Hyundai Inster vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Hyundai Inster at 4 stars (2025) and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 70% for the Hyundai Inster and 91% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, under different test years.

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 Hyundai Inster.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

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 Hyundai Inster 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 Hyundai Inster stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L — 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, panoramic roof and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Inster gets cloth upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Hyundai Inster and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Drivetrain

The Hyundai Inster uses a Electric producing 71.1kW and 147Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a FWD layout.

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 71.1kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Hyundai Inster measures 3,825mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 926mm 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 280L in the Hyundai Inster and 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a 175L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Hyundai Inster's turning circle is 0.5 m tighter, 10.6 m against 11.1 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 Hyundai Inster costs about $672 a year (14 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: 5 years / unlimited km* (Hyundai Inster) and 5 years / unlimited km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class).

Where each one leads

The Hyundai Inster: the lower starting price ($37,500 against $76,900).

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class: more power (150kW against 71.1kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (455L against 280L).

The Verdict

Hyundai Inster scores higher, 75 vs 74

The Hyundai Inster scores 75 to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class's 74 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (Mercedes-Benz C-Class ahead by 24 points), safety (Mercedes-Benz C-Class ahead by 18 points). Boot space with the seats up: 280L in the Hyundai Inster, 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Common questions