Mercedes-Benz's new electric C-Class has arrived, entering a soft market for both EVs and sedans in the US, but Engadget's first drive found it a marked improvement on the brand's earlier electric efforts, particularly on range. The C 400 4Matic offers dual-motor all-wheel drive with more power than the current petrol AMG C43, marking a significant technical leap for the nameplate even as rivals like the Chevrolet Malibu and Buick Regal have been discontinued.

The C 400 4Matic produces 483 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque from its twin motors, enough for a 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds and a 130mph top speed. Its 94-kilowatt-hour battery charges at up to 330 kilowatts, taking 22 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent, with a claimed 474-mile WLTP range likely to translate to around 425 miles under the stricter US EPA test — comfortably ahead of Mercedes' EQE sedan. The reviewer praised the striking cabin and design but singled out the sprawling 39.1-inch "Hyperscreen" dashboard display as a weaker point of an otherwise accomplished car.