by Choi Youngchan
Published 20 Apr.2026 20:00(KST)
The All-New Electric C-Class, the first electrified model of Mercedes-Benz's global best-selling C-Class, was unveiled for the first time in the world in Seoul on April 20.
The first electrified model of Mercedes-Benz's global best-selling C-Class, the "The All-New Electric C-Class." Photo by Youngchan Choi
원본보기 아이콘This event marks the first-ever world premiere to be held in Korea in Mercedes-Benz brand history. Key executives, including Ola Kaellenius, Chairman of the Board of Management and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Joerg Burzer, Member of the Board of Management and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), and Matthias Geisen, Member of the Board of Management and Head of Sales & Customer Experience, visited Korea for the event. Approximately 80 international journalists from around the world were also invited and attended the debut of the vehicle.
Chairman Ola Kaellenius stated, "We decided to hold the world premiere in Korea to send a message about how important this market is to us," adding, "Korea is our fifth largest market worldwide, and Korean customers are highly tech-savvy and among those who best understand our innovations."
The C-Class is one of the most popular model series in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. The All-New Electric C-Class maintains its core values of elegance, comfort, intelligence, and sportiness, while elevating each to a new level, resulting in a sedan that perfectly expresses each customer’s individuality and lifestyle. The All-New Electric C-Class takes the "Welcome Home" emotion to new heights with its outstanding quality and comfort, so that occupants feel at home as soon as they enter the vehicle.
The All-New Electric C-Class embodies the latest Mercedes-Benz design language with a coupe-like silhouette, an iconic grille featuring 1,050 luminous dots, and a striking GT-style rear design. Inside, the Sky Control panoramic roof is adorned with 162 stars that shine and change color according to the ambient lighting selected by the user, providing a personalized experience.
The All-New Electric C-Class offers a variety of convenience options and ample space. Its exquisitely crafted materials, including vegan-certified interiors, the perfectly executed "Twisted Diamond" Nappa leather design, and exceptional quietness, create a uniquely captivating atmosphere. The new high-end electric seats feature lumbar support, massage, seat ventilation, and 4D sound functions, delivering the highest level of comfort to passengers.
The interior of 'The All-New Electric C-Class,' the first electrified model of Mercedes-Benz's global best-selling model, the C-Class. Photo by Choi Youngchan
원본보기 아이콘The wheelbase has been extended by 97mm compared to the previous C-Class sedan, resulting in more legroom for front-seat passengers. Thanks to the standard panoramic roof, headroom has increased by 22mm in the front and 11mm in the rear, enabling a more comfortable driving experience. Additionally, the 101-liter front trunk provides ample storage space, while the rear trunk offers a capacity of 470 liters.
The optional 39.1-inch seamless MBUX Hyperscreen sets a new standard, delivering a comprehensive driving and spatial experience. With over 1,000 individual LEDs and matrix backlight technology that allows independent brightness control, it provides clear information to the driver and personalized entertainment for front passengers.
Regarded as the sportiest C-Class ever, the All-New Electric C-Class raises the bar for driving enjoyment. According to Mercedes-Benz, the vehicle boasts agile cornering and S-Class-like smoothness on long-distance drives. The 4.5-degree rear-wheel steering system reduces the turning radius to as little as 5.6 meters (turning diameter 11.2 meters), and the AIRMATIC air suspension with damping function is equipped. Both features are available as part of the optional "Agility & Comfort Package."
The car delivers a WLTP-rated maximum range of 762km thanks to its advanced aerodynamics, heat pump, and an innovative one-box braking system with up to 300kW of regenerative braking. The new battery, featuring 800-volt technology and a usable energy capacity of 94kW, enables a driving range of 325km with just 10 minutes of charging. Furthermore, it supports bidirectional charging, allowing it to be used as a mobile energy storage device.
The first electrified model of Mercedes-Benz's global best-selling model, the C-Class, 'The All-New Electric C-Class'. Photo by Youngchan Choi
원본보기 아이콘The All-New Electric C-Class offers enhanced convenience for drivers, thanks to even more advanced intelligence. The Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) integrates all aspects of the vehicle-including infotainment, convenience features, driving performance, charging, and autonomous driving-into a single intelligent ecosystem, while supporting regular over-the-air (OTA) software updates for all vehicle systems. This allows the car to remain up to date for years without the need to visit the service network, and enables the rapid and convenient addition of new features, from entertainment to driver assistance systems.
In addition, the MBUX virtual assistant powered by generative AI performs complex conversations based on memory, responding like a knowledgeable friend. Electric Intelligence Navigation, MBUX Surround Navigation, and the AR head-up display ensure clear guidance even in complex traffic conditions.
Furthermore, the All-New Electric C-Class provides excellent cabin temperature control in winter, rapidly reaching optimal interior temperatures without preheating. For example, when driving for 20 minutes at minus 7 degrees Celsius, the interior temperature rises twice as quickly as in previous models, while using only about half the energy thanks to the multi-source heat pump.
From DISTRONIC and MB. Drive Assist to PRE-SAFE Curve functions, the vehicle offers comprehensive active and passive safety features. The pioneering optional assistance feature MB. Drive Assist Pro enables seamless and safe point-to-point driving even in congested urban traffic. This system will first be launched in the United States, and will be introduced in other markets such as Europe as regulations permit.
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