Audi Q3 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Audi Q3
The second-generation Q3 on the transverse MQB platform.
VS
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The fourth-generation C-Class on the rear-drive MRA platform.
First car
Second car
Performance
EA211 35 TFSI · Petrol vs M274 C 200 · Petrol
| Audi Q3 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
150 hp
|
184 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
250 Nm
|
300 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
9,2 s
|
7,2 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
205 km/h
|
237 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
101,7 hp/t
|
125,2 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
143 g/km
|
131 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,7 L/100km
Winner
|
5,8 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Audi Q3 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
530 L
Winner
|
480 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.525 L
|
—
|
| Wheelbase |
2,68 m
|
2,84 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,50 m
|
4,69 m
|
| Width |
1,86 m
|
1,81 m
|
| Height |
1,62 m
|
1,44 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| Audi Q3 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MQB A2 (transverse, shared with the VW Tiguan Mk2) | MRA (rear-wheel-drive base) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | EA211 evo 1.5 TFSI · EA888 2.0 TFSI · EA288 evo 2.0 TDI | M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | S tronic (7-speed DSG) · 6-speed manual | 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 Q3
- Infotainment software (early cars)
- S tronic maintenance (DQ200 models)
- Cooling system needs checking
- DPF on diesels
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 Q3
- Roomy interior & big boot
- Modern tech (Virtual Cockpit)
- Modular EA engines
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 Q3
- Early infotainment quirks
- Pricier than the VW Tiguan on the same platform
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 Q3
Pick the Q3 for maximum interior space, a bigger boot and modern technology.
Best engine: The 35 TFSI (petrol) or 35 TDI (diesel) — the 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 Q3
25 for sale · from € 8.990
Cars
Audi Q3 35TFSi · CarPlay · Navigation · LED
€ 22.990
Groep Billen
Groep Billen
Cars
Audi Q3 1.4 TFSI · Leather · Tow bar · Sport seats
€ 13.999
GDCauto
GDCauto
Cars
Audi Q3 electric · Quattro · Camera · CarPlay · LED
€ 25.999
GDCauto
GDCauto
Cars
Audi Q3 35TFSi · plug-in hybrid · CarPlay · Navigation · LED
€ 24.490
Groep Billen
Groep Billen