VS

Mercedes C-Class Saloon vs Audi Q3 comparison

Compare performance (680 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (41,300 £ vs 38,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes C-Class Saloon or Audi Q3?

Mercedes C-Class Saloon vs Audi Q3: Key differences

Mercedes C-Class Saloon

  • substantially more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Audi Q3

4.3 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • barely cheaper
  • clearly more efficient
  • substantially more electric range
  • only slightly lighter
  • marginally more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

C-Class Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Audi Q3 is barely cheaper – starting at 38,200 £ , while the Mercedes C-Class Saloon costs 41,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 3,097 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Audi Q3 uses 1.7 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Mercedes C-Class Saloon with 4.5 L/100km. The difference is about 2.8 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Audi Q3 offers substantially more range – reaching up to 119 km, about 108 km more than the Mercedes C-Class Saloon.

Q3

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 C-Class Saloon offers substantially more power – delivering 680 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 408 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 3.4 s, while the Audi Q3 takes 5.7 s. That’s about 2.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes C-Class Saloon delivers substantially more torque with 1,020 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 620 Nm more.

C-Class Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Audi Q3 is only slightly lighter – 1,635 kg compared to 1,695 kg. The difference is around 60 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Audi Q3 offers marginally more boot space – 488 L compared to 455 L. That’s a difference of about 33 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon carries barely more – 570 kg compared to 535 kg. That’s a difference of about 35 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Audi Q3 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 £38,200
Q3

Audi Q3

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 150 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.7 - 8.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 118 - 119 km
Mercedes C-Class Saloon
Audi Q3

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Mercedes C-Class Saloon

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 Q3

The Audi Q3 is a compact premium crossover that blends sharp styling with a well-crafted interior, making it an appealing choice for urban drivers who want a touch of luxury. It delivers a composed ride, intuitive tech features and a practical cabin, so it works well as a comfortable daily driver with an upscale feel.

details
Mercedes C-Class Saloon
Audi Q3

Costs and Consumption

Price
41,300 - 103,400 £
Price
38,200 - 52,900 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.7 - 8.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
11 km
Electric Range
118 - 119 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
119 - 205 g/km
co2
39 - 195 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,695 - 2,165 kg
Curb weight
1,635 - 1,900 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 455 L
Trunk capacity
375 - 488 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,820 - 1,900 mm
Width
1,859 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
485 - 570 kg
Payload
505 - 535 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
183 - 680 HP
Power HP
150 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.4 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.7 - 9.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 1,020 Nm
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
135 - 500 kW
Power kW
110 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,496 - 1,999 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, G, B, F
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Audi
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.