Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Audi A6
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 Audi A6 opens at $123,600. That makes the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the more affordable entry point by $46,700.
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 $135,960 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A6 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 92% for the Audi A6.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Audi A6 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 7 in the Audi A6. The Audi A6 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the Audi A6 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Audi A6 counters with heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate and Bang & Olufsen audio that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class does not offer. 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 Audi A6 responds with a Diesel making 210kW and 620Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds.
The Audi A6 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Audi A6 is 2.2s 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, 188mm shorter than the Audi A6 at 4,939mm (2,924mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Audi A6 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 455L in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and 530L in the Audi A6, giving the Audi A6 a 75L advantage.
For towing, the Audi A6 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 11.7m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.7m 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 $1,995/year for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and $1,967/year for the Audi A6. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Audi A6.
Estimated annual total: $1,995 (Mercedes-Benz C-Class) vs $1,967 (Audi A6). The Audi A6 saves you roughly $28 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 / 999,999km (Audi A6). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz C-Class if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Audi A6 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Audi's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Audi A6 takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. The Audi A6 will save you roughly $28 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Audi A6 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 Audi A6?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the cheapest at $76,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Audi A6 by $46,700.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Audi A6 uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A6 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Audi A6 has the largest boot at 530L.
Which can tow the most?
The Audi A6 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Audi A6 makes the most power at 210kW. The Audi A6 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.6s.
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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