Image: Mercedes-BenzThis price point comes as no surprise: since the SUV model GLC 400 4MATIC has been available from €71,281, expectations ahead of the world premiere had already pointed to a price range of €65,000 to €70,000—Mercedes has now settled on €67,711, hitting the middle ground almost exactly. The unusual gross prices at Mercedes stem from the Stuttgart-based manufacturer’s tradition of calculating net prices and simply adding VAT. The C400 4MATIC is priced at €56,900 net, while the GLC with the same powertrain costs €59,990 net.With the electric C-Class, Mercedes has essentially introduced a lower-profile version of its SUV model, featuring identical drivetrain technology and key design elements such as the large front grille, which have been more or less directly adopted from the GLC. This means both models use the new MB.EA-M platform with an 800-volt system voltage. As the C400 4MATIC, the electric saloon offers a 94 kWh battery, 330 kW charging power, and 360 kW drive power. Its range reaches up to 762 kilometres in the WLTP cycle. The rear axle features the electric motor with a two-speed transmission, which is also used in the CLA.This motor will also be used in an upcoming rear-wheel-drive model, which Mercedes has now officially confirmed alongside the order launch of the C400 4MATIC. The name of this variant has not yet been revealed, but the combination of the 94 kWh battery with a 200 kW motor is expected to deliver the C-Class’s longest range—following Mercedes’ naming convention, this will likely result in a + suffix, such as a C300+. Mercedes currently states the range as ‘approximately 800 kilometres.’ Later, there will also be ‘various battery variants,’ presumably including a smaller base battery with a lower starting price. Additionally, rumours suggest a more powerful AMG model is in development, though Mercedes has not yet mentioned this high-performance top model for the series.Mercedes describes the new model as ‘the sportiest C‑Class ever.’ With optional air suspension and rear-axle steering, the C-Class at least has the necessary features on board—both are listed together in the Agility & Comfort Package for €2,944.10 in the configurator.The air suspension allows for a greater range between driving dynamics and comfort at the touch of a button compared to conventional coil springs, even when combined with adaptive dampers. Meanwhile, rear-axle steering improves straight-line stability and comfort on the motorway while making the car extremely manoeuvrable at low speeds—such as in tight corners or when parking. Despite its 4.90-metre length, the C-Class is said to be almost as agile as a compact model.For context on pricing: €67,711 as a base price for a C-Class may initially seem steep. However, when compared to the internal combustion engine and hybrid portfolio, the C400e 4MATIC with EQ Hybrid technology starts at €73,428.95—featuring a 185 kW petrol engine and a 95 kW electric motor. Even the all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrids with the 300 designation are more expensive, at €68,906.95 (C300e with petrol) and €71,286.95 (C300de with diesel), compared to the electric C-Class with its more powerful all-wheel drive. Only the rear-wheel-drive petrol PHEV is slightly cheaper—so the list price of the electric C400 is certainly competitive.However, this does not necessarily apply to the carmaker’s optional extras policy. With a few clicks for AMG design packages, special paint finishes, a tow hitch (€1,279.25), the head-up display with augmented-reality functionality (€1,249.50), plus the additional AR function for the navigation system (€499.80), the Burmester sound system (€1,309), MB.Drive Assist (€1,785), the aforementioned suspension package, and the 360-degree camera for €690.20, the C400 4MATIC can easily exceed €100,000.Important note on charging: To enable the C-Class with its 800-volt system to charge at DC stations with only 400 volts, Mercedes requires an optional DC-DC converter, which costs €654.50. As standard, the electric C-Class can charge at alternating current (AC) charging points with 11 kW, while an optional 22 kW AC on-board charger is available—for an additional €654.50.mercedes-benz.com, mercedes-benz.de (configurator; in German)