BMW Z4 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 BMW Z4 starts from $99,200 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class opens at $76,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the more affordable entry point by $22,300.
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 $109,120 and $84,590 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz C-Class by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW Z4 features a 10.3-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets a 11.9-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof and ambient lighting that the BMW Z4 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW Z4 uses a Petrol producing 145kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.4 seconds.
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 7.8 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 145kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW Z4 is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW Z4 measures 4,335mm long on a 2,470mm wheelbase, 416mm 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 210L in the BMW Z4 and 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, giving the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a 245L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class seats 5 vs 2.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.1m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,223/year for the BMW Z4 and $1,995/year for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Estimated annual total: $2,223 (BMW Z4) vs $1,995 (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). The Mercedes-Benz C-Class saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW Z4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz C-Class). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW Z4 if: You or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. 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, BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the cheapest at $76,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW Z4 by $22,300.
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 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 BMW Z4 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.4s.
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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