Mercedes-Benz and BMW’s long-standing rivalry in the midsize luxury sedan space is now extending into the electric era. With the unveiling of the first-ever electric C-Class and the new i3 – BMW’s first fully electric 3 Series – the two carmakers are set to go head-to-head in this segment in EV form for the first time. The electric C-Class is based on Mercedes’s MB.EA platform, shared with the GLC EV, while the BMW i3 sits on the Neue Klasse architecture that also underpins the iX3.
Here’s how they compare on key specifications:
Mercedes electric C-Class vs BMW i3: Battery and Range
| Specification | C 400 4MATIC | i3 50 xDrive |
| Battery size | 94kWh | 108.7kWh (expected) |
| Architecture | 800V | 800V |
| Claimed range (WLTP) | Up to 762km | Up to 900km |
| DC fast charging | Up to 330kW | Up to 400kW |
| Range added (10 min) | Up to 325km | Up to 400km |
| AC charging | Not specified | Up to 22kW |
The electric C-Class has a 94kWh (usable) battery pack and supports an 800V electrical system. Mercedes claims a WLTP range of up to 762km, with DC fast-charging speeds of up to 330kW that can add as much as 325km of range in 10 minutes. The model also uses a two-speed transmission on the rear axle, aimed at improving efficiency at higher speeds and supporting long-distance range.
BMW does not specify the i3’s battery capacity, but it is likely to use the same 108.7kWh battery pack as the iX3, which is also based on the Neue Klasse architecture. The i3 has a claimed WLTP range of up to 900km and is capable of 400kW DC fast charging, enabling up to 400km of range addition in 10 minutes. It also supports 22kW AC charging.
Mercedes electric C-Class vs BMW i3: Performance
The electric C-Class (C 400 4MATIC) produces 489hp and can accelerate from a standstill to 100kph in a claimed 4.0 seconds. It uses a dual-motor setup, thus enabling all-wheel drive.
The BMW i3 50 xDrive also uses a dual-motor setup, producing 469hp and 645Nm of torque. While acceleration figures are not specified, the power output is 20hp lower than the Mercedes.
Mercedes electric C-Class vs BMW i3: Design and dimensions
The electric C-Class follows the GLC EV’s design approach, adopting a coupe-like silhouette with a sloping roofline. Up front, it features an illuminated grille panel with a central star, while the headlamps integrate multiple lighting functions. The daytime running lamps (DRLs) use star-shaped elements, in line with newer Mercedes models. At the rear, it gets rounded, star-pattern tail-lamps and a fastback-style profile.
Mercedes has not disclosed full dimensions yet, but the electric C-Class has a wheelbase of 2,962mm. It also offers 470 litres of boot space along with a 101-litre frunk.
The BMW i3 is the second model to adopt BMW’s Neue Klasse design language. Up front, it features a slim, horizontal kidney grille design that integrates the headlights and fang-like DRLs, all encircled by LED bands. This is paired with a large hexagonal lower air dam and flared front fenders. In profile, the i3 follows what BMW calls a ‘2.5-box’ design, closer to a traditional sedan shape. It has flat, smooth body panels, flush door handles and large alloy wheels. At the rear, it gets a cliff-faced design with slim, non-connected tail-lamps, similar to the iX3. The BMW i3 is 4,760mm long and has a 2,897mm wheelbase.
Mercedes electric C-Class vs BMW i3: Interior and features
Inside, the electric C-Class gets a cabin layout centred around a 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen that spans the width of the dashboard. It integrates multiple displays under a single glass panel and runs on Mercedes’s MB.OS, with support for over-the-air updates, an AI-based assistant and navigation that factors in charging requirements. The C-Class also gets features such as a panoramic glass roof, ambient lighting, multi-zone climate control and electrically adjustable seats with memory, ventilation and massage functions. Driver assistance systems are supported by multiple sensors.
The BMW i3 also adopts a screen-heavy layout, with a 17.9-inch rhomboidal central touchscreen and BMW’s Panoramic Vision display running across the far end of the dashboard, which doubles as the driver’s display. It also gets a steering wheel with vertical twin spokes and a drive selector on the centre console. Features on the i3 include powered front seats, ambient lighting, Level 2 ADAS, a wireless charging pad and an AI-based assistant. Optional extras include a 3D head-up display and a panoramic glass roof.