VS
At a Glance
Power
426kW@6250
162 kW
Torque
650Nm@1500
440 Nm
Fuel
13.9L/100km
4.7 l/100km
Towing
-
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.5s
7.3 s
Engine
4991cc
1993 cc
Choosing between the Audi A6 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Audi A6 delivers 426kW@6250 while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class produces 162 kW. On fuel, the A6 returns 13.9L/100km while the C-Class uses 4.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 069 000 for the A6 and R1 066 791 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.
Specification
Audi A6Rs6 5.0 T Quattro Tiptronic 2009 - From R1 069 000
Mercedes-Benz C-ClassC220d AMG A/T (w206) 2025 - From R1 066 791
Performance
Power Output
426kW@6250
162 kW
Torque
650Nm@1500
440 Nm
0-100 kph
4.5s
7.3 s
Top Speed
250km/h
245 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4991cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 10
inline
Cylinders
10
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
9
Drive Wheels
ALL
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
13.9L/100km
4.7 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
20.3L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
10.2L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
80L
66 l
CO2 Emissions
-
118 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4928mm
4751 mm
Width
1889mm
1820-2033 mm
Height
1456mm
1437 mm
Wheelbase
2846mm
2865 mm
Ground Clearance
-
—
Kerb Weight
1985kg
1755 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
455 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
-
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
-
625 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7 (opt 9)
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✗
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
Optional
Bluetooth
Optional
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
Optional
Optional
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✗
Optional
Heated Seats
Optional
✓ 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
A6
Fuel Economy
C-Class
Value
Tied
Practicality
C-Class
Pros & Cons
Audi A6
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.5ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.9L/100km)
Higher starting price
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Better fuel economy (4.7 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 066 791)
Higher towing capacity (1800 Kg)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A6 or C-Class?
The A6 uses 13.9L/100km and the C-Class uses 4.7 l/100km on the combined cycle. The C-Class is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the A6 or C-Class?
The A6 produces 426kW@6250 and 650Nm@1500 of torque while the C-Class delivers 162 kW and 440 Nm of torque. The A6 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the A6 and C-Class?
The A6 starts from R1 069 000 and the C-Class from R1 066 791, a difference of just R2 209, which is negligible. At this price point the two are essentially tied on starting price. 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 0kg 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.
Also Consider