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Mercedes C-Class Saloon vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (680 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (41,300 £ vs 35,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes C-Class Saloon or Subaru Forester?

Mercedes C-Class Saloon vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Mercedes C-Class Saloon

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

Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • a bit cheaper
  • marginally lighter
  • slightly 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 often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Subaru Forester is a bit cheaper – starting at 35,100 £ , while the Mercedes C-Class Saloon costs 41,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 6,191 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes C-Class Saloon uses 4.5 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 3.6 L/100km.

Forester

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 136 HP. That’s roughly 544 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 Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 8.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes C-Class Saloon delivers clearly more torque with 1,020 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 838 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, Subaru Forester is marginally lighter – 1,693 kg compared to 1,695 kg. The difference is around 2 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers slightly more boot space – 508 L compared to 455 L. That’s a difference of about 53 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon carries slightly more – 570 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 78 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes C-Class Saloon is clearly superior 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 £41,300
C-Class Saloon

Mercedes C-Class Saloon

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 183 - 680 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.5 - 9 L/100km
  • Electric Range 11 km
details

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Mercedes C-Class Saloon
Subaru Forester

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.

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Reviews Mercedes C-Class Saloon

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

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
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Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

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Mercedes C-Class Saloon
Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
41,300 - 103,400 £
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
11 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
119 - 205 g/km
co2
183 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
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 455 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,820 - 1,900 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
485 - 570 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
183 - 680 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.4 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 1,020 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
135 - 500 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,496 - 1,999 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Subaru
What drivetrain options does the Mercedes C-Class Saloon have?

The Mercedes C-Class Saloon is available as Rear-Wheel Drive or All-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.