Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Polestar 2

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts from $76,900 before on-road costs, while the Polestar 2 opens at $62,400. That makes the Polestar 2 the more affordable entry point by $14,500.

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 $68,640 respectively.

The Polestar 2 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.

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. The Polestar 2 packs more ADAS features with 8 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 8 in the Polestar 2.

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, head-up display, wireless charging and panoramic roof that you will not find on the Polestar 2. The Polestar 2 counters with Apple CarPlay and power tailgate. 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 Polestar 2 responds with a Electric Motor making 200kW and 490Nm, paired to a single-speed fixed gear driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.

The Polestar 2 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Polestar 2 is 1.4s 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, 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.

For towing, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,500kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

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.