VS
At a Glance
Power
331 kW
500 kW
Torque
600 Nm
1020 Nm
Fuel
8.3 l/100km
2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 10.5 w
Towing
2000 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.5 s
3.4 s
Engine
2894 cc
1991 cc
Choosing between the Audi S6 and the Mercedes-AMG C-Class is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi S6 delivers 331 kW while the Mercedes-AMG C-Class produces 500 kW. On fuel, the S6 returns 8.3 l/100km while the C-Class uses 2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 10.5 when discharged / 7.3 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 671 100 for the S6 and R2 417 692 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
331 kW
500 kW
Torque
600 Nm
1020 Nm
0-100 kph
4.5 s
3.4 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
250 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2894 cc
1991 cc
Engine Layout
V
inline
Cylinders
6
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
9
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.3 l/100km
2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 10.5 w
Fuel Tank Capacity
73 l
60 l
CO2 Emissions
193 g/km
167 combined g/km
Dimensions
Length
4954 mm
4842 mm
Width
1886-2110 mm
1824-2165 mm
Height
1446 mm
1458 mm
Wheelbase
2928 mm
2865 mm
Kerb Weight
1860 Kg
2090 DIN / 2165 EU Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
520 l
280 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
—
485 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
6 (opt 8)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
2
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 30000)
service interval indicator
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
C-Class
Fuel Economy
C-Class
Value
S6
Practicality
S6
Pros & Cons
Audi S6
Lower starting price (R1 671 100)
Higher towing capacity (2000 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (8.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (331 kW vs 500 kW)
Mercedes-AMG C-Class
More powerful engine (500 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 10.5 when discharged / 7.3 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.4 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the S6 or C-Class?
The S6 uses 8.3 l/100km and the C-Class uses 2.1 when hybrid battery charged / 10.5 when discharged / 7.3 combined 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 S6 or C-Class?
The S6 produces 331 kW and 600 Nm of torque while the C-Class delivers 500 kW and 1020 Nm of torque. The C-Class is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the S6 and C-Class?
The S6 starts from R1 671 100 and the C-Class from R2 417 692. The S6 is cheaper by R746 592 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the S6 or C-Class?
The S6 has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg 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 S6 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.