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Audi A6 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Audi A6

Audi A6

Audi’s executive saloon.

VS
Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes’ compact executive saloon.

First car
Second car
Pick this one if…

Audi A6

Pick the A6 if you want a roomy, quiet, tech-forward executive saloon — a more comfort-focused alternative to the BMW 5 Series.

Best engine: The mid-range 2.0 TDI diesel for the best balance of economy and torque — or the 2.0 TFSI petrol.
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 200 (petrol) or C 220 d (diesel).
Read the full guide

Performance

EA888 45 TFSI · Petrol vs M254 C 200 · Petrol

Audi A6 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Power
245 hp Winner
204 hp
Torque
370 Nm Winner
300 Nm
0–100 km/h
6,0 s Winner
7,3 s
Top speed
250 km/h Winner
246 km/h
Power-to-weight
148,5 hp/t Winner
129,5 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)
160 g/km
140 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)
7,1 L/100km
6,2 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

Audi A6 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Boot
530 L Winner
480 L
Boot (seats folded)
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Wheelbase
2,92 m Winner
2,84 m
Length
4,94 m
4,69 m
Width
1,89 m
1,81 m
Height
1,46 m
1,44 m
Seats
5
5

Powertrain & tech

Audi A6 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 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (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 A6
  • S tronic (DSG) mechatronics are the best-known weak point, especially on diesels
  • EA288 diesels: AdBlue/SCR needs attention with mainly short trips
  • Direct-injection TFSI petrols: carbon buildup with lots of short trips
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 A6
  • Premium interior quality and finish
  • Hushed, comfortable motorway cruising
  • Wide engine range (petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid)
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 A6
  • Firm ride on sport (S line) trims with larger wheels
  • Steering less engaging than a BMW 5 Series
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • Firm ride on AMG Line + big wheels
  • Limited rear headroom (sloping roofline)

Driving experience

Audi A6

As a model line, the A6 is a quiet, refined executive saloon built to cover long distances effortlessly. The steering is light and accurate, the ride is composed, and the cabin stays hushed at speed. Front-drive versions are easy and economical, while quattro adds secure, reassuring traction. The 2.0 TDI is strong and frugal, the 2.0 TFSI smooth, and the 3.0 TFSI brings effortless pace. It is tuned for comfort and stability rather than sharp handling, so it feels calm, planted and effortless on long journeys.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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Compare specific generations

Belgian taxes & LEZ

Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers