What did Mercedes-Benz do to the all-new C-Class?

The big three German manufacturers are revamping their core sedans; we’ve seen it with the BMW i3, the Audi A5, and now, it’s the turn of Mercedes-Benz to tweak the long-running C-Class, well, for the better or worse. The all-new W520 C-Class is a very, very divisive update, one that also makes the sedan fully electric.

The new 800V architecture allows the car to squeeze out up to 762km from its 94kWh battery, and it can be charged at speeds of up to 330kW. In fact, up to 325km can be added in just 10 minutes. Eventually, other variants will follow with different drivetrains and battery capacities, including an upcoming long-range variant with around 800km on a single charge.

Its all-new platform is something worth talking about, as Mercedes-Benz calls this the sportiest C-Class ever. With the C 400 4MATIC EV, it is capable of 489 horsepower, and the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system allows it to sprint from 0 to 100kph in four seconds. It also comes with an optional air suspension and 4.5° rear-axle steering that should allow “S-Class-like ride” and impressive maneuverability.

Now, for the most controversial aspect of the car: its design. Mercedes-Benz is proud of its coupe-like design with a very efficient drag coefficient of 0.22. With clever streamlined bumpers, smooth panels, and aerodynamic flush-fitting wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches, and a sealed-off underbody.

The front fascia has the brand’s newest design language that made its debut on the equally polarizing GLC EV, with the same big, bright illuminated grille that stands out. In fact, the headlight shape with its tri-star DRL, and rear light signature with circle and tri-star elements just makes it look a bit more show-offish and less elegant, unlike previous C-Class designs.

The vegan-certified interior uses high-quality materials, with a Softorino leather grain pattern found on the seats, alongside either natural fiber trim, open-pore birch wood, or AMG carbon fiber.

This also has a panoramic roof with 162 illuminated stars, and there’s an optional new MBUX Hyperscreen that has a 39.1-inch screen stretching from edge to edge on the dashboard for the MBUX operating system. This can be paired with an optional Burmester 4D Surround Sound System with body-sound speakers integrated within the backrests of each front seat for an immersive experience.

Of course, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will make its way to the Philippines, so it’s a matter of when Mercedes-Benz Philippines will introduce it. However, what do you think of this vehicle’s new design?

^{Photos from Mercedes-Benz}