When it comes to luxury car makers, both Mercedes-Benz and Audi are synonymous with Indian consumers. In fact, the two cars we are going to be talking about in this article – the C-Class and the A4 – are both highly successful models for their respective brands. Now, over the last half a decade, the luxury car market has grown significantly, especially when it comes to price. The C-Class and A4 are therefore not direct price rivals anymore, but they do fall into a class of similarly sized sedans. They’re also both great value for money in their own rights. So, which one of these two luxury sedans would sit right with you? Read on to find out.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Audi A4: Dimensions
Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Audi A4 | |
Length | 4751 mm | 4762 mm |
Width | 1820 mm | 1847 mm |
Height | 1437 mm | 1433 mm |
Wheelbase | 2865 mm | 2817 mm |
Boot space | 455 litres | 460 litres |
Ground clearance | 164 mm | 160 mm |
As we mentioned earlier, the biggest commonality between these two cars is that they both sit in the same size bracket. And size is a big deciding factor when you are going to be driving on Indian roads, or parking in narrow spaces. In that sense, it is the A4 that is the larger car when it comes to length and width. The difference is not night and day, and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is in fact slightly taller, and it does make up with a slightly larger wheelbase. With a larger wheelbase, it’s the Merc that should offer more space for second-row passengers, but when you compare the two, the difference comes out to be negligible. As far as boot space is concerned, the Audi is still ahead with 5 more litres to spare, but once again, this difference won’t really matter all that much in the real world. Another crucial dimension in India is ground clearance, and the C-Class sits 4 mm higher than the A4. The difference is not a lot, but the Audi will scrape its belly a tad bit more than the Merc. Ultimately, when it comes to dimensions, both cars are neck-and-neck with each of them coming out slightly ahead in different areas.
Also Read: Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine
Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Audi A4: Engine & Transmission
Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Audi A4 | |
Engine options | 1.5 litre turbo petrol, 2.0 litre diesel, 2.0 litre diesel | 2.0 litre turbo petrol |
Transmission options | 9 speed automatic | 7-speed dual clutch AT |
Power | 204 PS, 200 PS, 265 PS | 190 PS |
Torque | 300 Nm, 440 Nm, 550 Nm | 320 Nm |
Mileage | 16.9 kmpl, 23 kmpl, 20.37 kmpl | 17.44 kmpl |
When it comes to engine and transmission options, we have a clear winner from the get go and it is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That’s not to say that the Audi’s powertrain package isn’t good, but next to the C-Class, the A4 feels under-equipped in this area. Mercedes is offering buyers the option between one petrol and two diesel engines whereas the Audi only comes with one petrol engine. So right away, diesel buyers will only have the C-Class to look forward to. The one chink in the Merc’s armour is that it’s only petrol engine is a puny 1.5 litre motor that doesn’t compare well to the Audi’s 2 litre unit. So when it comes to petrol, the Audi actually does have an advantage as it feels more effortless to drive and offers more power as well.
Also Read: Complete Guide on Buying a Mercedes-Benz C-Class
However, in the diesel department, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes with two diesel engines, both of which make a handsome amount of power and torque. Both cars get hybrid systems of sorts. In the Audi, it’s a 12V setup that helps in increasing fuel efficiency. The Mercedes setup is a little more complex as it can temporarily add 20 PS or 200 Nm to the power out for a limited time. It also aids in fuel efficiency, especially in the case of the diesel engine’s. Ultimately, it’s the Audi that wins the petrol battle, but the overall powertrain winner has to be the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Audi A4: Features & Comfort
Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Audi A4 | |
Infotainment system | 11.9 inch MBUX system | 10.1 inch MMI system |
Music system | 15 speaker 710 watts Burmester 3D surround sound | 10 speaker 180 watts sound system |
Climate control | Dual Zone Auto AC | Triple Zone Auto AC |
Ventilated seats | No | No |
Adjustable steering | Electrically adjustable - tilt and telescopic | Physically adjustable - tilt and telescopic |
Drive modes | Yes | Yes |
Instrument cluster | 12.3-inch digital display | 12.4-inch digital display |
Sunroof | Yes - panoramic | Yes |
Adjustable seats | Electrically | Electrically |
Rear AC vents | Yes | Yes |
60:40 split rear seat | Yes | Yes |
Cruise control | Yes | Yes |
When it comes to features, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class takes an even bigger lead. The C-Class recently received a full generation update and Mercedes took that opportunity to stuff it to the gills with the latest features. On the other hand, the Audi A4 received a facelift a couple of years ago and is now nearing the end of the life cycle for this generation model.
The Mercedes looks futuristic, primarily because of its new screen which spans across the centre console. The portrait orientation makes it more convenient to use and also gives it a larger-than-life appearance. Now one might confuse a lack of buttons around this area for the absence of features, but the thing is, Mercedes has pretty much configured everything to work by itself or through the screen. The C-Class then feels highly futuristic. The Audi, in that respect, feels like a present day car. It too has a huge touchscreen but it is horizontally laid out, which is a more traditional approach. The AC controls have dedicated buttons and while it all looks premium, it does feel a tad bit old next to the C-Class.
Ultimately, it is the C-Class that offers more features such as the better sound system, a bigger sunroof and electrical adjustment for the steering.
Also Read: Complete Guide to Buying an Audi A4
Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Audi A4: Safety Features
Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Audi A4 | |
GNCAP safety rating | Not tested by GNCAP | Not tested by GNCAP |
Airbags | 7 airbags | 8 airbags |
ABS with EBD | Standard | Standard |
ESC | Standard | Standard |
Traction control | Standard | Standard |
Automatic headlamps | Standard | Standard |
Rain-sensing wipers | Standard | Standard |
Hill-hold assist | Standard | Standard |
Hill descent control | No | No |
Rear sensors | Standard | Standard |
Rear parking camera | Standard | Standard |
ISOFIX child seat anchor points | Standard | Standard |
ADAS | Yes | No |
Both the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4 are not made for India cars and therefore, they have never been tested by Global NCAP. However, being a popular model in Europe, both these cars have been tested by Euro NCAP, which conducts more stringent tests than GNCAP. In that test, both the C-Class and A4 received 5 stars, although the Mercedes did score a better percentage score than the A4. It’s a minute difference but it does indicate that the C-Class is safer than the A4. Another thing to remember is that the current generation of the A4 was tested in 2015 when it was first launched while the C-Class was tested in 2022 as it’s a new model.
The Audi in fact comes with more airbags which does offer more impact protection in the event of a crash. However, it does not get ADAS, something that Mercedes is offering on the C-Class, but once again, it’s because the A4 is an older model and should get this new tech once the model is updated.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Audi A4: Price Comparison
Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Audi A4 | |
Base Variant | Rs 59.99 lakh (Ex-showroom) | Rs 43.81 lakh (Ex-showroom) |
Mid Variant | Rs 60.99 lakh (Ex-showroom) | Rs 48 lakh (Ex-showroom) |
Top Variant | Rs 65.99 lakh (Ex-showroom) | Rs 51.85 lakh (Ex-showroom) |
Having looked at all the important parameters, we come to the most important one. Comparing the price of these two cars can be a bit tricky as the new-gen C-Class is priced much higher than the older A4. In fact, the base variant of the Mercedes goes for more than the top variant of the Audi. That’s not to say that the Audi cannot compete.
When it comes to petrol, the A4 makes a great case for itself. Plus, the fact that you can have it in three different variants only adds to its value. The C-Class’ petrol engine feels a bit dull, and honestly, in a car that is priced at quite a premium over its rivals, it is simply not expected. However, if you are looking for diesel power, or you want the latest tech, then, it’s simply the C-Class that you should be looking at.
Summary
Ultimately, size-wise, it’s the Audi A4 that pulls ahead and while the Mercedes might have gotten off to a slow start, it starts to make up ground when it comes to powertrain, features and even safety. In the end, it pulls ahead of the A4 by quite a margin, but the A4’s biggest handicap will always remain the fact that it is a substantially old car. Once Audi decides to update the A4 and bring in the new gen model, then, it will be a more neck-and-neck comparison.
