Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Alfa Romeo Giulia

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts from $76,900 before on-road costs, while the Alfa Romeo Giulia opens at $75,900. That makes the Alfa Romeo Giulia the more affordable entry point by $1,000.

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 $84,590 and $83,490 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Alfa Romeo Giulia hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 98% for the Alfa Romeo Giulia.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Alfa Romeo Giulia packs more ADAS features with 7 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 6 in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 6 in the Alfa Romeo Giulia.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the Alfa Romeo Giulia gets a 8.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class stands out with head-up display, wireless charging and panoramic roof that you will not find on the Alfa Romeo Giulia. The Alfa Romeo Giulia counters with Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia responds with a Petrol making 206kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia has the clear power advantage at 206kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Alfa Romeo Giulia is 2.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class measures 4,751mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 108mm longer than the Alfa Romeo Giulia at 4,643mm (2,820mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 480L in the Alfa Romeo Giulia, giving the Alfa Romeo Giulia a 25L advantage.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,910/year for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and $2,109/year for the Alfa Romeo Giulia. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Estimated annual total: $1,910 (Mercedes-Benz C-Class) vs $2,109 (Alfa Romeo Giulia). The Mercedes-Benz C-Class saves you roughly $199 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class) vs 5 years / 150,000km (Alfa Romeo Giulia). Both match on warranty length.