Mercedes Benz has just announced the all-new 20217 Mercedes C 400 4MATIC EV. Here's how it compares to the 2027 i3 50 xDrive EV.


2027 Mercedes-Benz C 400 4MATIC

Platform: MB.EA (Dedicated EV)
Drivetrain: Dual-Motor AWD
Power: 482 hp / 590 lb-ft torque
0–60 mph: 3.9 seconds
Battery: 94.0 kWh (Usable)
Range (Est.): ~400 miles (EPA) / 473 miles (WLTP)
Charging: 330 kW (800V Architecture)
10-80% Charge: ~22 minutes
Transmission: 2-Speed (Rear Motor)


2027 BMW i3 50 xDrive (Neue Klasse)

Platform: Neue Klasse (Dedicated EV)
Drivetrain: Dual-Motor AWD
Power: 463 hp / 476 lb-ft torque
0–60 mph: ~4.1 seconds
Battery: 108.7 kWh (Usable)
Range (Est.): ~440 miles (EPA) / 560 miles (WLTP)
Charging: 400 kW (800V Architecture)
10-80% Charge: ~21 minutes
Transmission: 1-Speed

Not sure why Mercedes insists on adopting the profile of a 2-box coupe-like like the 4 Gran Coupe or the A5 Sportback but still using a traditional trunk rather than a full hatch opening.

Certainly some competition for “Most Divisive Design”. Not sure how I feel about either of these. Hopefully they’re better in person.

The C class looks nicer from most angles. The 3 series looks like an econobox in comparison. Specifically lacking some heft or muscle on the sides and back. The front looks like someone sat on it and smushed its face in comparison to the unapologetic C class look.

I think my problem with the 3 is that it is soft where it needs to have character lines and is boxy where it needs to have smoothness.

There are parts of the 3 and Cs front I like and parts that I don’t. The C is marginally ahead in my mind right now.

Not fond of the continued egg shape design of Mercedes. I’ve never liked any car with that rounded appearance. I also don’t like the big flat grill. The simple logo in the center was best, like the early 2000’s SLK. It does have a much nicer rear end than the BMW.

Can't wait to see the head-to-head review of these two!

The Benz looks like an Audi now..grills are almost interchangeable.. BMW can't get enough edges in there design.. what is going on with these companies that gave us the E3x/E4x, W201.. classic designs..

There’s something about the Benz that makes it look beaver-ish

Edit: I seen pics of the interiors and Benz takes the cake. I can look past the front end design for a luxurious interior

Stats and pics are interesting. How about brake feel, adaptive regen, synthetic noise, and build quality? The last merc ev I drove (EQE) was abysmal compared to BMW on those.

the rear of the MB looks pretty cool but so does the BMW. I need to see them in person

Merc everything is so rounded out. I am not a fan.

kgelfen360 wrote

Merc everything is so rounded out. I am not a fan.

Agreed. It’s better than the original EQ lineup but it’s still pretty eggy.

BMW side profile is way better imo.

Lebbros wrote

There’s something about the Benz that makes it look beaver-ish

The little intakes in the bottom front corners look like chubby cheeks a rodent would have (like a chipmunk collecting acorns), particularly the way the front bumper curves out toward them in the front 1/4 view.

Interesting that the Merc has more HP and a LOT more torque than the i3. ..Will have to see if BMW has underrated their specs perhaps.
I don't like the silver Mercedes Grill. Reminds me of some of the early E-Tron Audis. And those round tail lights kind of remind me of a Chevy Impala!

interestingly, to me at least, the C is quite a bit larger in length and wheelbase compared to the i3. There are no published dimensions, but one video i saw said its over 192in long compared to the i3 @187in. That's a massive difference. Wheelbase is 2in longer too.

the C EV is really close to the ICE E sedan

If you split the grill down the middle on that C class, you’d have the same grill that’s on the current 4 series.

What's not shown is the interior. IMO Mercedes nailed this. Proper trims, no plastic consoles and nice leather interiors. Pretty upscale IMO.

Range definitely goes to BMW due to their 108+kwh battery vs 94kwh on the Merc; same as peak charge but efficiency will likely be the same. The new Mercedes models starting with the CLA are really efficient...

Wolfman64 wrote

What's not shown is the interior. IMO Mercedes nailed this. Proper trims, no plastic consoles and nice leather interiors. Pretty upscale IMO.

Counterpoint: overwrought and gaudy. Massive screen with huge bezels between each screen, excessive disco-level of ambient lighting, faux-luxury diamond pattern in the seat (the next black wheels trend, IMO), minivan like center console with "mom's purse" storage underneath, ridiculous star pattern glass roof.

HARD pass.

Wow, both cars seem to set new standards. Both are just incredibly exciting. The Merc leads for me wrt interiour and with its gearbox, it will launch faster while being more efficient at higher speeds. The BMW will most probably still take the crown wrt vehicle dynamics. Although I never had a better car than my current i4 edrive40, I can't wait for the lease to end.

air suspension and rear wheel steering is a major plus for the MB c class ev

Turbanator wrote

Not sure why Mercedes insists on adopting the profile of a 2-box coupe-like like the 4 Gran Coupe or the A5 Sportback but still using a traditional trunk rather than a full hatch opening.

I tend to believe that a sedan has higher rigidity than a lift back. My i4 and the one of my colleague suffer from parasitic creak. Not to the extent that torsion feels like a problem, but nevertheless, it shouldn't be.

What is it with Americans calling cars designed, produced, delivered and registered in 2026 “2027 [insert car]”?