Audi RS6 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Audi RS6 starts from $241,500 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 $164,600.
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 $265,650 and $84,590 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz C-Class by roughly $6,980 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Audi RS6 features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof and ambient lighting that the Audi RS6 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Audi RS6 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 3-zone in the Audi RS6 and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Drivetrain
The Audi RS6 uses a Petrol producing 463kW and 850Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed tiptronic 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 RS6 has the clear power advantage at 463kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi RS6 is 4.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Audi RS6 measures 4,995mm long on a 2,929mm wheelbase, 244mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class at 4,751mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi RS6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 565L in the Audi RS6 and 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, giving the Audi RS6 a 110L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m diameter
Average
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,363/year for the Audi RS6 and $1,967/year for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That is a $1,396 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Estimated annual total: $3,363 (Audi RS6) vs $1,967 (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). The Mercedes-Benz C-Class saves you roughly $1,396 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years (Audi RS6) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Audi RS6 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi RS6 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class will save you roughly $1,396 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi RS6 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Audi RS6 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the cheapest at $76,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi RS6 by $164,600.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz C-Class all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi RS6 has the largest boot at 565L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi RS6 makes the most power at 463kW. The Audi RS6 is quickest to 100km/h in 3.4s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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