@ Audi AG
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
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Audi A3 Sportback vs Mercedes C-Class Sedan – Which model is better for everyday use?

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Audi A3 Sportback or Mercedes C-Class Sedan?

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Audi A3 Sportback has a decisively advantage in terms of price – it starts at 26800 £, while the Mercedes C-Class Sedan costs 41200 £. That’s a price difference of around 14338 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Audi A3 Sportback manages with 1.10 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Mercedes C-Class Sedan with 1.60 L. The difference is about 0.50 L per 100 km.

As for range, the Audi A3 Sportback performs somewhat better – achieving up to 141 km, about 24 km more than the Mercedes C-Class Sedan.

C-Class Sedan @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes C-Class Sedan has a convincingly edge – offering 680 HP compared to 400 HP. That’s roughly 280 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes C-Class Sedan is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.40 s, while the Audi A3 Sportback takes 3.80 s. That’s about 0.40 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes C-Class Sedan performs somewhat better – reaching 280 km/h, while the Audi A3 Sportback tops out at 250 km/h. The difference is around 30 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes C-Class Sedan pulls significantly stronger with 1020 Nm compared to 500 Nm. That’s about 520 Nm difference.

A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Audi A3 Sportback is clearly perceptible lighter – 1360 kg compared to 1695 kg. The difference is around 335 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes C-Class Sedan offers somewhat more room – 455 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 75 L.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes C-Class Sedan a bit takes the win – 570 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 90 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Audi A3 Sportback shows itself to be leads convincingly overall and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £26,800
A3 Sportback @ Audi AG

Audi A3 Sportback

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 400 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 9.3 L
  • Electric Range : 134 - 141 km

Audi A3 Sportback

The Audi A3 Sportback wraps premium materials and crisp German design into a practical hatchback package that makes daily driving feel smart rather than showy. It’s nimble in the city, composed on longer trips, and carries just enough swagger to satisfy buyers who want quality without shouting about it.

details

Mercedes C-Class Sedan

The Mercedes C‑Class is the compact executive that dresses like it owns the boulevard, with an interior that blends modern elegance and plush comfort to make everyday driving feel unexpectedly special. On the road it pairs poise with a hint of cheeky agility, rewarding drivers who want refinement without forfeiting a touch of fun — and yes, it still looks great in the driveway.

details
Audi A3 Sportback
Mercedes C-Class Sedan
A3 Sportback @ Audi AG
C-Class Sedan @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Costs and Consumption

Price
26800 - 56600 £
Price
41200 - 103100 £
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 9.3 L
Consumption L/100km
1.6 - 9 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
134 - 141 km
Electric Range
11 - 117 km
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.50 kWh
co2
25 - 211 g/km
co2
41 - 205 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 66 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
4
Curb weight
1360 - 1685 kg
Curb weight
1695 - 2195 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
280 - 455 L
Length
4352 - 4381 mm
Length
4751 - 4842 mm
Width
1816 - 1851 mm
Width
1820 - 1900 mm
Height
1415 - 1470 mm
Height
1438 - 1458 mm
Max trunk capacity
1100 - 1200 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
410 - 480 kg
Payload
480 - 570 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 400 HP
Power HP
183 - 680 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 10.1 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.4 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
205 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
230 - 280 km/h
Torque
220 - 500 Nm
Torque
250 - 1020 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 5
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 294 kW
Power kW
135 - 500 kW
Engine capacity
1498 - 2480 cm3
Engine capacity
1496 - 1999 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, E, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, B, D, G
Brand
Audi
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the Audi A3 Sportback?

The Audi A3 Sportback is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.