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When Mercedes-Benz unveiled the new C-Class Electric alongside BMW’s i3 earlier this year, it initially seemed as though Stuttgart had been outpaced in the electric executive sedan race – not only because BMW’s 3 Series equivalent appeared first, but also because its numbers looked stronger on paper.

On the spec sheet, the BMW i3 leads the C-Class Electric in several key areas, including official driving range, charging performance, and pricing – with the i3 starting at £53,000, compared to the Mercedes’ £58,000.

BMW’s electric saloon is underpinned by the Gen6 platform, the same architecture that has earned the iX3 SUV widespread praise for its dynamic capabilities. Meanwhile, the Mercedes C-Class Electric uses the brand’s MLA platform, which has already shown itself to be a touch softer and less engaging in the GLC Electric – though still highly competent in its own right.

However, after an early passenger ride in the new C-Class ahead of our full test drive in the coming weeks, there’s plenty to be optimistic about. Following a modest start with the capable but somewhat uninspiring EQE, and subsequent redemption with the CLA – currently one of our favourite compact saloons – it appears Mercedes has finally found the right formula for a mainstream electric executive car.

One of the first noticeable changes is that this new C-Class feels larger in every dimension than its predecessors. It’s longer, wider, and noticeably taller – a result of its skateboard-style EV architecture, where the body essentially sits atop the battery and chassis like a hat.

Visually, the glass roof and black detailing around the rear help reduce the perception of bulk, although the sides are still a bit slab-like. There’s also a faint echo of the EQE’s rounded design at the nose, despite Mercedes-Benz’s ongoing efforts to give its EVs a more distinct, sculpted identity.

Some of the design details might divide opinion – particularly the abundance of three-pointed star motifs, including those integrated into the lights, which come across as a touch ostentatious in an era when understated, minimalist styling is trending among rivals.

Still, the car is unmistakably a C-Class, yet noticeably more futuristic than its petrol or diesel counterparts.

Step inside, and the C-Class Electric impresses with its practicality. There’s generous interior room, a wide and deep boot – though with a saloon-style opening due to the sloping roofline – and even a front storage area under the bonnet large enough for a small suitcase or a couple of overnight bags.

Seating comfort is excellent across both rows, with soft yet supportive bolsters and high-quality leather upholstery reinforcing the car’s long-distance touring credentials.

The overall sense of refinement is pure Mercedes. The grained tan leather interior is particularly appealing, and thoughtful touches such as padded door panels and cushioned windowsills enhance the cabin’s comfort. The optional wood trim around the centre console adds warmth and character, setting it apart from the more clinical interiors seen in some competitors.

Fit and finish appear to have taken a step up from the less expensive CLA, as one would expect, and could even rival the considerably pricier EQS in terms of perceived quality.

Dominating the dashboard is a vast 39.1-inch display stretching across the full width of the cabin – the largest screen currently fitted to any production car. While it initially seems overwhelming, the crisp graphics and cinematic presentation lend a sense of drama that feels appropriate for a luxury EV of this calibre.

That said, some drivers may miss physical controls for basic functions like climate adjustment. Having to tap through menus on such a large touchscreen while driving may not be ideal. Certain features, such as the live camera feed that appears when stopped at traffic lights, could also prove distracting in everyday use. We’ll reserve final judgment until we’ve tested the car from behind the wheel.

On the move, the C-Class Electric in launch-spec C400 trim – delivering 483bhp – glides forward almost silently. Despite its impressive output, the car’s delivery feels unhurried and composed, capable of matching the acceleration of the previous V8-powered AMG C63 if pushed.

The ride quality is superb, with the car floating over imperfections yet maintaining composure. Minor vibrations from drain covers or uneven tarmac are effectively suppressed and fade away at higher speeds. Drive modes make a tangible difference: Comfort mode provides a plush, relaxed experience without excessive body roll, while Sport mode firms up the suspension and sharpens responses noticeably. Rear-wheel steering also feels more pronounced during quick manoeuvres, such as when navigating roundabouts.

Returning to Comfort mode brings immediate relief – it’s like swapping athletic shoes for slippers. The refinement is remarkable, with little to no tyre noise even at moderate speeds, and excellent cabin insulation that allows for easy conversation at highway pace.

As a first impression, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Electric shows immense promise. While we still need to experience it from the driver’s seat to deliver a complete verdict, early signs suggest that the long-standing rivalry between BMW and Mercedes-Benz is set to continue at full strength in the electric era – and the outcome is far from predictable.