2026 Audi A3 vs 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Audi A3 wins clearly, 91.5 to 83.8, on tech & comfort, price, safety. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is ahead on space & cargo and performance.
2026 Audi A3
The 2026 Audi A3 is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact sedan. The most efficient version, the A3 quattro, is EPA-rated at 28 mpg combined. NHTSA lists no recall …
2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid compact sedan with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the C300, is EPA-rated…
2026 Audi A3
Clear winThe Audi A3 wins clearly, 91.5 to 83.8, on tech & comfort, price, safety. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is ahead on space & cargo and performance.
| Category · weight | 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Classoverall 83.8 | 2026 Audi A3overall 91.5 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 80.8 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 96.6 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 80.2 | 83.1 | ||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | ||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 100 | 81.1 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 100 | 81.2 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 54.5 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | ||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 83.8 | 91.5 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Mercedes-Benz C-Class: base trim C 300 RWD · Audi A3: base trim A3 quattro AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2026 Audi A3 wins
- It has drawn fewer owner complaints (1 against 4 filed with NHTSA).
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (11 points against 6 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It starts $9,550 lower ($40,100 against $49,650 base MSRP).
Where the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class answers
- It lists 13 standard driver-assist features against 2.
- It holds 11.6 cu ft behind the second row against 8.3.
What they share
- 5 seats.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
45 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Mercedes-Benz C-ClassC 300 RWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $49,650 | $40,100 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | twin turbo | — |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 2,000 cc | 1,984 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.0L inline-4 turbo with mild hybrid drive | 2.0L TFSI 4 cyl |
| Valve configuration | — | DOHC 16-Valve |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 25 mpg | 24 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | — | 28 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 35 mpg | 34 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | — | 4.167 / 3.125 |
| Transmission speeds | 9 | 7 |
| Transmission type | automatic | S-tronic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Overall height | 56.6 in | 56.2 in |
| Overall length | 187 in | 177 in |
| Overall width | 74.4 in | 71.5 in |
| Wheelbase | 113 in | 104 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 11.6 cu-ft | 8.3 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 40 in | 36.8 in |
| Second-row headroom | 37.5 in | — |
| Third-row headroom | — | 36.6 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.7 in | 41.2 in |
| Second-row legroom | 36 in | — |
| Third-row legroom | — | 35.2 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 3,825 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,825 lbs | 3,461 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | 4-link independent | Mcpherson strut front axle |
| Rear suspension type | 5-arm multilink independent | Four-link rear suspension |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Rack-and-pinion with electromechanical power assist | Electromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assistance |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | 18.8 ft | 36.5 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | — | 306 mm |
| Front brake type | — | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | — | Electro-mechanical |
| Rear brake diameter | — | 272 mm |
| Rear brake type | — | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 18 in | 17 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 225/45R18 front and 245/40R18 rear | 225/45 R17 91H all-season |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 17.4 gal | 14.5 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 91 | — |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 56.3 in | 54.8 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 55.6 in | — |
| Third-row shoulder room | — | 53 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
78 features · differences first, then sharedSafety11 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz C-ClassC 300 RWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 7 air bags | std | — |
| Front center air bag | std | — |
| Attention Assist | std | — |
| Rear side-impact air bags | std | — |
| Active Brake Assist | std | — |
| Adaptive braking technology | std | — |
| Adaptive Highbeam Assist | std | — |
| Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning Assist | std | — |
| Pre-safe | std | — |
| PRE-SAFE Sound | std | — |
| Seat belt technology | std | — |
| Anti-Lock Braking System Standard, All Four Wheels, with Electronic Brake Force Distribution | std | std |
| Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | std | std |
Infotainment3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz C-ClassC 300 RWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| MBUX profiles, routines and templates | std | — |
| Mercedes-Benz Emergency Call Service | std | — |
| Over-the-air software updates | std | — |
Seating1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz C-ClassC 300 RWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Heated front seats | std | — |
Interior13 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz C-ClassC 300 RWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster | std | — |
| 64-color LED ambient lighting | std | — |
| Base MSRP (USD) | — | std |
| Comprehensive Warranty: 4 year / 50,000 mi whichever occurs first | — | std |
| Destination and Delivery (USD): $1,395 | — | std |
| EPA Class: Midsize Car AWD | — | std |
| Headroom, Front (in.) | — | std |
| Headroom, Rear (in.) | — | std |
| Legroom, Front (in.) | — | std |
| Legroom, Rear (in.) | — | std |
| Seating: 5 | — | std |
| Shoulder Room, Front (in.) | — | std |
| Shoulder Room, Rear (in.) | — | std |
Exterior14 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz C-ClassC 300 RWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Power-folding side mirrors | std | — |
| Curb Weight (lbs.) | — | std |
| Drag Coefficient (Cd.) | — | std |
| Height (in.) | — | std |
| LED Daytime Running Lamps | std | — |
| Length (in.) | — | std |
| Overall Width with Mirrors (in.) | — | std |
| Overall Width without Mirrors (in.) | — | std |
| Rain-sensing windshield wipers | std | — |
| Tires (Optional) | — | opt |
| Tires (Standard) | — | std |
| Wheelbase (in.) | — | std |
| Wheels (Optional) | — | opt |
| Wheels (Standard) | — | std |
Powertrain24 differ · 24 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz C-ClassC 300 RWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| quattro® all-wheel drive | — | std |
| 0-100 km/h (secs.) Est. | — | std |
| 0-60 mph (secs.) Est. | — | std |
| Bore (mm): 82.5 | — | std |
| Compression Ratio :1 | — | std |
| Cylinder Head: Aluminum alloy | — | std |
| Drivetrain Configuration: Transverse | — | std |
| Engine Type: 2.0L TFSI 4 cyl / 2.5L TFSI 5 cyl | — | std |
| EPA Estimated MPG (City) | — | std |
| EPA Estimated MPG (Combined) | — | std |
| EPA Estimated MPG (Highway) | — | std |
| Fuel Capacity (gal.): 14.5 | — | std |
| Gear Ratios :1 | — | std |
| Hybrid Integrated Starter-Generator (48V mild hybrid with ISG, up to 20 hp / 148 lb-ft electric assist) | std | — |
| Peak Power (HP) | — | std |
| Peak Torque (lb.-ft) | — | std |
| Powertrain Warranty: 4 year / 50,000 mi whichever occurs first | — | std |
| Recommended Fuel: Premium | — | std |
| Stroke (mm): 92.8 | — | std |
| Top Track Speed (km/h) | — | std |
| Top Track Speed (mph) | — | std |
| Total Displacement (cc) | — | std |
| Transmission: 7-speed S-tronic® transmission | — | std |
| Valvetrain: 16-valve DOHC with Audi valvelift and variable timing | — | std |
Chassis9 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz C-ClassC 300 RWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Body Construction: Unitary steel | — | std |
| Front Brakes | — | std |
| Front Suspension: Mcpherson strut front axle | — | std |
| Parking Brake: Electro-mechanical | — | std |
| Rear Brakes | — | std |
| Rear Suspension: Four-link rear suspension | — | std |
| Steering Ratio :1 | — | std |
| Steering Type: Electromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assistance | — | std |
| Turning Circle (ft. Curb-to-Curb) | — | std |
Cargo1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Mercedes-Benz C-ClassC 300 RWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Volume, with seatbacks fixed (cu. ft.): 8.3 | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPMercedes-Benz C-Class
Top recalls
- high Electrical System 26V281000 · 144,049 vehicles
Audi A3
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Mercedes-Benz C-ClassC 300 RWD | Audi A3A3 quattro AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $49,650 (base trim) | $40,100 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $49,650 – $88,000 4 trims | $40,100 – $66,100 3 trims |
| Powertrains | HEV | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | C300 | A3 quattro |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 29 | 28 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,850 | $2,950 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class or the 2026 Audi A3?
The Audi A3 wins clearly, 91.5 to 83.8, on tech & comfort, price, safety. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is ahead on space & cargo and performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2026 Audi A3 scores 91.5 and the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 83.8. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class or the 2026 Audi A3?
The 2026 Audi A3 starts lower — $40,100 against $49,650, a gap of $9,550 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class or the 2026 Audi A3?
2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 1 recall. 2026 Audi A3: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the 2026 Audi A3?
Where the 2026 Audi A3 wins: it has drawn fewer owner complaints (1 against 4 filed with NHTSA), lists more comfort and tech equipment (11 points against 6 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), and starts $9,550 lower ($40,100 against $49,650 base MSRP). Where the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class answers: it lists 13 standard driver-assist features against 2 and holds 11.6 cu ft behind the second row against 8.3. What they share: 5 seats.