VS
At a Glance
Power
331kW@5700
165 kW
Torque
560Nm@1950
300 Nm
Fuel
16.6
6.8 l/100km
Towing
1800
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.2
7.3 s
Engine
4172
1496 cc
Choosing between the AUDI A6 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The AUDI A6 delivers 331kW@5700 while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class produces 165 kW. On fuel, the A6 returns 16.6 while the C-Class uses 6.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R803 800 for the A6 and R1 011 699 for the C-Class. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
331kW@5700
165 kW
Torque
560Nm@1950
300 Nm
0-100 kph
5.2
7.3 s
Top Speed
250
246 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4172
1496 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
inline
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
5
9
Drive Wheels
ALL
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
16.6
6.8 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
23.85
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
12.9
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
70
66 l
CO2 Emissions
—
152 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4796
4751 mm
Width
1810
1820-2033 mm
Height
1477
1437 mm
Wheelbase
2760
2865 mm
Ground Clearance
123
—
Kerb Weight
1955
1650 Kg
Doors
5
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
455 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
1590
615 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
—
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
8
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
—
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
—
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
—
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✗
Optional
Tow Bar
—
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
12
2
Warranty Distance
—
unlimited Km
Service Plan
M
—
Service Intervals
30000
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2 / 4 categories
Performance
C-Class
Fuel Economy
C-Class
Value
A6
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
AUDI A6
Lower starting price (R803 800)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.2s)
Higher fuel consumption (16.6)
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Better fuel economy (6.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A6 or C-Class?
The A6 uses 16.6 and the C-Class uses 6.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The C-Class is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A6 or C-Class?
The A6 produces 331kW@5700 and 560Nm@1950 of torque while the C-Class delivers 165 kW and 300 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the A6 and C-Class?
The A6 starts from R803 800 and the C-Class from R1 011 699. The A6 is cheaper by R207 899 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the A6 or C-Class?
The A6 has a braked towing capacity of 1800 and the C-Class can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the A6 or the C-Class?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.