Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Polestar 2
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.
Data checked: specs 27 Sep 2026, price 21 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$76,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$66,400RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Mercedes-Benz C-Class & Polestar 2
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Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts from $76,900 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 2 opens at $66,400. That makes the Polestar 2 the more affordable entry point by $10,500.
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 $73,040 respectively.
The Polestar 2 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Polestar 2 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 92% for the Polestar 2.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Polestar 2, against 6 on 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 8 in the Polestar 2.
Recalls on our record
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- REC-006695 · published 12 Aug 2026Nine model lines: door lock defect (campaign RC5219)Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2026
- REC-006349 · published 15 May 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, vehicle management systems connected to the fuse box may fail.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-006345 · published 29 Apr 2025The driver’s seat belt safety cap may have been incorrectly installed and could become loose.Year range on the notice: 2024
- 62 more on the model page.
Polestar 2
- REC-006363 · published 17 Jun 2025Due to a software issue, under certain driving conditions if the vehicle’s one-pedal drive function is activated it may lead to a loss of braking performance.Year range on the notice: 2024
- REC-006078 · published 25 Sep 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, the front passenger seat mounting bolts may not have been tightened according to specifications and could become loose or detach.Year range on the notice: 2023
- REC-005743 · published 2 Aug 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the left front suspension ball joint may have been incorrectly attached.Year range on the notice: 2022
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 ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
82kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 205kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 205kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Polestar 2 gets a 11.2-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and head-up display — features our data doesn't list for the Polestar 2. The Polestar 2 counters with Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and power tailgate. 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 7.3 seconds.
The Polestar 2 responds with a Electric Motor making 220kW and 490Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds.
The Polestar 2 has the clear power advantage at 220kW vs 150kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Polestar 2 is 1.1s 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, 145mm longer than the Polestar 2 at 4,606mm (2,735mm 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 407L in the Polestar 2, giving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a 48L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.5m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
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 (Polestar 2). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if: You need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Polestar 2 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Polestar's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Polestar 2: Top CarSorted Score, 76 vs 74
The Polestar 2 comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (76 vs 74), taking 4 of 5 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: performance (Polestar 2 ahead by 14), value (Polestar 2 ahead by 7), practicality (Polestar 2 ahead by 3). 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 Polestar 2?
The Polestar 2 is the cheapest at $66,400 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz C-Class by $10,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Polestar 2 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 with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Polestar 2 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Polestar 2 makes the most power at 220kW. The Polestar 2 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.2s.
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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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