Audi A4 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Audi A4
The fifth-generation A4 on the longitudinal MLB Evo platform.
VS
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The fourth-generation C-Class on the rear-drive MRA platform.
First car
Second car
Performance
EA888 40 TFSI · Petrol vs M274 C 200 · Petrol
| Audi A4 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
190 hp
Winner
|
184 hp
|
| Torque |
320 Nm
Winner
|
300 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,3 s
|
7,2 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
Winner
|
237 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
129,3 hp/t
Winner
|
125,2 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
137 g/km
|
131 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,0 L/100km
|
5,8 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| Audi A4 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
|
480 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
—
|
| Wheelbase |
2,82 m
|
2,84 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,73 m
|
4,69 m
|
| Width |
1,84 m
|
1,81 m
|
| Height |
1,43 m
|
1,44 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| Audi A4 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MLB Evo (longitudinal) | MRA (rear-wheel-drive base) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | EA888 petrol · EA288 diesel · plug-in hybrid | M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 7-speed S tronic (DSG) | 9G-Tronic (9-speed automatic) |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d-TEMP (later) | Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d-TEMP (later) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
Audi A4
- S tronic (DSG) mechatronics on early 2.0 TDI
- AdBlue/SCR issues on EA288 diesels
- MMI (MIB2) infotainment can reboot or freeze
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- OM651 diesel: stretched timing chain on early cars
- 9G-Tronic can shift jerkily (early software)
- COMAND (NTG5) infotainment can freeze
Pros
Audi A4
- Class-leading interior quality & finish
- Efficient, quiet EA288 diesel
- Composed ride with optional quattro
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- S-Class-inspired interior with high-grade materials
- Quiet, refined ride (optional Airmatic air suspension)
- Efficient OM654 diesel (post-facelift)
Cons
Audi A4
- Firm ride on S line + big wheels
- Less engaging steering than the 3 Series
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Firm ride on AMG Line + big wheels
- Limited rear headroom (sloping roofline)
Compare specific generations
Verdict
Pick this one if…
Audi A4
Pick the A4 for class-leading interior quality, a quiet ride and efficient engines in a premium compact executive sedan.
Best engine: The 40 TDI (190 hp diesel) — the thrifty, torquey sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Pick the C-Class for an S-Class-inspired interior, a hushed ride and efficient engines in a premium compact executive sedan.
Best engine: The C 220 d (194 hp diesel) — the thrifty, torquey sweet spot.
Read the full guide
For sale at dealers
Audi A4
23 for sale · from € 8.890
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V-Motors Bvba
V-Motors Bvba
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Autodirect
Autodirect
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€ 18.999
Garage des Chaufours SRL
Garage des Chaufours SRL
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Bayern Motors NV
Bayern Motors NV