Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Hyundai IONIQ 6
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts from $76,900 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai IONIQ 6 opens at $63,000. That makes the Hyundai IONIQ 6 the more affordable entry point by $13,900.
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 $69,300 respectively.
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Hyundai IONIQ 6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 97% for the Hyundai IONIQ 6.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
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 7 in the Hyundai IONIQ 6.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai IONIQ 6 gets a 12-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Hyundai IONIQ 6. The Hyundai IONIQ 6 counters with Apple CarPlay, power tailgate, V2L and BOSE audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
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 Hyundai IONIQ 6 responds with a Electric making 111kW and 255Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 111kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai IONIQ 6 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class measures 4,751mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 104mm shorter than the Hyundai IONIQ 6 at 4,855mm (2,950mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai IONIQ 6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 401L in the Hyundai IONIQ 6, giving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a 54L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.1m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai IONIQ 6). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai IONIQ 6 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Hyundai IONIQ 6?
The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is the cheapest at $63,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz C-Class by $13,900.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class uses the least fuel at 7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Hyundai IONIQ 6 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the largest boot at 455L.
Which can tow the most?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class makes the most power at 150kW. The Hyundai IONIQ 6 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.4s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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