Quo vadis, Mercedes? Alex testet die neue elektrische C-Klasse | auto mobil

Key info about the product (Mercedes new electric C-Class)

• Positioning/design: More “dynamic and digital” than before, with a very noticeable illuminated front and a coupé-like stance.
• Big promise from Mercedes/press kit: S-Class-level driving comfort, especially with optional air suspension + adaptive dampers.
• Battery/range claims: 94 kWh battery, WLTP max range: 762 km. 10–80% charging in ~22 minutes (claimed).
• Highway trip claim: Mercedes suggests ~1000 km with a single charging stop on motorway journeys—Alex tests feasibility.

Main features mentioned

1) Comfort / ride quality

• Alex drives in Comfort mode; describes slight rocking over uneven roads.
• Claims this comfort is very close to S-Class in ride feel, smoothness, and quietness.
• Notes air suspension is a key enabler.

2) Performance / sport mode

• In Sport mode, the car isn’t extremely aggressive; it’s snappy but still comfortable (not “show-off” sporty like some BMW behavior).
• 0–100 km/h: ~4 seconds (stated in the press kit)
• Power: 490 hp
• Alex questions the marketing claim of “sportiest C-Class of all time,” noting earlier/faster C-Classes existed (including references to models that could exceed 210 km/h top speed).

3) Interior / “analog + digital elegance”

• Large digital display/touchscreen is described as visually nice, with graphics presented in an elegant way.
• Alex argues it’s not actually more elegant, since large displays are now common.
• Too much information/graphics can make it hard to find important navigation info.

4) Control feel / physical details

• Some analog elements exist, like physical clicking/controls.
• Complaint: A very loud clicking sound from ventilation outlets; also plastic framing around some elements feels less premium.
• Regenerative braking “pads”: described as hard plastic-looking, visually and tactilely cheap, and even not “clicky” (as shown in subtitles). Alex considers this a serious misstep for the segment.

5) AI infotainment

• The latest infotainment purportedly combines ChatGPT, Gemini, and Bing.
• Alex tests AI by asking for a ≥400 kW charging station + burger place nearby.
• The AI finds a fast charging station but can’t confirm the burger/restaurant.
• Alex criticizes that you don’t need AI for simple tasks and expects better “background” reasoning/navigation.

6) Efficiency test / 1000 km claim

• Alex outlines what must align for Mercedes’s 1000 km with one stop claim:
  • Low consumption (target mentioned: average < 17 kWh/100 km; ideally ~16.9 kWh)
  • Low air filtration / aerodynamic efficiency and overall low air resistance (ties into CW × frontal area)
  • High charging speed
  • Sufficient battery size
  • Realistic average speed goal: ~100 km/h including charging stops
• Real-world test approach:
  • Drives motorway segments at typical permitted speeds (Finland), varying speed (not extreme hypermiling).
  • Starts above target: at 111 km/h average, still >17.9 kWh/100 km, so 1000 km wouldn’t be feasible there.
  • Better result: 65 km round trip, 106 km/h average, 16.1 kWh/100 km.
• Conclusion: The 1000 km with one stop is achievable under the right conditions—Alex says the press kit wasn’t exaggerating; it was “quite the opposite.”

Pros (as stated)

• Ride comfort is excellent, very close to S-Class-level behavior thanks to air suspension and tuning.
• Smooth, quiet launch and effortless driving feel.
• Sport mode tuning: energetic without becoming uncomfortable or overly “extreme.”
• Efficiency claim appears credible: motorway consumption suggests Mercedes can be right about long-distance planning with one charging stop (under conditions).

Cons (as stated)

• Seating/space doesn’t match true S-Class lounging:
  • Battery placement pushes seat/position; Alex can’t lounge or place feet properly.
  • No “foot garage” mentioned; overall feels more cramped than S-Class.
• Interior infotainment usability:
  • Too much graphic information; navigation-critical info can be difficult to find.
• Premium-feel issues:
  • Loud clicking from ventilation outlets; plastic frames around some parts.
  • Regenerative braking elements look/feel like hard plastic, which Alex considers a serious misstep for the class.
• AI expectation mismatch:
  • AI can’t reliably fulfill a combined “charging + specific nearby food” request; Alex questions why AI is needed if it can’t do the meaningful part.

Comparisons made

• Compared to Mercedes S-Class
  • Ride comfort: very close (especially in Comfort mode with air suspension).
  • Seating ergonomics: not close—Alex says it doesn’t truly let you “sit like in the back of an S-Class.”
• Compared to typical sporty “rival behavior” (BMW reference)
  • Sport mode doesn’t chase extreme cornering show-off like some BMW sporty setups.

Notable numerical claims mentioned

• Battery: 94 kWh
• WLTP max range: 762 km
• Charging: 10–80% in ~22 minutes
• 0–100 km/h: ~4 seconds
• Power: 490 hp
• Price (start): ~€67,000

1000 km feasibility targets/thresholds

• Needs average consumption < 17 kWh/100 km
• Example: 16.9 kWh would allow ~1001 km (with some stated charging/charge assumptions)
• Real test result: 16.1 kWh over a 65 km motorway round trip at 106 km/h average
• Early segment: >17.9 kWh at 111 km/h average → not enough for the 1000 km scenario

Overall user experience verdict

Alex’s conclusion is mixed-but-strong:

• Driving/comfort: The car largely delivers on the press promise—smooth, quiet, comfort-oriented driving that feels S-Class-like.
• But: The interior “premium” details and ergonomics (especially seating/space and some physical/regen control feel) undermine the comparison to S-Class.
• Marketing check: Mercedes’s 1000 km with one stop claim appears believable based on his motorway consumption test.

Concise recommendation

Recommended if you prioritize comfort and highway efficiency in an electric C-Class and can live with some S-Class-like comfort that doesn’t fully translate to cabin ergonomics, plus a few premium-feel/infotainment shortcomings.