Mercedes-Benz Ireland has announced prices for the new all-electric C-Class saloon (actually, it's a fastback…), which will arrive on forecourts in the last quarter of this year.
Go on then, how much?
The new C-Class will have a starting price of €72,290 for the C400 4MATIC and €78,990 for the same model in AMG-Line trim, which is a very popular specification.
You can read our Mercedes-Benz C-Class reviews here.
Is that quite expensive?
A bit, yes. It's comparable in price to the entry-level BMW iX3 electric SUV, which more than likely means that the incoming i3 saloon, with comparable power and more range, will be more affordable than the C-Class. There will be more affordable rear-drive versions of the C-Class, and Mercedes claims that one of those models will exceed 800km of range.
What kind of performance will this new C-Class have?
The C400 4MATIC, as the name suggests, gets two electric motors, a 94kWh battery, and a claimed range of 762km with an average energy consumption of 15kWh/100km. It's quick, too, acceleration from 0-100km/h in just 4.0 seconds.
What about charging?
The C-Class gets 800-volt charging, capable of accepting 330kW of power from a high-speed DC charging point, allowing for a potential 22-minute 10-80 per cent charging time and adding as much as 325km of extra range in just 10 minutes. It's also compatible out of the box with older 400-volt chargers.
Does the C-Class use the same platform as the new CLA?
No, they're quite different. The CLA is on a platform which also uses hybrid combustion power and is paired with the new GLB SUV. The C-Class gets a new, very high-tech, electric car platform called MB.EA, which is currently also shared with the new electric GLC.
Will there be a hybrid version?
No, this C-Class is electric-only, but the existing C-Class, in an updated and upgraded form, will remain on sale alongside its new electric brother, with hybrid and mild-hybrid power.
When can I have one?
Order books are open now, and the first deliveries will take place towards the end of this year. Patrick Howlett, National Sales Manager, Mercedes-Benz Ireland, said: "The all-new electric C-Class represents a landmark evolution for one of Mercedes-Benz's most celebrated nameplates. Irish customers can expect the refinement, intelligence, and driving pleasure that defines the C-Class - now elevated for a fully electric age. Seamlessly blending dynamic performance with sophisticated comfort and cutting-edge technology, this is without question the most advanced C-Class ever created."