Car Buyer's Guide

Lotus Eletre vs Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class

Lotus Eletre

Lotus Eletre

Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class

Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class

Verdict

At RM499,000, the Lotus Eletre costs RM55,112 more than the RM443,888 Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class, but it brings a 112-kWh battery, a claimed 600-km EV range and 350-kW DC charging. Its 603-hp, 710-Nm twin-motor AWD system is marginally quicker to 100 km/h at 4.5 seconds, while the 688-litre boot is 233 litres larger. The Mercedes is the easier Malaysian tax bill at RM380 annually against RM1,440, and its 4,751-mm sedan body is far less imposing than the Eletre’s 5,103-mm SUV footprint.

Eletre

Pick the Lotus Eletre if you want 600 km of claimed electric range, 688 litres of boot space and 4.5-second 0-100 km/h pace.

AMG C-Class

Pick the Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class if lower purchase cost, RM380 annual road tax and a smaller CKD sedan body matter more than EV range.

Key differences

  • Price: Lotus Eletre RM499,000; Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class RM443,888.
  • 0-100 km/h: Lotus Eletre 4.5 seconds; Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class 4.6 seconds.
  • Length: Lotus Eletre 5,103 mm; Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class 4,751 mm.
  • Boot space: Lotus Eletre 688 litres; Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class 455 litres.
  • Annual road tax: Lotus Eletre RM1,440; Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class RM380.
  • Tyres: Lotus Eletre 255/50R20 front and 285/40R20 rear; Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class 245/40R19 front and 265/35R19 rear.

Eletre

  • 112-kWh battery with a claimed 600-km EV range
  • 350-kW DC and 22-kW AC charging capability
  • 688-litre boot and 603-hp twin-motor AWD
  • Costs RM55,112 more.
  • Annual road tax is RM1,060 higher.
  • At 2,135 mm wide, it is 315 mm wider than the Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class.

AMG C-Class

  • RM380 annual road tax
  • Panoramic glass roof and powered front seats with memory
  • AMG Ride Control adaptive dampers and 360-degree camera
  • 455-litre boot is 233 litres smaller.
  • Its 4.6-second 0-100 km/h time trails the Eletre by 0.1 seconds.
  • It cannot match the Eletre’s claimed 600-km electric range.
Price & overview
PriceRM 499,000RM 443,888
Body typeSUVSedan
SegmentExecutiveCompact Executive
AssemblyCBUCKD
Powertrain
Engine Tech16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Mild Hybrid Assist
Capacity1,999 cc
Horsepower402 hp
Torque500 Nm
Cylinder ArrangementInline
Timing TypeChain
FuelElectricPetrol Hybrid/REV
Number of Motors21
Motor Horsepower603 hp14 hp
Motor Torque710 Nm
Battery TypeLithium-ionLithium-ion
Battery Capacity112 kWh
EV Range600 km
Charger Type (AC)Type 2
Charging Rate (AC)22 kW
Charger Type (DC)CCS
Charging Rate (DC)350 kW
Drivetrain
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticDual-clutch Automatic (Wet)
Transmission NameAMG Speedshift MCT 9G-Tronic
Gears9
Transmission ManufacturerMercedes-Benz
DrivelineAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h4.5 seconds4.6 seconds
Top Speed258 km/h250 km/h
Dimensions
Length5,103 mm4,751 mm
Width2,135 mm1,820 mm
Height1,630 mm1,437 mm
Wheelbase3,019 mm2,865 mm
Weight2,490 kg
Fuel Tank50 litres
Doors54
Seats55
Boot Space688 litres455 litres
Front Tyre255/50R20245/40R19
Rear Tyre285/40R20265/35R19
Factory TyresMichelin Pilot Sport EVContinental SportContact 7
Chassis
AssemblyChina (CBU)Malaysia (CKD)
ChassisUnibodyUnibody
Front SuspensionMulti-linkDouble Wishbones
Rear SuspensionMulti-linkDouble Wishbones
Front Wheels20" 5-spoke Aero Alloy19" Alloys
Rear Wheels20" 5-spoke Aero Alloy19" Alloys
Front BrakesVentilated DiscsVentilated and Cross Drilled Disc
Rear BrakesVentilated DiscsVentilated Disc
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist)
Chassis NotesAMG Ride Control - Adaptive Dampers
Safety
AirbagsDriver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags, Front Center Airbags and Front Knee AirbagsDriver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain
ABS/EBD
Stability Control
Alarm
Immobilizer
Airbag Disable Function
Child Safety LockElectronic for Rear DoorsManual for Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System
ISOFIXAvailable on two rear passenger seatsAvailable on Outer Two Rear Seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYesYes
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionSteering Correction
Collision Warning
Seatbelt ReminderAll SeatsAll Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsProjector LED with Dynamic IndicatorsDigital Light LED Projector
TaillampsFull LED with Dynamic IndicatorsFull LED
LED Daytime Running Lights
Rear Foglamps
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators
Cabin
Front SeatsPower Adjustable Front SeatsDriver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings
Rear Seats40:20:40 Split-folding40:20:40 Split-folding
Front Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control System
Rear Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control
SunroofPanoramic Glass Roof
Power Sockets2 USB-C front, 2 USB-C rear4x Front USB-C, 1x Wireless Charger
Interior LightingMap Lights and Ambient LightsMap Lights and Active Ambient Lights (64 Colours)
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 2 Rear
Sun ShadePanoramic Sunroof Shade
Audio15.1" Touchscreen with Lotus Hyper OS, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 15-speaker KEF Reference Audio11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 15-speaker Burmester Sound System
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Automatic with Anti-pinchFour Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch
Engine StartKeyless Operation (Depress Brake Pedal)Keyless Push Button
LocksRemote Control ActivationKeyless Operation
Auto Start/Stop
Auto Headlamps
Auto Wipers
Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control
Paddle Shift
Steering Audio Control
Steering Tilt
Steering Telescopic
Electric Steering Adjustment
Boot OperationRemote Control Activation with Contactless Boot OpeningContactless Opening, Powered Boot
Parking Sensor Front6 Sensors6 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear6 Sensors6 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, with Surround ViewYes, 360-degree View Monitor
Folding Wing Mirrors
Bluetooth
Navigation
Head-up Display
Hill Start Assist
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Warranty
Warranty Mileage Manufacturer150,000 kmUnlimited
Warranty Manufacturer5 years4 years
Warranty Notes8-year/200,000 km Battery Warranty
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM 1,440RM 380

Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.

Eletre vs AMG C-Class FAQ

Is the Lotus Eletre or Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class better?

The Eletre is the better fit for electric driving, outright output and luggage capacity, with 603 hp, 600 km claimed range and a 688-litre boot. Choose the AMG C-Class for lower annual road tax and a more compact sedan.

What is the price difference?

The Lotus Eletre is RM55,112 more expensive than the Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class: RM499,000 versus RM443,888.

Which is easier to park in Malaysia?

The Mercedes-Benz AMG C-Class is easier to place in tight spaces. It is 4,751 mm long and 1,820 mm wide, against the Eletre’s 5,103 mm length and 2,135 mm width; both have six front and six rear parking sensors.

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