VS
At a Glance
Power
309kW@5500
162 kW
Torque
550Nm@1400
440 Nm
Fuel
9.6L/100km
4.7 l/100km
Towing
2100kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
4.6s
7.3 s
Engine
3993cc
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 309kW@5500 while the Mercedes-Benz C-Class produces 162 kW. On fuel, the A6 returns 9.6L/100km while the C-Class uses 4.7 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R885 500 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 A6S6 4.0 TFSI Quattro S-Tronic 2013 - From R885 500
Mercedes-Benz C-ClassC220d AMG A/T (w206) 2025 - From R1 066 791
Performance
Power Output
309kW@5500
162 kW
Torque
550Nm@1400
440 Nm
0-100 kph
4.6s
7.3 s
Top Speed
250km/h
245 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3993cc
1993 cc
Engine Layout
LONGITUDINAL V 8
inline
Cylinders
8
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
diesel
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
7
9
Drive Wheels
ALL
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.6L/100km
4.7 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
13.4L/100km
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
7.5L/100km
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
75L
66 l
CO2 Emissions
174g/km
118 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4931mm
4751 mm
Width
1874-2086mm
1820-2033 mm
Height
1453mm
1437 mm
Wheelbase
2912mm
2865 mm
Ground Clearance
-
—
Kerb Weight
1895kg
1755 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
455 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2100kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
995kg
625 lkg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESP
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
-
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
—
Optional
Park Distance Rear
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
Optional
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
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
Audi A6
3 / 4 categories
Performance
A6
Fuel Economy
C-Class
Value
A6
Practicality
A6
Pros & Cons
Audi A6
Lower starting price (R885 500)
Higher towing capacity (2100kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.6ss)
Higher fuel consumption (9.6L/100km)
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Better fuel economy (4.7 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the A6 or C-Class?
The A6 uses 9.6L/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 309kW@5500 and 550Nm@1400 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 R885 500 and the C-Class from R1 066 791. The A6 is cheaper by R181 291 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 2100kg 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