Mercedes has showcased the first-ever, battery-powered C-Class ahead of its launch later this year.

The inaugural electric C-Class saloon hits back at the recently unveiled BMW i3 and, Mercedes says, will be “the most powerful and sportiest C‑Class we’ve ever built, offering pure driving pleasure and outstanding real-world range”.

Positioned below the EQE and EQS saloons, the electric C-Class will sit alongside the existing C-Class ICE counterpart, which will remain on sale. According to reports, it will only be offered in saloon guise; Mercedes has said it’s not planning to offer an estate version.

The electric C-Class is based on the 800V MB.EA architecture, also used for the new GLC Electric, and will deliver 470 litres of boot space, a 101-litre frunk and a towing capacity of up to 1,800kg.

Early versions will get a 94kWh battery that delivers the headline 762km WLTP (473-mile) range and can recharge at up to 300kW, giving a range of up to 325km (201 miles) in some 10 minutes.

The electric saloon is also ready for bidirectional vehicle-to-grid charging.

Mercedes says the electric C-Class is an “extremely agile cornering machine and as smooth as an S‑Class on long journeys”, thanks to 4.5‑degree rear-axle steering, which cuts the turning circle to 11.2m, and Airmatic air suspension with predictive damping based on Car-to-X4 and Google Maps data.

Styling delivers a coupé-like silhouette, standout grille featuring 1,050 illuminated dots and athletic GT rear.

Interior comfort is a “in a class of its own” and the cabin comes with a certified vegan interior, ‘Twisted Diamond’ Nappa leather design, “outstanding acoustic comfort” plus new high-end electric seats with lumbar support, massage, seat ventilation and 4D sound.

Technology includes the pillar-to-pillar 39.1‑inch MBUX Hyperscreen, MBUX Virtual Assistant with generative AI, navigation with Electric Intelligence, MBUX Surround Navigation and an AR head-up display. The Mercedes‑Benz Operating System (MB.OS) enables regular over-the-air updates for all vehicle software and able to add new functions, from entertainment to driving assistance systems.

The electric C-Class also gets the Sky Control panoramic roof, which illuminates with 162 stars.

Safety features include Distronic and MB.Drive assistance as well as the Pre-Safe curve function. Optional assistance functions bring MB.Drive Assist Pro SAE Level 2+ driver assistance system.