BMW i3 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans 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 BMW i3 starts from $109,900 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 $33,000.
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 $120,890 and $84,590 respectively.
The BMW i3 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.
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 BMW i3 features a 12.3-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. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW i3 stands out with heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class counters with panoramic roof and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW i3 uses a Electric producing 250kW and 430Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.9 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 BMW i3 has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 0.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW i3 measures 4,709mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 42mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class at 4,751mm (2,865mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 260L in the BMW i3 and 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a 195L advantage.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,050kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i3 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 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, BMW i3 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the cheapest at $76,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW i3 by $33,000.
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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the largest boot at 455L.
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 BMW i3 makes the most power at 250kW. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is quickest to 100km/h in 7.8s.
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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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