Chery E5 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Chery E5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2022. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Chery E5 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 5 on the Chery E5.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Chery E5 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.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Chery E5 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 E5 stands out with heated front seats, power tailgate and Sony audio — 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 E5 uses a Electric producing 155kW and 288Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.6 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 E5 has the clear power advantage at 155kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Chery E5 measures 4,424mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 327mm 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 E5 and 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a 155L 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, electricity for the Chery E5 costs about $634 a year (13.2 kWh/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 E5) and 5 years / unlimited km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). Capped-price servicing: 7 years (Chery E5), no data (Mercedes-Benz C-Class).

Where each one leads

The Chery E5: more power (155kW against 150kW) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

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

The Verdict

Chery E5 scores higher, 79 vs 74

The Chery E5 scores 79 to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's 74 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: value (Chery E5 ahead by 20 points), practicality (Mercedes-Benz C-Class ahead by 8 points). Boot space with the seats up: 300L in the Chery E5, 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Warranty: 7 years on the Chery E5, 5 on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Common questions