Chery C5 Hybrid vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the Chery C5 Hybrid a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Feature Showdown

The Chery C5 Hybrid 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 Chery C5 Hybrid stands out with heated front seats — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Chery C5 Hybrid uses a Petrol I4 Turbo + HEV producing 165kW and 295Nm of torque, sent through a 1-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (dht) to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 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 7.3 seconds.

The Chery C5 Hybrid has the clear power advantage at 165kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Chery C5 Hybrid measures 4,435mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 316mm 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 300L in the Chery C5 Hybrid and 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a 155L advantage.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class turns in a 11.1 m circle, kerb to kerb; the Chery C5 Hybrid's turning circle is not on our record.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Chery C5 Hybrid costs about $1,397 a year (4.9 L/100km) and fuel for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class about $1,967 a year (6.9 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $570 a year less for the Chery C5 Hybrid.

Warranty: 7 years / Unlimited (Chery C5 Hybrid) and 5 years / Unlimited (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). Capped-price servicing: 7 years (Chery C5 Hybrid), no data (Mercedes-Benz C-Class).

Where each one leads

The Chery C5 Hybrid: more power (165kW against 150kW), the longer warranty (7 years against 5) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,397 a year against $1,967).

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class: the bigger boot with the seats up (455L against 300L).

The Verdict

Level at 74: here's what splits them

The Chery C5 Hybrid and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are level on the CarSorted Score at 74 each, so neither takes the overall call. What splits them: safety (Mercedes-Benz C-Class ahead by 29 points), value (Chery C5 Hybrid ahead by 23 points), fuel economy (Chery C5 Hybrid ahead by 18 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Chery C5 Hybrid costs about $570 less (4.9 L/100km against 6.9 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 300L in the Chery C5 Hybrid, 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Warranty: 7 years on the Chery C5 Hybrid, 5 on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Common questions