Chery C5 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Chery C5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2022. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Chery C5 and 91% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, against 4 on the Chery C5.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Chery C5 and 9 in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

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 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-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 stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 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 uses a Petrol producing 108kW and 210Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed dual clutch to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 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 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 108kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Chery C5 measures 4,351mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 400mm 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 370L in the Chery C5 and 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a 85L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's turning circle is 0.1 m tighter, 11.1 m against 11.2 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Chery C5 costs about $1,967 a year (6.9 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.

Warranty: 7 years / unlimited km (Chery C5) and 5 years / unlimited km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class).

Where each one leads

The Chery C5: the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class: more power (150kW against 108kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (455L against 370L).

The Verdict

Level at 74: here's what splits them

The Chery C5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class are level on the CarSorted Score at 74 each, so neither takes the overall call. What splits them: performance (Mercedes-Benz C-Class ahead by 21 points), value (Chery C5 ahead by 20 points), safety (Mercedes-Benz C-Class ahead by 4 points). Boot space with the seats up: 370L in the Chery C5, 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Warranty: 7 years on the Chery C5, 5 on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Common questions