for parking.If for some reason all of that isn't enough to keep you completely crash free, there are 11 airbags, and the car will unlock the door handles and pop them out in an emergency so first responders can get inside.Committed to the CThe C-Class has been around since 1992, and the addition of a battery electric version shows the automaker's commitment to ensuring it continues to evolve and remain an integral part of the lineup. Ola Källenius, Mercedes-Benz Group chairman of the board of management, says the gas version of the C-Class will continue be equally developed, as well, receiving the same latest tech as the EV.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 2027 Mercedes-Benz C400 4Matic arrives at U.S. dealerships in the first half of 2027. Pricing has not been announced.Photo credit: Mercedes BenzPhoto credit: Mercedes BenzPhoto credit: Mercedes BenzPhoto credit: Mercedes BenzAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Mercedes BenzPhoto credit: Mercedes BenzPhoto credit: Mercedes BenzPhoto credit: Mercedes BenzAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Mercedes BenzPhoto credit: Mercedes BenzPhoto credit: Mercedes BenzPhoto credit: Mercedes BenzAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Mercedes BenzPhoto credit: Mercedes BenzPhoto credit: Mercedes Benz