BMW’s New i3 Has Its First Real Rival — Meet the Electric C-Class

A Longtime Rivalry

For over 40 years, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have been butting heads in the compact executive sedan space. At first, it was 3 Series versus 190E, but the last 30-odd years have been 3 Series versus C-Class. Whether it’s with entry-level models or all-out performance versions, those two cars are always bound to rub fenders.

In today’s more electrified era, the two cars are still locked in a rivalry. BMW has drawn first blood with the i3, but Mercedes-Benz will soon reveal its hand with the first-ever C-Class EQ. As the saying goes, some things change, while some things stay the same.

First of its Kind

Following the commercial failure of the EQE and EQS, Mercedes-Benz has regrouped on its EV strategy, and a key part of it is that its electric models will have a greater resemblance to ICE models. It started with the CLA and GLB, and the GLC will also continue that trajectory. Now, it’s the C-Class’ turn.

The full name of the upcoming model is Mercedes-Benz C-Class with EQ Technology. Yeah, we’ll stick to C-Class EQ from this point onwards. Unlike the i3, which had a previous generation (but only for China), the C-Class EQ is the first of its kind in the model’s lineage. It’s a gamble, but the folks from Stuttgart needed to roll the dice for this one, as it can’t allow BMW to be the only one with an EV compact executive.

The First Impressions Are In

Several automotive publications have been given the opportunity to try out the C-Class EQ, albeit in prototype form. Mind you, by ‘try out’, we mean some motoring journalists were riding shotgun, so the driving impressions will have to wait. That said, it’s interesting timing given that the embargo was lifted right before the i3 was unveiled a few days ago.

So, what has been said about it so far? Well, Auto Express called it “hard to fault,” while Autocar said it still “feels like a true Benz.” Of course, praise for it is inevitable, as the car and the company are putting their best foot forward to make a favorable first impression.

But from what we observed with articles about the car, the ride and refinement tops the list of hits for the C-Class EQ. That’s thanks to double wishbones at the front and multi-links at the back with active and adaptive air suspension. As for performance, publications that rode in it described it as more effortless than explosive. Then again, the C-Class EQ is really more a brisk cruiser than a straight-up sport sedan.

What are the Specs?

So far, Mercedes-Benz isn’t revealing anything just yet. However, it’s likely to be the same as the GLC EQ. If so, battery-powered C-Class will come in 300, 300+, and 400 guises. The 300+ has a single motor with 369 hp and 372 lb-ft of torque, while the 400 delivers 483 hp and 596 lb-ft. Expect it to reach 60 mph faster than its crossover counterpart.

Wards Auto reckons that the battery size choices will be 64 kWh or 94 kWh. The same publication said that the range could be ‘in the region of 380 miles.’ The 300+ and 400 are touted for the North American market. Ultra-rapid charging is also part of the package, thanks to its 800V architecture, and a 10 to 80 percent charge could be done in about 20 minutes.

All that is just numbers right now, and those impressions could easily change from behind the wheel. We might not have to wait too long to find out if the C-Class EQ is actually up to scratch, as it’ll soon make its world premiere.