Mercedes takes us for a ride in i3's key rival

Like the BMW, the next C-Class will be an EV and also petrol-powered

- Ellis Hyde [e-mail]

MERCEDES and BMW are moving almost in lockstep at the moment. Last year, the German powerhouses introduced their latest design language and next-generation electric-car technology with a showstopping midsize SUV. Now both are applying those advances to their world-famous compact saloons. The first-ever all-electric Mercedes C-Class will be unveiled towards the end of April, about a month behind BMW's new i3. Just days before the Mercedes' arch-rival was revealed, we took a trip over to Immendingen, Germany – Merc's testing facility – to ride shotgun in the C-Class EV.

It's interesting to see that as BMW redefines everything about its cars, Mercedes is intent on embracing the familiar. The visionary, but very computer mouse-like designs of the EQS and EQE saloons have been scrapped, with the C-Class Electric – which will be the car's official name, by the way – instead opting for a more traditional shape.