The 2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class electric now has an Australian price. The single C400 4Matic variant starts at $105,700 before on-road costs, with orders open now and showroom arrivals expected in early 2027.
That figure matters because it lands almost exactly between the two grades of BMW's new electric i3, the car Mercedes is clearly aiming at. For buyers who have been waiting for an electric C-Class, the question is no longer when, but whether it is worth this much.
One variant, and it is the fast one
Mercedes is launching the electric C-Class with just one powertrain. The C400 4Matic uses two electric motors for all-wheel drive, producing 360kW and 800Nm.
Mercedes claims 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds. That is serious pace for a mid-size luxury sedan, and quicker than either BMW i3 grade on paper.
The battery has 94kWh of usable capacity. Local reports put the Australian-spec WLTP range at up to 753km, a little shy of the 762km figure Mercedes quotes globally.
Charging is a genuine strength
The C-Class electric runs an 800-volt electrical system. Mercedes quotes a 10 to 80 per cent DC fast charge in 22 minutes, with peak DC charging of 330kW.
Mercedes also claims up to 325km of range can be added in 10 minutes on a suitable fast charger. Real-world results depend on the charger, temperature and battery state, so treat that as a best case rather than a promise.
Practicality is decent for a sedan. Mercedes quotes a 470-litre boot plus a 101-litre front storage area under the bonnet.
C-Class electric vs BMW i3: price and range
The BMW i3 40 xDrive starts at $96,900 before on-road costs, and the i3 50 xDrive at $112,900. The Mercedes sits $8800 above the cheaper BMW and $7200 below the dearer one.
On outputs, the Mercedes beats both. The i3 40 xDrive makes 275kW and 520Nm, while the i3 50 xDrive makes 345kW and 645Nm.
Range is where BMW fights back. The i3 40 xDrive is rated at up to 710km WLTP, and the i3 50 xDrive at up to 912km. So the Mercedes beats the cheaper BMW on range but trails the flagship by a big margin.
We covered the BMW when it was first shown, and our 2027 BMW i3 electric sedan reveal coverage explains where that range figure comes from.
If you would rather compare BMW's current electric four-door, see the BMW i4 model page.
Both option packs take it to $119,100
Two option packs will tempt buyers. The $8200 Luxury Package adds the full-width MBUX Hyperscreen, ventilated front seats and heated outboard rear seats.
The $5200 Agility and Comfort Package adds air suspension and rear-axle steering. Tick both boxes and the list price climbs to $119,100 before on-road costs.
That is the number to keep in mind when a dealer quotes you. A well-optioned demonstrator can look like a good deal against the base price while still costing far more than the car you came in for.
Why the luxury car tax line matters here
For the 2026-27 financial year, the luxury car tax threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles is $91,661. LCT is charged at 33 per cent on the amount above the threshold, and it is already built into the advertised list price.
The C400 sits well above that line, and so do both BMW i3 grades. That has a knock-on effect for anyone planning a novated lease.
Under ATO rules, an electric car only qualifies for the FBT exemption if luxury car tax has never been payable on it. Because LCT applies to this car, it does not qualify.
That removes one of the biggest financial reasons Australians have been choosing EVs through salary packaging.
If packaging is part of your plan, read up on how the EV fringe benefits tax exemption changes from 2027 before you sign anything.
What to expect from dealers before deliveries start
With orders open months ahead of the first cars landing, expect dealers to ask for a deposit to secure an early build slot. Read the contract carefully, and confirm whether that deposit is refundable if pricing or specification changes before delivery.
Early allocations of a new luxury model often arrive with options already fitted. If you only want the base car, say so in writing and ask for the factory order details rather than accepting whatever is first off the boat.
It is also worth asking how on-road costs are being calculated. Stamp duty, registration and dealer delivery can add thousands, and the delivery charge is the part with the most room to negotiate.
Who should wait, and who should move now
If you want the quickest, most powerful electric sedan in this pair and do not need the longest range, the C400 makes a strong case at $105,700. If range is your priority, the i3 50 xDrive goes much further for an extra $7200.
If your budget is closer to $97,000, the i3 40 xDrive undercuts the Mercedes and still offers more than 700km of rated range.
Buyers who want a smaller electric Mercedes can also look at the CLA, which we covered in our Mercedes-Benz CLA hybrid and electric pricing story.
ANCAP has not yet published a rating for the electric C-Class, which is a separate model from the petrol car, so safety-focused buyers may want to wait for that result before committing.
Paying for a $100,000-plus EV without the FBT break
Without the FBT exemption, how you fund a car like the C400 matters more than usual. Dealer finance quoted at the showroom is convenient, but it is rarely the only option for a purchase at this price.
Loanseekers can help you compare car finance options before you lock in a deposit on the C-Class electric, so the repayment side is sorted while you wait for your build slot.
Approval and rates depend on your circumstances and the lender's criteria.
The finer details
Your questions answered.
When does the electric Mercedes C-Class arrive in Australia?
The C400 4Matic electric is available to order now, with showroom arrivals expected in early 2027. It launches as a single variant in four-door sedan form.
How much is the Mercedes C-Class electric in Australia?
The C400 4Matic electric is priced from $105,700 before on-road costs. Adding both the $8200 Luxury Package and the $5200 Agility and Comfort Package lifts the list price to $119,100 before on-roads.
What is the range of the Mercedes C400 electric?
Australian-spec range is reported at up to 753km on the WLTP cycle from a 94kWh usable battery. Mercedes quotes a 10 to 80 per cent DC fast charge in 22 minutes at up to 330kW.
Is the Mercedes C-Class electric better value than the BMW i3?
It sits between the two i3 grades, $8800 above the $96,900 i3 40 xDrive and $7200 below the $112,900 i3 50 xDrive. The Mercedes has more power and torque than both, but the i3 50 xDrive offers a far longer 912km WLTP range.
Can I get the Mercedes C-Class electric FBT free on a novated lease?
No. Its price is above the 2026-27 luxury car tax threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles of $91,661, so LCT applies. Under ATO rules, an EV that has had LCT payable does not qualify for the electric car FBT exemption.
What should I check before paying a deposit on a new C-Class electric?
Confirm in writing whether the deposit is refundable if price or specification changes before delivery. Also ask for a full breakdown of on-road costs and make sure you are not being allocated a car with options you did not order.
