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Citroen C3 vs Mercedes SL Class comparison

Compare performance (113 HP vs 816 HP), boot space and price (14,000 £ vs 112,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Citroen C3 or Mercedes SL Class?

Citroen C3 vs Mercedes SL Class: Key differences

Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • considerably more efficient
  • clearly more electric range
  • considerably lighter
  • markedly more trunk space
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Mercedes SL Class

  • substantially more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

C3

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Citroen C3 is substantially cheaper – starting at 14,000 £ , while the Mercedes SL Class costs 112,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 98,742 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Citroen C3 uses 5 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Mercedes SL Class with 9 L/100km. The difference is about 4 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Citroen C3 offers clearly more range – reaching up to 325 km, about 313 km more than the Mercedes SL Class.

SL Class

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes SL Class offers substantially more power – delivering 816 HP compared to 113 HP. That’s roughly 703 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes SL Class is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 2.9 s, while the Citroen C3 takes 9.9 s. That’s about 7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes SL Class delivers clearly more torque with 1,420 Nm compared to 205 Nm. That’s about 1,215 Nm more.

C3

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Seats: Citroen C3 offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, Citroen C3 is considerably lighter – 1,226 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 584 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Citroen C3 offers markedly more boot space – 310 L compared to 240 L. That’s a difference of about 70 L.

When it comes to payload, the Citroen C3 carries moderately more – 423 kg compared to 375 kg. That’s a difference of about 48 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Citroen C3 is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £14,000
C3

Citroen C3

  • Engine Type Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 101 - 113 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 5 - 5.6 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km 16.7 - 17.2 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 212 - 325 km
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Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3
Citroen C3 Aircross
VS
Deciding between the Citroën C3 and the Citroën C3 Aircross is basically a choice between a compact, city-focused hatch and a taller, more practical crossover. The C3 prioritises nimble handling, simplicity and economy for urban driving, while the C3 Aircross adds higher ride height, extra interior …
Citroen C3
Opel Corsa
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The Citroën C3 charms with its quirky French flair, plush seats and a ride tuned more for comfort than cornering, while the Opel Corsa plays the sensible all-rounder with sharper handling, a tidier cabin and a broader engine lineup. If you want personality and city-friendly cushioning, pick the C3; …
Citroen C3
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Citroen C3

The Citroën C3 is a stylish and practical small hatchback that puts comfort and a calm urban driving experience at the top of its list. With its distinctive looks and thoughtful interior touches, it suits buyers who want personality and everyday usability without drama.

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Reviews Citroen C3

4.9 (2 Reviews)
rate

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Mercedes SL Class

The Mercedes SL blends timeless elegance with a cheeky sense of occasion, its retractable roof turning any commute into a small celebratory parade. Behind the wheel it behaves like a grown-up sports car that prefers comfort and presence over headline-grabbing bravado, making it a tempting choice for buyers who want to arrive in style.

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Reviews Mercedes SL Class

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Frequently compared as well

Citroen C3
Jeep Avenger
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The Citroën C3 and the Jeep Avenger are two compact, city-focused crossovers that target buyers who want practicality, efficiency and a touch of personality. This quick comparison highlights their differences in ride comfort, interior space, fuel economy and features to help you pick the better fit …
Citroen C3
Renault Captur
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Choosing between the Citroën C3 and the Renault Captur comes down to whether you want a compact, comfort-focused hatch with quirky styling or a slightly larger, more versatile crossover with a higher driving position. I’ll compare practicality, fuel economy, driving feel and value so you can pick …
Citroen C3
Renault Clio
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City supermini buyers face a tasty dilemma: the Citroën C3 charms with cosy ride comfort, playful looks and practical flair, while the Renault Clio answers with sharper handling, a more premium cabin and smarter tech. Choose the C3 if you prioritise comfort and personality; pick the Clio if you …
Citroen C3
Citroen C4
VS
The Citroën C3 is the cheeky city hatch that charms with low running costs, soft suspension and easy parking, while the Citroën C4 stretches into crossover territory with more space, stronger engines and sharper tech. If you mostly nip around town grab the C3 for its thrift and comfort; if you want …
Citroen C3
Peugeot 208
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Forget badge snobbery: the Citroën C3 is the comfy, quirky city car that soaks up potholes and prioritises practicality, while the Peugeot 208 feels sharper to drive with a more premium cabin and livelier engines. Pick the C3 for relaxed, characterful motoring and the 208 if you want style and …
Mercedes AMG GT
Mercedes SL Class
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Mercedes AMG GT and Mercedes SL Class go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Mercedes AMG GT …
Citroen C3
DS Automobiles DS 3
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Citroen C3 and DS Automobiles DS 3 go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Citroen C3 or the …
Citroen C3
Hyundai i10
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Choosing between the Citroën C3 and the Hyundai i10 comes down to whether you prefer the C3’s quirky styling and comfort-focused ride or the i10’s sharp practicality, compact agility and typically lower running costs. Both make excellent city cars — the C3 feels roomier and more distinctive, while …
Citroen C3
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
Price
14,000 - 24,700 £
Price
112,700 - 219,300 £
Consumption L/100km
5 - 5.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
9 - 13.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
16.7 - 17.2 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
212 - 325 km
Electric Range
12 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 126 g/km
co2
206 - 309 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Roadster
Seats
2 - 5
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,226 - 1,518 kg
Curb weight
1,810 - 2,195 kg
Trunk capacity
310 L
Trunk capacity
110 - 240 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,755 mm
Width
1,915 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
227 - 423 kg
Payload
145 - 375 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
101 - 113 HP
Power HP
435 - 816 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.9 - 12 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.9 - 4.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
120 - 205 Nm
Torque
500 - 1,420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
74 - 83 kW
Power kW
320 - 600 kW
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,982 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Citroen
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drivetrain options does the Citroen C3 have?

The Citroen C3 is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.