Audi e-tron GT vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Audi e-tron GT starts from $209,900 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class opens at $76,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the more affordable entry point by $133,000.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $230,890 and $84,590 respectively.

The Audi e-tron GT qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Audi e-tron GT and Mercedes-Benz C-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Audi e-tron GT and 91% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi e-tron GT packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Audi e-tron GT and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Audi e-tron GT adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class misses.

The Audi e-tron GT features a 10.1-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets a 11.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Audi e-tron GT stands out with heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class counters with wireless charging and panoramic roof. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Audi e-tron GT uses a Electric producing 435kW and 740Nm of torque, sent through a single speed to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.4 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds.

The Audi e-tron GT has the clear power advantage at 435kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi e-tron GT is 4.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Audi e-tron GT measures 4,989mm long on a 2,900mm wheelbase, 238mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class at 4,751mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi e-tron GT generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 405L in the Audi e-tron GT and 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a 50L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Audi e-tron GT) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). Both match on warranty length.