The new C-Class EV is distinct from both its gas-powered sibling and Mercedes’s other battery-powered cars. A longer wheelbase means it’s sleeker than the former, while sharper lines give it a more defined shape than the latter. The most eye-catching detail is the giant illuminated faux grille, which it shares with it SUV equivalent, the GLC, that sits at its nose and is winged by a headlights with a star motif. It, along with its fastback-style roofline and large rear, won’t be to everyone’s liking, but it’s a much more visually striking vehicle than the jellybean-like EQE and EQS.

The interior is also dominated by a giant glowing feature. Here, it’s the 39.1-inch Hyperscreen, which stretches from one end of the dashboard to the other and includes the instrument cluster, infotainment system, and a passenger display. The driver also has access to an augmented reality head-up system, that projects an 18-inch display onto the front windshield. The rest of the cabin is covered in premium materials, including a fully vegan upholstery option, and features more legroom, headroom, and cargo space than the gas-powered C-Class. Rounding things out is a panoramic glass roof that comes standard.

The first electric C-Class, the C400 4Matic, features a dual-motor powertrain. The setup, which includes one motor on the front axle and another equipped with a two-speed transmission on the rear, makes 482 hp and 590 ft lbs (800 Nm) of torque, which is split to all four wheels. That’s enough power to rocket the car from zero to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds (0-100 km/hr in 4 seconds), while it tops out at a computer-controlled 130 mph (209 km/hr).

The EV gets its juice from a battery with 94 kWh of usable capacity. Mercedes says the sedan can travel 472 miles (760 km) on a single charge, but that estimate was reached using the more forgiving WLTP testing standard. Outlets like Car and Driver and Motor1.com suggest the EPA’s range estimate will be closer to 350 miles (563 km). An 800-volt architecture will allow for DC fast charging, so no one should have range anxiety about this EV. The car will also feature regenerative smart braking and an optional Airmatic suspension system with intelligent dampers.

This story was first published on Robb Report USA. Featured photo by Mercedes-Benz